Ecospirituality: Aron as a Lived Religion and Ecological Ethic

Eikel Ginting

Authors

Eikel Ginting Duta Wacana Christian University, Jl. Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo No.5-25, Kotabaru, Gondokusuman, Yogyakarta 55224, Indonesia

Keywords:

Indigenous Knowledge, Aron, Ecological Awareness, Karo Society

Abstract

Local knowledge serves as a vital resource that intertwines with religious practices, reflecting the profound relationship between humans, culture, and the environment. In Karo society, agricultural practices are not merely a means of sustaining livelihoods but also encompass a dimension of religiosity that governs both social interactions and human-environment relations. One of the most significant of these practices is aron, a tradition of communal labor in agriculture that embodies rich cultural and religious values. Despite its importance, previous research has rarely explored the religious dimension of aron and its influence on social relations and ecological ethics. This study aims to examine the religious values embedded in aron as part of Karo’s cultural heritage. Using a literature review approach, this research analyzes relevant scholarly works to identify the religious identity of aron and its underlying spiritual meanings. The findings reveal that aron represents a relational paradigm emphasizing equality among individuals, ecological sustainability through reverence for nature as a source of life, and the practice of gratitude that integrates spiritual and environmental values. These principles manifest through myth (belief systems), praxis (agricultural management), and corpus (ecological consciousness). Additionally, aron reflects everyday religiosity in the form of social philanthropy, strengthening communal solidarity within Karo society to this day. By highlighting relationality and sustainability, this paper asserts that aron is not merely a cultural symbol but also a model for sustainable living that remains highly relevant in addressing contemporary ecological and social challenges.

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