SYMBOL USED IN ‘BARODAK’ CEREMONY, A TRADITIONAL WEDDING OF SUMBAWA PEOPLE
SYMBOL USED IN ‘BARODAK’ CEREMONY,
A TRADITIONAL WEDDING OF SUMBAWA PEOPLE
THESIS
By:
Astuti Wahyu Utama
09360071
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG
OCTOBER 2013
SYMBOL USED IN ‘BARODAK’ CEREMONY,
A TRADITIONAL WEDDING OF SUMBAWA PEOPLE
THESIS
This thesis is submitted to meet one of the requirements to
achieve Sarjana Degree in English Education
By:
Astuti Wahyu Utama
09360071
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG
OCTOBER 2013
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In the name of Allah SWT The Merciful and Beneficent. Alhamdulilah, this
thesis has been completed with the blessing of Merciful and Almighty, Allah SWT. It
is a pleasure for the writer to express her sincere gratitude to all who have helped to
complete this thesis. Without their helps, this thesis would not complete in its present
form.
The writer would like to express her deepest gratitude to Drs. Jarum, M.Ed,
her first advisor and Dr. Masduki, M.Pd, her second advisor, for their suggestion,
correction, invaluable guidance and advice during the writing of this thesis. Her
sincere gratitude and appreciation are also extended to the informant, Hatta Jamal,
who had been willing to provide the information about ‘Barodak’ ceremony, and all
of Poto Village society who had given her opportunity to conduct the research.
A special thanks goes to her beloved mother (Bidara, S.Pd), father (Supriady),
her brother and sister (Rifki & Isna) who always give her great motivation, love and
both spiritual and financial supports, her best friends (Ria, Amel, Lis, Isty) who
always give affection and help when the writer is in the sadness and happiness.
In addition, the writer also would like to give her thanks to the big family of
B-Brother English 2009, for their encouragement, love, care, and pray so that she can
finish this thesis. Thanks for togetherness we had. Finally, the writer hopes that this
thesis will be useful for the readers.
Malang, October 2013
Astuti Wahyu Utama
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER ............................................................................................................
APPROVAL .....................................................................................................
LEGALIZATION .............................................................................................
MOTTO AND DEDICATION ..........................................................................
ACKNOWLEDGGEMENTS ............................................................................
ABSTRACT .....................................................................................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................
i
ii
iii
iv
v
vi
vii
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
Background of Study ..................................................................................
Statement of Problem .................................................................................
Purpose of Study ........................................................................................
Scope and Limitation .................................................................................
Significance of Study .................................................................................
Definition of Key Terms ............................................................................
1
4
4
5
5
6
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Language and Culture ................................................................................
Linguistics .................................................................................................
Semiotics ...................................................................................................
Symbols .....................................................................................................
2.4.1 Kinds of Symbol ...............................................................................
2.4.1.1 Natural Symbol ...................................................................
2.4.1.2 Private Symbol ....................................................................
2.4.1.3 Conventional Symbol ..........................................................
2.5 Sumbawa’s Traditional Wedding Process ...................................................
2.5.1 Bajajak ..........................................................................................
2.5.2 Bakatoan ........................................................................................
2.5.3 Basaputes .......................................................................................
2.5.4 Badaq ..........................................................................................
2.5.5 Bakengkam/Tama Kengkam ............................................................
2.5.6 ‘Barodak’ Ceremony .......................................................................
2.5.7 Nyorong .........................................................................................
2.5.8 Nikah ..........................................................................................
2.5.9 PangantanNgiring ..........................................................................
2.5.10 Basai ..........................................................................................
2.6 Current Literature Relevant to the Research Questions ................................
7
10
11
12
13
13
13
14
14
15
15
15
16
16
16
18
19
19
19
20
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
Research Design ........................................................................................
Research Object .........................................................................................
Informant ...................................................................................................
Research Instrument ...................................................................................
