THE SYMBOLISM IN RITUAL “NGEMBAH KU LAU” IN KARO ETNICS: SEMIOTICS STUDY

Abstract

Research on the traditional ceremony of Ngembah Ku Lau on the Karo ethnic group in Langkat Regency is very minimal Many cultural experts do not examine the form, function, and symbols of the traditional Ngembah Ku Lau ceremony Semiotics can describe the meaning at each stage contained in the Ngembah Ku Lau traditional ceremony For Semiotic observations contained in the implementation of the Ngembah Ku Lau traditional ceremony. To describe the stages of the implementation of the Ngembah Ku Lau traditional ceremony To explain the types of symbol meanings found in the Ngembah Ku Lau traditional ceremony. Discursive interview semiotic analysis of Ngembah Ku Lau, was consist of 32 signs. Researcher found out 14 verbal sign, 12 object sign, and six physical sign. Those classification were: 14 verbal signs is classified as semiotic symbolic. 12 object signs is classified as semiotic iconic. Six physical sign is classified as semiotic index. To detailer the finding, the research would provide the table of the sign and the table percentage of the sign. This study investigated the use semiotic analysis. The study also applied semiotic types in Ngembah Ku Lau. This strategy to to increase cultural research in the Karo tribe. With this method the readers could understand about what the Ngembah Ku Lau is. The researcher use semiotic analysis in analyzing the Ngembah Ku Lau. Semiotic analysis provide detailer understanding of semiotic types even though readers have not knew Ngembah Ku Lau yet moreover, it showed this semiotic research clearly answer the question.