Ethnobotany in Javanese Traditional Wedding Decorations: An Interdisciplinary Study between Culture and Science Education (Biodiversity Conservation) in Madiun

Abstract

Ethnosocioscience is an approach that bridges between traditional community practices and scientific concepts in science learning. In the context of Javanese culture, many local wisdom-based practices have the potential to be reconstructed into science education, one of which is the use of plants in traditional wedding decorations. This study aims to identify ethnosocioscience practices that are still sustainable in Tulung Village, Madiun Regency, and reconstruct traditional knowledge of the community related to ornamental plants and their symbols into scientific concepts of science. The method used was qualitative with an ethnographic approach, through direct observation, interviews with traditional leaders and the community, and literature study. The results showed that there are various types of plants such as jasmine, kenanga, pandanus, and janur that are used symbolically and ecologically in the wedding procession. Community knowledge about the function and meaning of these plants can be reconstructed into scientific concepts such as morphology, classification, and secondary metabolites. This integration shows the great potential of ethnosocioscience as a science learning approach that is contextual, relevant and full of cultural values