3.4.1 Observation ....................................................................................
3.4.2 Interview ........................................................................................
3.5 Data ........................................................................................................
3.6 Data Collection ..........................................................................................
3.7 Data Analysis .............................................................................................
21
22
22
22
23
23
24
24
24
CHAPTER IV RESEARCH FINDING AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Finding ......................................................................................................
4.1.1 The Kinds of Symbols Used in ‘Barodak’ Ceremony ......................
4.1.2 The Meaning of the Symbols Used in ‘Barodak’ Ceremony ..................
4.2 Discussion ..................................................................................................
4.2.1 The Symbols Related to Islam .........................................................
4.2.2 The Symbols Related to Mystical Things ........................................
26
26
29
33
34
36
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
5.1 Conclusion .................................................................................................
5.2 Suggestion .................................................................................................
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX I
APPENDIX II
APPENDIX III
APPENDIX IV
38
39
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ary, Donald, et. al. 2010. Introduction to Research in Education; 8th Edition.
Canada: Wadsworth. (E-book)
Ary, Donald, et. al. 2006. Introduction to Research in Education; Seventh Edition.
Canada: Wadsworth.
Baker, Anne and Kees Hevengeld (Ed). 2012. Linguistics. Singapore: Ho Printing
Singapore Pte Ltd.
Brown, H. Douglas. 2000. Principles of Language Learning and Teaching; Fourth
Edition. San Francisco State University: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.
Chandler, Daniel. 2002. Semiotics the Basics. London: Routledge 11 New Fetter
Lane.
Coupland, Nikolas and Adam Jaworski. 1997. Sociolinguistics a Reader and Course
Book. London: Macmillan Press Ltd.
Crowther, Jonathan (Ed). 1995. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. New York:
Oxford University Press.
Kottak, Conrad Phillip. 1991. Cultural Antropology; Fifth Edition. US: Mc. GrawHill, Inc.
Matsumoto, David. 1996. Culture and Psychology. Sun Francisco: Cole Publishing
Company.
Musbiawan, Hery. 2011. Prosesi Perkawinan Adat Sumbawa. (Online),
(http://samawasamawa.blogspot.com/2011/12/prosesi-perkawinan-adatsumbawa.html).
Neuman, W. Laurence. 2000. Social Research Methods Qualitative and Quantitative
Approaches. USA: University of Wisconsin at Whitewater.
Pramitasari, Dian Nowidri. 2008. A Study on Symbol Used in Yadna Kasada
Ceremony Done by Tenggerese Society at Bromo Mountain in Probolinggo.
Thesis. Unpublished. Malang: University of Muhammadiyah Malang.
Samovar, Larry A. and Richard E. Porter. 2001. Communication Between Culture.
USA: Thomson Learning, Inc.
Spencer-Oatey, Helen. 2008. Culturally Speaking, Culture, Communication, and
Politeness Theory; Second edition. London: Continuum. (E-book)
Wuryaningsih, Tri Asti. 2007. The Problems in Teaching Speaking Faced by the
teacher at First Grade of Mts. Negeri Kebonagung Pacitan. Thesis.
Unpublished. Malang: University of Muhammadiyah Malang.
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, the writer describes the background of the study, purpose of
the study, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, and the
definition of key term
1.1 Background of The Study
Culture is not the new word in our daily life. When we heard the word culture,
directly we think about race and ethnicity. We use the word culture to refer to art,
tradition, ritual, custom, belief, values and heritage of society. Culture has close
relationship with language and society. There are many opinion related to the
definition of culture. Everyone has different idea about it. So, we cannot judge which
one is the best definition.
According to Matsumoto (1996), culture is define as the set of attitudes,
values, beliefs, and behaviors shared by a group of people, but different for each
individual, transmitted from generation to the next. From this theory, we know that
culture is all of things or activities done by a group of people inherited from
generation to generation.
This definition is almost similar to the definition stated by Samovar and
Richard, but in different way. They say that culture is shared learned behavior which
is transmitted from one generation to another purpose of promoting individual and
social survival, adaptation, and growth and development (2001: 49). It means culture
1
2
teaches us how to behave and how to interact in a group. Learning culture can help us
to adapt and survive in our environment. Further, culture is a symbol of regionalism
that has significance for the owner. We can say that culture is the “identity” of a
particular group.
