Introducing the Rhyming Words of the Ede People
Rhyming words play a significant role in epic narratives and in the worship prayers of the longevity, water, and new rice ceremonies among the Ede people. These rhymes are songs that encourage people to love their homeland, unite, and support each other. They also serve as metaphorical expressions of love. Singing rhyming words is a common practice in the daily life and cultural activities of the Ede. It can be found in various forms of folklore, fairy tales, prayers to gods, customs and traditions, riddles, storytelling, and singing genres such as “kôt” and “eirei”. Linh Nga Nie Kdam, a researcher of Central Highlands folklore, explains, “In the past, the Ede people used customary law to judge people’s sins. Ede customary law is comprised of 2,000 rhythmical sentences. The kut and eirei folk singing genres are examples of rhythmical expressions.” The Ede people use rhyming words when teaching children, engaging in worship rituals, or mourning the deceased. They do not necessar...