Perspektif Masyarakat Nias Terhadap Bowo Dalam Kehidupan Sosial Pasca Pernikahan (Studi Kasus di Gereja BNKP Teladan di kota Medan)

Abstract

This study examines the significance of the bowo tradition in Nias weddings, particularly among the congregation of the BNKP Teladan Medan Church. This tradition not only holds material value but also represents a cultural heritage that unites two extended families in social ties. The research was conducted using a qualitative case study approach through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation of the traditional wedding procession. The results indicate that bowo is viewed as a form of respect for the bride's family and as a sign of the legality of the marriage according to customary law. Furthermore, bowo serves as a social bridge, strengthening family ties, fostering a sense of togetherness, and maintaining community solidarity. However, the high dowry demands often place an economic burden on the groom and impact their post-marriage household. Differing views emerge between the older generation, who maintain the tradition intact, and the younger generation, who seek adjustments to ensure the tradition is not burdensome. The discussion of this research confirms that bowo serves both as a socio-cultural glue and as a potential economic challenge. This tradition remains valuable because it preserves ancestral identity and values, but it also requires adaptation amidst social and economic changes. The conclusion is that preserving the bowo tradition should emphasize not only the size of the dowry, but also its symbolic meaning of respect and responsibility. After marriage, the lives of Nias people are inextricably linked to the bowo given during the wedding ceremony. In Nias culture, the bowo is not merely a token of love or a simple gift, but a symbol of honor, responsibility, and social status, demonstrating the ability of a man and his family to provide for and respect the woman. This research contributes to helping traditional leaders and the Nias community work together to formulate a more contextualized form of the bowo tradition, for example by emphasizing the values of togetherness and symbolism. This allows young couples to build a household without excessive financial pressure while still preserving their cultural heritage. In this way, the bowo will continue to serve as a social glue, not a barrier, for future generations. Overall, this research concludes that the bowo tradition holds profound meaning as a symbol of respect, cultural identity, and a means of maintaining social solidarity. Despite facing economic challenges and changing generational values, its symbolic meaning remains a crucial foundation that must be preserved to ensure its continued viability and relevance for today's Nias community.