Indonesia consists of various ethnic groups and regions. Every tribe and
region has its custom, language, art, belief, and culture. Each tribe has their own
uniqueness. It is caused by several factors such as historical background,
geographical location, differences in climate, etc. It can be said that Indonesia is a
rich country with tradition and culture. One of the tribe that has the unique culture is
the Samawa tribe (names for Sumbawa tribe). The Sumbawa or Samawa group lives
in the island of Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara Province. Sumbawanese is an
ethnic group inhabiting the western part of the Island. Although Sumbawa’s culture is
not far different from other region, there is difference and uniqueness. As the
Sumbawa proverb says “Din eta din ara, Lin desa lin cara” (different areas has
different cultures).
The difference can be seen from the procession of wedding ceremony. For
example, in traditional wedding of Javanese, there is a custom called “Siraman”
(ceremony of bathing a bride prior to the wedding). This event is held before the day
of wedding. This event is basically a symbolic of self purification before going to the
wedding. In addition, the tribal marriage in Bali also has its own traditions, such as
“Madengen-dengen” ceremony. The ceremony aims to clean or purify the bride and
groom from negative energy. The ceremony was led by a customary holders or
“Balian”. Moreover, Sumbawa also has its own culture assets owned by Tau Samawa
3
(names for Sumbawa’s society). In Sumbawa’s traditional wedding ceremony, there
are many things to be done by the bride and the groom. One of them is “Barodak”
ceremony.
‘Barodak’ comes from the word ‘Odak’. ‘Odak’ in Sumbawanese means
scrub and Barodak is the ceremony to smear the bride and groom’s body with scrub.
At past time, the bride and the groom had to do Barodak every night for a few months
before the wedding party. The persons who smear the ‘Odak’ (scrub) on the bride’s
body should be a girl. This girl is called ‘Inaq Odak’. ‘‘Inaq Odak’ will stay at the
bride’s home. The bride and groom perform ‘Barodak’ ceremony at their homes.
Both are not allowed to meet each other. People in Sumbawa do Barodak two days
before the marriage settlement. Now, the authenticity of ordinances in Barodak
ceremony began to shift. The bride and groom perform the ceremony in the same
place, usually in the bride’s house. Further, the person who smears the ‘Odak’ is not
only Inaq Odak, but also the family of both bride and groom. Overall, this ceremony
aims to clean the bride and the groom from negative energy. In addition, Barodak
also aims to brighten the bride and the groom’s skin, so that they will look beautiful
when the wedding party.
Related to the used of symbols, there was a research conducted by Dian
Nowidri Pramitasari (2008). She investigated the symbols is used in “Yadna Kasada
Ceremony Done By Tenggerese Society At Bromo Mountain In Probolinggo”. The
result of her study showed that there were 6 symbols of the Yadna Kasada ceremony.
They were the vegetable, the fruit, the flower, the rice (tumpeng), the animal, benzoin
(kemenyan). She also stated that the purpose of the Yadna Kasada ceremony is obtain
safety, harmony, and blessing from the God.
4
The previous study and this study have similarity in term of analyzing
symbols in traditional culture. Eventhough the previous study used “Yadna Kasada”
ceremony as the object, both the previous study and this study give information about
cultural symbol.
As explained above, it is very interesting to discuss about culture, especially
Sumbawa’s culture. The writer is interested in investigating Barodak ceremony of
Sumbawa’s traditional wedding and analyzing the symbols used. This study takes
place in Poto village in Sumbawa district. The ceremony is taken because of several
reasons. First, Barodak ceremony is only done when someone will getting married.
Second, there is no previous research and printed document about Barodak ceremony.
The last, not all of Sumbawa society knows the meaning of symbols used in the
ceremony.
1.2 Statement of The Problem
Based on the background of study above, the writer has two problems that are
formulated in the following questions:
1. What are the symbols used in “Barodak” ceremony of Sumbawa’s traditional
wedding?
