Music Structure in Javanese Traditional Marriage Ceremonies

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 67 views

Introduction

Javanese traditional marriage ceremonies have a unique charm that lies in the procession and values contained in it. The study of these ceremonies is essential to understand the richness of Javanese culture and the importance of customs and music in the lives of Javanese people. This study focuses on the procession of traditional marriage ceremonies carried out by Yusrita Arini and Boy Budiansyah in Medan Selayang District. The aim of this study is to describe a series of events carried out during the procession, which is different from other Javanese traditional marriage ceremonies that have been previously observed.

Theoretical Framework

The theory used in this study is the semiotics theory put forward by Koentjaraningrat (1985: 234), which states that there are four important components in the ceremony, namely the ceremony, during the ceremony, ceremonial equipment, and supporting the ceremony. Each of these components has an important role in creating a solemn and sacred atmosphere. The semiotics theory provides a framework for understanding the meaning and significance of the ceremonies and music involved in the Javanese traditional marriage.

Music Structure in Javanese Traditional Marriage Ceremonies

The music structure produced from Javanese gamelan gendhing, such as Gendhing Monggang, Gendhing Ladrang Wilujeng, Gendhing Frog Ngorek, and Gendhing Ketawang Larasmaya, plays a crucial role in the Javanese traditional marriage ceremonies. This study applied the theory of wighted scale from Malm (1977: 8), which analyzed the melody based on eight elements, namely scale, basic tone, range of tones, number of tones, intervals used, cadens patterns, melody formulas, and contour. This deep understanding of this music gives a clearer picture of the importance of music elements in traditional marriage ceremonies.

Methodology

The method used in this study is qualitative, which includes data collection through observation, interviews, and documentation. This study describes findings in written form, oral recordings, pictures, numbers, and art performances. The data obtained were then analyzed by the Padan method, followed by the determining element technique to understand the complexity of the ceremonies and music involved. In supporting field data, the author also conducts literature studies by studying related books and documents. The music transcription process is carried out using the Sibelius program, the results of which are recorded in the beam notation, as well as the Kepatihan notation system to facilitate understanding.

Data Analysis

The data analysis in this study is based on the semiotics theory and the wighted scale theory. The data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation were analyzed using the Padan method and the determining element technique. The results of the analysis provide a deeper understanding of the ceremonies and music involved in the Javanese traditional marriage.

Conclusion

This study aims to describe a series of events carried out during the procession of traditional marriage ceremonies in Medan Selayang District. The study provides a deeper understanding of the ceremonies and music involved in the Javanese traditional marriage. The uniqueness and richness of this culture not only illustrates tradition, but is also a form of preservation of inheritance that must be maintained and preserved. Systematic explanation in this thesis is expected to add insight and educational values for the reader, as well as strengthen understanding of the importance of customs and music in the lives of Javanese people.

Recommendations

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

The Javanese traditional marriage ceremonies should be preserved and maintained as a form of cultural heritage.
The music structure produced from Javanese gamelan gendhing should be studied and analyzed further to understand its importance in the traditional marriage ceremonies.
The semiotics theory and the wighted scale theory should be applied in future studies to understand the meaning and significance of the ceremonies and music involved in the Javanese traditional marriage.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a specific location, Medan Selayang District, and may not be representative of other Javanese traditional marriage ceremonies.
The study was based on a qualitative approach and may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the ceremonies and music involved.
The study was limited to the analysis of the semiotics theory and the wighted scale theory, and may not provide a complete understanding of the ceremonies and music involved.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Conducting a comparative study of Javanese traditional marriage ceremonies in different locations.
Analyzing the music structure produced from Javanese gamelan gendhing using different theories and approaches.
Applying the semiotics theory and the wighted scale theory in future studies to understand the meaning and significance of the ceremonies and music involved in the Javanese traditional marriage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides a deeper understanding of the ceremonies and music involved in the Javanese traditional marriage. The uniqueness and richness of this culture not only illustrates tradition, but is also a form of preservation of inheritance that must be maintained and preserved. Systematic explanation in this thesis is expected to add insight and educational values for the reader, as well as strengthen understanding of the importance of customs and music in the lives of Javanese people.

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to describe a series of events carried out during the procession of traditional marriage ceremonies in Medan Selayang District, and to understand the symbols contained in each stage of the ceremony, reflecting the richness of Javanese culture.

Q: What theory is used in this study?

A: The semiotics theory put forward by Koentjaraningrat (1985: 234) is used in this study. This theory states that there are four important components in the ceremony, namely the ceremony, during the ceremony, ceremonial equipment, and supporting the ceremony.

Q: What is the significance of music in Javanese traditional marriage ceremonies?

A: Music plays a crucial role in Javanese traditional marriage ceremonies. The music structure produced from Javanese gamelan gendhing, such as Gendhing Monggang, Gendhing Ladrang Wilujeng, Gendhing Frog Ngorek, and Gendhing Ketawang Larasmaya, is analyzed using the wighted scale theory from Malm (1977: 8).

Q: What method is used in this study?

A: The method used in this study is qualitative, which includes data collection through observation, interviews, and documentation. The data obtained were then analyzed by the Padan method, followed by the determining element technique to understand the complexity of the ceremonies and music involved.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a specific location, Medan Selayang District, and may not be representative of other Javanese traditional marriage ceremonies.
The study was based on a qualitative approach and may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the ceremonies and music involved.
The study was limited to the analysis of the semiotics theory and the wighted scale theory, and may not provide a complete understanding of the ceremonies and music involved.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

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

The Javanese traditional marriage ceremonies should be preserved and maintained as a form of cultural heritage.
The music structure produced from Javanese gamelan gendhing should be studied and analyzed further to understand its importance in the traditional marriage ceremonies.
The semiotics theory and the wighted scale theory should be applied in future studies to understand the meaning and significance of the ceremonies and music involved in the Javanese traditional marriage.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: This study provides a deeper understanding of the ceremonies and music involved in the Javanese traditional marriage. The uniqueness and richness of this culture not only illustrates tradition, but is also a form of preservation of inheritance that must be maintained and preserved. Systematic explanation in this thesis is expected to add insight and educational values for the reader, as well as strengthen understanding of the importance of customs and music in the lives of Javanese people.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research directions include:

Conducting a comparative study of Javanese traditional marriage ceremonies in different locations.
Analyzing the music structure produced from Javanese gamelan gendhing using different theories and approaches.
Applying the semiotics theory and the wighted scale theory in future studies to understand the meaning and significance of the ceremonies and music involved in the Javanese traditional marriage.