Minahasa's 3rd January

        

        Every 3rd January announces the expression of Minahasan People, it drives the spirit and bridging generation after generation passing the cultural heritage and pride of the motherland. Interestingly enough, it serves as a symbol of cultural pride and unity, performed to honor Minahasan traditions.

        The beginning of the year proclaims to recite Watu Pinawetengan as the hub. It is one of the most sacred and historically significant cultural landmarks for the Minahasan people. The name Watu Pinawetengan comes from the Minahasan language, Watu means "stone." Pinawetengan derives from weteng, which means "to divide" or "to share." Thus, Watu Pinawetengan is often referred to as the "Stone of Division" or "Stone of Agreement." The stone is considered a sacred site where the ancestors gathered under divine guidance, making it a spiritual symbol of divine blessing and ancestral wisdom. Rituals and ceremonies often include references to Watu Pinawetengan as a way to honor this sacred heritage. In summary, Watu Pinawetengan is much more than an ancient stone; it is a living symbol of Minahasan identity, unity, and ancestral wisdom. It connects the past to the present, reminding the Minahasan people of their shared history and the importance of harmony and cooperation.

However, to commemorate this occasion, Minahasan celebrates Tumo’tol. The word Tumo’tol comes from to’tol which means “stone of foundation”. In addition, Minahasan lays the foundation, base, cornerstone as well as hope, life and fortune for the rest of the year. 

I found a little bit of a gaze when I pointed to a bible in the middle of the ceremony. Yes, the bible. In my opinion, as a spiritual anchor, Watu Pinawetengan reminds us of connection to ancestors, the divine, and the community. I asked my friend, Juan Rattu about this and he simply replied that due to the sincerity of Minahasan, the Bible provides a positive resource, some of the group adapted it and took it as the foundation. 

Equally important, the integration of Christianity with Minahasan traditional culture, including symbols like Watu Pinawetengan, represents a fascinating example of how spiritual and cultural values can find harmony, creating a "silver lining" that strengthens both faith and cultural identity. 

According to Denni Pinontoan, The view of Minahasa customs before the advent of western religion is a pattern of life that is mutually beneficial. Pinontoan tells the story of a native, Tumalun, who accompanied a missionary worker named Riedel in Minahasa, . One time Riedel asked about a group of people working together. “Why are they working together? Do these slaves have masters on wards?” At that time Tumalun stared intently at Riedel. "There are no slaves, everyone is free," Tumalun replied. This story depicts a clash of worldviews between two people from two different cultures. 

Long before Christianity came to Minahasa, Minahasa’s cultural values had given an impression of how the Minahasa people saw their relationship with nature as a common place to live. For the Minahasan, nature is “Kayobaan”, or a place where everyone lives together. According to R.A.D Siwu, a Minahasan theologian, who has a certain field in Minahasa Culture, there are at least five basic moral values in the Minahasa cultural tradition. Ma-sigi-sigia, respect; Ma-saali, moral responsibility; Ma-rukup, solidarity; Ma-suat, unity and Mapalus, cooperation.

The relationship between Christianity and Minahasan culture exemplifies a harmonious blending of faith and tradition. Christianity gave new spiritual meaning to Minahasan cultural practices, while Minahasan values like unity, mutual help, and respect for creation enriched the Christian community. Together, they form a silver lining that strengthens both cultural identity and spiritual faith.