2. What are the meaning of symbols used in “Barodak” ceremony of Sumbawa’s
traditional wedding?
1.3 Purpose of The Study
In general, the purpose of the study is to understand the meaning of
“Barodak” ceremony and provide knowledge to the public about the traditional
wedding of Sumbawa.
5
While the specific purpose of the study are:
1. To find what the symbols used in “Barodak” ceremony of Sumbawa’s traditional
wedding.
2. To know the meaning of symbols used in “Barodak” ceremony of Sumbawa’s
traditional wedding.
1.4 Scope and Limitation
The scope of this study is investigating “Barodak” ceremony done by people
in Sumbawa and it highlights on its symbols. Yet because there is no formal
document about “Barodak” itself, this research is limited to only study based on
observation and interview, and also focused in Poto village.
1.5 Significance of The Study
The result of this study is expected to be able to enhance and encourage the
readers, especially for the students of English Department. It can be used as one of
reference when they conduct research of Sociolinguistic or other research related to
Linguistics. Besides, this research is useful for Sumbawa ethnic to know more about
‘Barodak’ ceremony. In addition, this study also give the knowledge to another
regional communities about Sumbawa’s traditional wedding, that is described
through the form and symbols of the culture. Furthermore, the significance of this
study is to keep the origins of Sumbawa’s traditional wedding especially ‘Barodak’
ceremony and introduce this culture to Indonesian citizen.
6
1.6 Definition of Key Terms
The definition of key terms given in this study aims to avoid misconceptions
used. The terms which are necessary to be defined are as follows:
1. Symbol is an image, object, etc that suggest or refers to something else (Crowther,
1995). In this study, symbols refers to things used in Barodak ceremony.
2. Barodak is one of a series of Sumbawa’s traditional wedding procession. In this
ceremony, the bride and groom will be covered with scrubs. Barodak/Odak means
scrub.
3. Ceremony is formal acts, religious service on a special occasion.
4. Sumbawa’s traditional wedding means customary marriages are performed by
the tribe Samawa in Sumbawa Besar, West Nusa Tenggara Province.
A TRADITIONAL WEDDING OF SUMBAWA PEOPLE
THESIS
By:
Astuti Wahyu Utama
09360071
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG
OCTOBER 2013
SYMBOL USED IN ‘BARODAK’ CEREMONY,
A TRADITIONAL WEDDING OF SUMBAWA PEOPLE
THESIS
This thesis is submitted to meet one of the requirements to
achieve Sarjana Degree in English Education
By:
Astuti Wahyu Utama
09360071
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MALANG
OCTOBER 2013
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In the name of Allah SWT The Merciful and Beneficent. Alhamdulilah, this
thesis has been completed with the blessing of Merciful and Almighty, Allah SWT. It
is a pleasure for the writer to express her sincere gratitude to all who have helped to
complete this thesis. Without their helps, this thesis would not complete in its present
form.
The writer would like to express her deepest gratitude to Drs. Jarum, M.Ed,
her first advisor and Dr. Masduki, M.Pd, her second advisor, for their suggestion,
correction, invaluable guidance and advice during the writing of this thesis. Her
sincere gratitude and appreciation are also extended to the informant, Hatta Jamal,
who had been willing to provide the information about ‘Barodak’ ceremony, and all
of Poto Village society who had given her opportunity to conduct the research.
A special thanks goes to her beloved mother (Bidara, S.Pd), father (Supriady),
her brother and sister (Rifki & Isna) who always give her great motivation, love and
both spiritual and financial supports, her best friends (Ria, Amel, Lis, Isty) who
always give affection and help when the writer is in the sadness and happiness.
In addition, the writer also would like to give her thanks to the big family of
B-Brother English 2009, for their encouragement, love, care, and pray so that she can
finish this thesis. Thanks for togetherness we had. Finally, the writer hopes that this
thesis will be useful for the readers.
Malang, October 2013
Astuti Wahyu Utama
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COVER ............................................................................................................
