Symbolic Meaning of Ritual and Sacred

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 126 views

Introduction

The traditional wedding event of Mandailing Labuhanbatu Regency is a cultural expression that is full of meaning, not just ceremonial. Through the semiotic approach, this research tries to uncover the layers of meaning hidden in the event. The focus of this research is the tools and materials used in the wedding procession, as well as how these elements form the understanding and values held by the Mandailing community. In this study, the approach used was descriptive qualitative, where data collection was carried out through capable and recording consider techniques. Unstructured interviews with customary actors helped explore deeper information about the meaning behind the symbols.

Theoretical Background

The theory of signs from Charles Sanders Pierce is a fundamental concept in semiotics. According to Pierce, signs can be grouped into three types: symbols, indexes, and icons. Symbols are arbitrary signs that have a specific meaning, indexes are signs that have a direct connection to the thing they represent, and icons are signs that resemble the thing they represent. In this study, the researcher applied this theory to analyze the tools and materials used in Mandailing customary marriages.

Methodology

The data collection was carried out through capable and recording consider techniques. Unstructured interviews with customary actors helped explore deeper information about the meaning behind the symbols. The data obtained were then analyzed using the Padan method, by grouping the elements that exist through the comparison connecting technique. The researcher also used the theory of signs from Charles Sanders Pierce to analyze the tools and materials used in the wedding procession.

Results

The results of the analysis revealed several symbolic meanings that can be captured from tools and materials used in Mandailing customary marriages. These include:

Symbolic Meaning of Ritual and Sacred

Tools and materials used in wedding ceremonies often function as a means to achieve spiritual and ritualistic goals, describing the relationship between humans and God. For example, the use of sacred objects such as the kris (a traditional Mandailing dagger) and the tambourine (a traditional Mandailing drum) in the wedding ceremony symbolizes the connection between the couple and the divine.

Social Symbolic Meaning

Some elements in marriage show the social status and cultural identity of a married couple, signifying the role of responsibility in society. For example, the use of traditional clothing and jewelry in the wedding ceremony reflects the social status and cultural identity of the couple.

Symbolic Meaning of Majesty and Honor

Jewelry and clothing worn by the bride has a symbolic value that describes the glory and honor in the Mandailing tradition. For example, the use of gold and silver jewelry in the wedding ceremony symbolizes the couple's status and honor in the community.

Symbolic Meaning of Ethics and Politeness

Actions and use of tools in the ceremony also reflect the norms of ethics and politeness that are upheld by the Mandailing community. For example, the use of traditional gestures and phrases in the wedding ceremony symbolizes the couple's respect and politeness towards each other and the community.

Conclusion

From the results of the study, five symbols were found, two indexes, and five icons related to Mandailing traditional marriage. In addition, there are eighteen cultural values identified, showing how rich and diverse cultural heritage possessed by the Mandailing tribe. Every element in marriage not only functions as a tool, but also becomes a liaison between generations, strengthening cultural identity and local wisdom which is the basis in people's lives.

Implications

This study not only enriches the understanding of Mandailing traditional marriage, but also provides broader insights about the importance of maintaining and preserving existing traditions. Thus, this research becomes a significant contribution to the development of cultural studies and customs in Indonesia, especially in the context of marriage.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The Mandailing community should continue to preserve and maintain their traditional marriage customs and practices.
The government and other stakeholders should provide support and resources to help preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Mandailing tribe.
Further research should be conducted to explore the cultural significance of other traditional marriage customs and practices in Indonesia.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a specific region and may not be generalizable to other regions.
The study relied on unstructured interviews and may not have captured all the nuances of the cultural practices and traditions of the Mandailing tribe.
The study did not explore the economic and social impacts of the traditional marriage customs and practices on the Mandailing community.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on exploring the cultural significance of other traditional marriage customs and practices in Indonesia. Additionally, research should be conducted to explore the economic and social impacts of the traditional marriage customs and practices on the Mandailing community.

Q: What is semiotic analysis?

A: Semiotic analysis is a research method that examines the meaning and significance of symbols, signs, and other forms of communication. In the context of this study, semiotic analysis was used to examine the tools and materials used in Mandailing customary marriages and their cultural significance.

Q: What is the significance of the Mandailing traditional wedding event?

A: The Mandailing traditional wedding event is a cultural expression that is full of meaning, not just ceremonial. It is a way for the Mandailing community to express their values, traditions, and cultural identity.

Q: What are the main findings of this study?

A: The main findings of this study include the identification of five symbols, two indexes, and five icons related to Mandailing traditional marriage. Additionally, eighteen cultural values were identified, showing how rich and diverse cultural heritage possessed by the Mandailing tribe.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: This study not only enriches the understanding of Mandailing traditional marriage, but also provides broader insights about the importance of maintaining and preserving existing traditions. Thus, this research becomes a significant contribution to the development of cultural studies and customs in Indonesia, especially in the context of marriage.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a specific region and may not be generalizable to other regions.
The study relied on unstructured interviews and may not have captured all the nuances of the cultural practices and traditions of the Mandailing tribe.
The study did not explore the economic and social impacts of the traditional marriage customs and practices on the Mandailing community.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The Mandailing community should continue to preserve and maintain their traditional marriage customs and practices.
The government and other stakeholders should provide support and resources to help preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Mandailing tribe.
Further research should be conducted to explore the cultural significance of other traditional marriage customs and practices in Indonesia.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should focus on exploring the cultural significance of other traditional marriage customs and practices in Indonesia. Additionally, research should be conducted to explore the economic and social impacts of the traditional marriage customs and practices on the Mandailing community.

Q: How can this study contribute to the development of cultural studies and customs in Indonesia?

A: This study can contribute to the development of cultural studies and customs in Indonesia by providing a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of traditional marriage customs and practices. It can also help to promote the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in Indonesia.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The potential applications of this study include:

The development of cultural tourism in Indonesia, focusing on the preservation and promotion of traditional marriage customs and practices.
The development of cultural education programs in Indonesia, focusing on the cultural significance of traditional marriage customs and practices.
The development of cultural policy in Indonesia, focusing on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.