Usagi and Hana: Local Wisdom of Fauna and Flora

Abstract

In this thesis the author analyzes the local wisdom of fauna (usagi) and flora (hana) in three Japanese folklores. The three folklores are Inaba no Shiro Usagi (White Rabbit from Inaba),
Gama to Usagi no Mochi Arasoi (Frog and Rabbit Rice Cake Competition) and Taaru Bouya (Tar Child). In the three folklores there are the same types of fauna, namely rabbits and three flora (hana) for each story, namely gamma flowers, cherry blossoms, and wild roses. The theory used in this study is local wisdom according to Jim Ife (Sudikan, 2013: 208). According to Ife there are six dimensions of local wisdom, namely (1) the dimension of local knowledge, (2) the dimension of local values, (3) the dimension of local skills (survival) (4) the dimension of local resources, and (5) the dimensions of local decision making mechanisms, and (6) the dimension of local group solidarity. This research is a qualitative research using descriptive method. The data collection technique used is the library research technique (library technique). Data analysis techniques are carried out with the following steps. (1) translate all three Japanese folklores; (2) analyze all three Japanese folklores (3) grouping data based on fauna and flora to obtain descriptions of usagi and hana in three Japanese folklores; (4) analyzing local wisdom contained in three Japanese folklore; (5) draw conclusion. The results showed that the three folklores fulfilled five of the six dimensions of local wisdom. From five dimensions of local wisdom, usagi (rabbit) fulfills the five dimensions of local wisdom, while hana (flower) only fulfills four dimensions of local wisdom. First, the dimension of local knowledge, Japanese people know the physical characteristics of rabbits and know the shape and benefits of gamma, cherry blossoms, and wild roses. Second, the dimensions of local past and present values for rabbits and flowers, Japanese society still maintains the values adhered to in the past to the present, namely ojigi, the mochitsuki tradition and the hanami tradition. Third, the dimensions of local skills (survival) seen from the three folklore are as follow, treating wounds, mochitsuki skills, and rabbit ingenuity. Fourth, the local resource dimensions of fauna and flora can be utilized for survival and renewability. Fifth, the dimension of local solidarity through mochitsuki, tsukimi, the gama boat project, hanami and the rose festival which became a binding medium between groups in Japanese society.
Keywords: folklore, fauna and flora, usagi and hana, and local wisdom