APPROVAL .....................................................................................................
LEGALIZATION .............................................................................................
MOTTO AND DEDICATION ..........................................................................
ACKNOWLEDGGEMENTS ............................................................................
ABSTRACT .....................................................................................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................
i
ii
iii
iv
v
vi
vii
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
Background of Study ..................................................................................
Statement of Problem .................................................................................
Purpose of Study ........................................................................................
Scope and Limitation .................................................................................
Significance of Study .................................................................................
Definition of Key Terms ............................................................................
1
4
4
5
5
6
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Language and Culture ................................................................................
Linguistics .................................................................................................
Semiotics ...................................................................................................
Symbols .....................................................................................................
2.4.1 Kinds of Symbol ...............................................................................
2.4.1.1 Natural Symbol ...................................................................
2.4.1.2 Private Symbol ....................................................................
2.4.1.3 Conventional Symbol ..........................................................
2.5 Sumbawa’s Traditional Wedding Process ...................................................
2.5.1 Bajajak ..........................................................................................
2.5.2 Bakatoan ........................................................................................
2.5.3 Basaputes .......................................................................................
2.5.4 Badaq ..........................................................................................
2.5.5 Bakengkam/Tama Kengkam ............................................................
2.5.6 ‘Barodak’ Ceremony .......................................................................
2.5.7 Nyorong .........................................................................................
2.5.8 Nikah ..........................................................................................
2.5.9 PangantanNgiring ..........................................................................
2.5.10 Basai ..........................................................................................
2.6 Current Literature Relevant to the Research Questions ................................
7
10
11
12
13
13
13
14
14
15
15
15
16
16
16
18
19
19
19
20
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
Research Design ........................................................................................
Research Object .........................................................................................
Informant ...................................................................................................
Research Instrument ...................................................................................
3.4.1 Observation ....................................................................................
3.4.2 Interview ........................................................................................
3.5 Data ........................................................................................................
3.6 Data Collection ..........................................................................................
3.7 Data Analysis .............................................................................................
21
22
22
22
23
23
24
24
24
CHAPTER IV RESEARCH FINDING AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Finding ......................................................................................................
4.1.1 The Kinds of Symbols Used in ‘Barodak’ Ceremony ......................
4.1.2 The Meaning of the Symbols Used in ‘Barodak’ Ceremony ..................
4.2 Discussion ..................................................................................................
4.2.1 The Symbols Related to Islam .........................................................
4.2.2 The Symbols Related to Mystical Things ........................................
26
26
29
33
34
36
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
5.1 Conclusion .................................................................................................
5.2 Suggestion .................................................................................................
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX I
APPENDIX II
APPENDIX III
APPENDIX IV
38
39
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ary, Donald, et. al. 2010. Introduction to Research in Education; 8th Edition.
Canada: Wadsworth. (E-book)
Ary, Donald, et. al. 2006. Introduction to Research in Education; Seventh Edition.
Canada: Wadsworth.
Baker, Anne and Kees Hevengeld (Ed). 2012. Linguistics. Singapore: Ho Printing
Singapore Pte Ltd.
Brown, H. Douglas. 2000. Principles of Language Learning and Teaching; Fourth
Edition. San Francisco State University: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.
Chandler, Daniel. 2002. Semiotics the Basics. London: Routledge 11 New Fetter
Lane.
Coupland, Nikolas and Adam Jaworski. 1997. Sociolinguistics a Reader and Course
Book. London: Macmillan Press Ltd.
Crowther, Jonathan (Ed). 1995. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. New York:
Oxford University Press.
Kottak, Conrad Phillip. 1991. Cultural Antropology; Fifth Edition. US: Mc. GrawHill, Inc.
Matsumoto, David. 1996. Culture and Psychology. Sun Francisco: Cole Publishing
Company.
Musbiawan, Hery. 2011. Prosesi Perkawinan Adat Sumbawa. (Online),
(http://samawasamawa.blogspot.com/2011/12/prosesi-perkawinan-adatsumbawa.html).
