Mandiu Pasili merupakan ritual pasca-nikah dalam tradisi masyarakat Sulawesi Tengah, khususnya Suku Kaili. Dilaksanakan dua hari setelah akad nikah, prosesi ini berupa mandi bersama di depan pintu rumah yang dipimpin oleh ibu pengantin. Ritual ini menandai peralihan dari kehidupan lama menuju rumah tangga yang suci, tenteram, dan terbebas dari perbuatan ingkar.
Mandiu Pasili mencerminkan keyakinan akan pentingnya penyucian diri sebelum memasuki fase hidup baru. Prosesi ini dimaknai sebagai pemutusan ikatan masa lalu, peneguhan nilai kejujuran dan kesucian dalam rumah tangga, serta permohonan perlindungan spiritual dari leluhur dan alam gaib agar kehidupan pernikahan terhindar dari gangguan.
Setiap unsur/objek ritual memiliki makna simbolis: bunga melambangkan kesucian dan keharuman hidup, daun-daunan menyimbolkan kesegaran dan ketahanan, mayang kelapa mencerminkan kesuburan, dan pinang melambangkan kekuatan cinta. Belanga tanah sebagai wadah air suci melambangkan sumber kehidupan dan kesederhanaan, kapak menyimbolkan ketegasan dalam memutus hal buruk, sandaran (bako-bako) melambangkan dukungan keluarga, uang seng bermakna harapan kemakmuran, sempe melambangkan tempat bernaung, dan sarung panjang menjadi simbol kesopanan serta penjagaan kehormatan pasangan.
Prosesi Mandiu Pasili umumnya dilaksanakan pada pagi atau sore hari, diawali dengan penataan perlengkapan ritual, pembacaan doa, prosesi mandi bersama menggunakan air bunga, pendudukan pengantin di atas sempe sebagai simbol dukungan keluarga, serta penyerahan uang seng sebagai doa kelancaran rezeki.
Mandiu Pasili is a post-marital ritual in the traditions of the people of Central Sulawesi, particularly the Kaili ethnic group. Performed two days after the marriage contract, this ritual takes the form of a ceremonial bath conducted in front of the house entrance and led by the bride’s mother. The ritual signifies the transition from a former life to a sacred, peaceful, and harmonious married life, free from acts of transgression.
Mandiu Pasili reflects the belief in the importance of self-purification before entering a new phase of life. The ritual is understood as a symbolic severance from past ties, an affirmation of honesty and purity within marriage, and a prayer for spiritual protection from ancestors and the unseen realm, so that the marital life may be safeguarded from disturbances.
Each ritual element carries symbolic meaning: flowers represent purity and the fragrance of life; leaves symbolize freshness and resilience; coconut blossoms signify fertility; and areca nuts represent the strength of love. The earthenware pot, as the vessel for sacred water, symbolizes the source of life and simplicity; the axe represents firmness in cutting off negative influences; the wooden support (bako-bako) symbolizes family support; copper coins express hopes for prosperity; the sempe symbolizes a place of shelter; and the long sarong represents modesty and the preservation of the couple’s dignity.
The Mandiu Pasili ritual is generally performed in the morning or afternoon, beginning with the preparation of ritual objects, the recitation of prayers, the ceremonial bathing of the couple using flower-infused water, the seating of the bride and groom on the sempe as a symbol of family support, and the presentation of copper coins as a prayer for smooth and abundant sustenance.