THE CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE AND VALUES OF THE UIS NEON JALI LEGEND IN TIMAU VILLAGE, NORTHWEST AMFOANG SUB-DISTRICT, KUPANG REGENCY

Abstrak

This research explores the religious values embedded in the oral legend of Uisneon Jali in Timau village, Northwest Amfoang Sub-District, Kupang Regency. The study uses a qualitative descriptive method to analyze the legend as a part of the community oral literature and its function in preserving cultural beliefs. The findings reveal that the legend reflects four primary religious values: belief in Uisneon Jali as a supernatural entity, requests (petitions, blessings, and forgiveness), expressions of gratitude, and surrender to Uisneon jali. These values demonstrate how local communities intertwine traditional beliefs with spiritual practices, especially in the context of farming activities and rituals. The study underscores the importance of oral literature in sustaining cultural identity and transmitting values across generations.