Neuman, W. Laurence. 2000. Social Research Methods Qualitative and Quantitative
Approaches. USA: University of Wisconsin at Whitewater.
Pramitasari, Dian Nowidri. 2008. A Study on Symbol Used in Yadna Kasada
Ceremony Done by Tenggerese Society at Bromo Mountain in Probolinggo.
Thesis. Unpublished. Malang: University of Muhammadiyah Malang.
Samovar, Larry A. and Richard E. Porter. 2001. Communication Between Culture.
USA: Thomson Learning, Inc.
Spencer-Oatey, Helen. 2008. Culturally Speaking, Culture, Communication, and
Politeness Theory; Second edition. London: Continuum. (E-book)
Wuryaningsih, Tri Asti. 2007. The Problems in Teaching Speaking Faced by the
teacher at First Grade of Mts. Negeri Kebonagung Pacitan. Thesis.
Unpublished. Malang: University of Muhammadiyah Malang.
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, the writer describes the background of the study, purpose of
the study, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, and the
definition of key term
1.1 Background of The Study
Culture is not the new word in our daily life. When we heard the word culture,
directly we think about race and ethnicity. We use the word culture to refer to art,
tradition, ritual, custom, belief, values and heritage of society. Culture has close
relationship with language and society. There are many opinion related to the
definition of culture. Everyone has different idea about it. So, we cannot judge which
one is the best definition.
According to Matsumoto (1996), culture is define as the set of attitudes,
values, beliefs, and behaviors shared by a group of people, but different for each
individual, transmitted from generation to the next. From this theory, we know that
culture is all of things or activities done by a group of people inherited from
generation to generation.
This definition is almost similar to the definition stated by Samovar and
Richard, but in different way. They say that culture is shared learned behavior which
is transmitted from one generation to another purpose of promoting individual and
social survival, adaptation, and growth and development (2001: 49). It means culture
1
2
teaches us how to behave and how to interact in a group. Learning culture can help us
to adapt and survive in our environment. Further, culture is a symbol of regionalism
that has significance for the owner. We can say that culture is the “identity” of a
particular group.
Indonesia consists of various ethnic groups and regions. Every tribe and
region has its custom, language, art, belief, and culture. Each tribe has their own
uniqueness. It is caused by several factors such as historical background,
geographical location, differences in climate, etc. It can be said that Indonesia is a
rich country with tradition and culture. One of the tribe that has the unique culture is
the Samawa tribe (names for Sumbawa tribe). The Sumbawa or Samawa group lives
in the island of Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara Province. Sumbawanese is an
ethnic group inhabiting the western part of the Island. Although Sumbawa’s culture is
not far different from other region, there is difference and uniqueness. As the
Sumbawa proverb says “Din eta din ara, Lin desa lin cara” (different areas has
different cultures).
The difference can be seen from the procession of wedding ceremony. For
example, in traditional wedding of Javanese, there is a custom called “Siraman”
(ceremony of bathing a bride prior to the wedding). This event is held before the day
of wedding. This event is basically a symbolic of self purification before going to the
wedding. In addition, the tribal marriage in Bali also has its own traditions, such as
“Madengen-dengen” ceremony. The ceremony aims to clean or purify the bride and
groom from negative energy. The ceremony was led by a customary holders or
“Balian”. Moreover, Sumbawa also has its own culture assets owned by Tau Samawa
3
(names for Sumbawa’s society). In Sumbawa’s traditional wedding ceremony, there
are many things to be done by the bride and the groom. One of them is “Barodak”
ceremony.
‘Barodak’ comes from the word ‘Odak’. ‘Odak’ in Sumbawanese means
scrub and Barodak is the ceremony to smear the bride and groom’s body with scrub.
At past time, the bride and the groom had to do Barodak every night for a few months
before the wedding party. The persons who smear the ‘Odak’ (scrub) on the bride’s
body should be a girl. This girl is called ‘Inaq Odak’. ‘‘Inaq Odak’ will stay at the
bride’s home. The bride and groom perform ‘Barodak’ ceremony at their homes.
