Function and Meaning of Symbols in the Simalungun Ethnic Mangalop Parhorason Traditional Ceremony

Abstract

This article is entitled Function and Meaning of Symbols in the Simalungun Ethnic Mangalop Parhorason Traditional Ceremony, which aims to describe the implementation process, form, function and meaning of symbols contained in the Simalungun Ethnic Mangalop Parhorason traditional ceremony. The theory used to analyze data is semiotic theory, namely symbols proposed by Charles Sanders Pierce. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative with field research techniques. The results obtained from this research consist of two stages of implementation, namely: (1) Pre-implementation of custom (2) Implementation of custom. There are five categories of symbols used, including: (1) Traditional food symbols (2) Traditional equipment symbols (3) Time symbols (4) Status marking symbols (5) Place and position symbols. The function and meaning of the symbols used are to obtain blessings, abundant sustenance as well as completeness and order in life. Through regular living and positive thinking, it is hoped that the mother's pregnancy can be maintained well until the baby is born, and the father is also expected to always support and strengthen the mother during pregnancy. Everything will be in order as expected if you have an orderly life. Keywords: Function, Meaning, Symbol, Mangalop parhorason, Semiotics