Both are not allowed to meet each other. People in Sumbawa do Barodak two days
before the marriage settlement. Now, the authenticity of ordinances in Barodak
ceremony began to shift. The bride and groom perform the ceremony in the same
place, usually in the bride’s house. Further, the person who smears the ‘Odak’ is not
only Inaq Odak, but also the family of both bride and groom. Overall, this ceremony
aims to clean the bride and the groom from negative energy. In addition, Barodak
also aims to brighten the bride and the groom’s skin, so that they will look beautiful
when the wedding party.
Related to the used of symbols, there was a research conducted by Dian
Nowidri Pramitasari (2008). She investigated the symbols is used in “Yadna Kasada
Ceremony Done By Tenggerese Society At Bromo Mountain In Probolinggo”. The
result of her study showed that there were 6 symbols of the Yadna Kasada ceremony.
They were the vegetable, the fruit, the flower, the rice (tumpeng), the animal, benzoin
(kemenyan). She also stated that the purpose of the Yadna Kasada ceremony is obtain
safety, harmony, and blessing from the God.
4
The previous study and this study have similarity in term of analyzing
symbols in traditional culture. Eventhough the previous study used “Yadna Kasada”
ceremony as the object, both the previous study and this study give information about
cultural symbol.
As explained above, it is very interesting to discuss about culture, especially
Sumbawa’s culture. The writer is interested in investigating Barodak ceremony of
Sumbawa’s traditional wedding and analyzing the symbols used. This study takes
place in Poto village in Sumbawa district. The ceremony is taken because of several
reasons. First, Barodak ceremony is only done when someone will getting married.
Second, there is no previous research and printed document about Barodak ceremony.
The last, not all of Sumbawa society knows the meaning of symbols used in the
ceremony.
1.2 Statement of The Problem
Based on the background of study above, the writer has two problems that are
formulated in the following questions:
1. What are the symbols used in “Barodak” ceremony of Sumbawa’s traditional
wedding?
2. What are the meaning of symbols used in “Barodak” ceremony of Sumbawa’s
traditional wedding?
1.3 Purpose of The Study
In general, the purpose of the study is to understand the meaning of
“Barodak” ceremony and provide knowledge to the public about the traditional
wedding of Sumbawa.
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While the specific purpose of the study are:
1. To find what the symbols used in “Barodak” ceremony of Sumbawa’s traditional
wedding.
2. To know the meaning of symbols used in “Barodak” ceremony of Sumbawa’s
traditional wedding.
1.4 Scope and Limitation
The scope of this study is investigating “Barodak” ceremony done by people
in Sumbawa and it highlights on its symbols. Yet because there is no formal
document about “Barodak” itself, this research is limited to only study based on
observation and interview, and also focused in Poto village.
1.5 Significance of The Study
The result of this study is expected to be able to enhance and encourage the
readers, especially for the students of English Department. It can be used as one of
reference when they conduct research of Sociolinguistic or other research related to
Linguistics. Besides, this research is useful for Sumbawa ethnic to know more about
‘Barodak’ ceremony. In addition, this study also give the knowledge to another
regional communities about Sumbawa’s traditional wedding, that is described
through the form and symbols of the culture. Furthermore, the significance of this
study is to keep the origins of Sumbawa’s traditional wedding especially ‘Barodak’
ceremony and introduce this culture to Indonesian citizen.
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1.6 Definition of Key Terms
The definition of key terms given in this study aims to avoid misconceptions
used. The terms which are necessary to be defined are as follows:
1. Symbol is an image, object, etc that suggest or refers to something else (Crowther,
1995). In this study, symbols refers to things used in Barodak ceremony.
2. Barodak is one of a series of Sumbawa’s traditional wedding procession. In this
ceremony, the bride and groom will be covered with scrubs. Barodak/Odak means
scrub.
3. Ceremony is formal acts, religious service on a special occasion.
4. Sumbawa’s traditional wedding means customary marriages are performed by
the tribe Samawa in Sumbawa Besar, West Nusa Tenggara Province.