Symbolic Meaning of the Ngidak Endhog Procession in Traditional Javanese Weddings A Semiotic Study

Abstract

The Ngidak Endhog tradition is a sacred procession in the traditional Javanese wedding Panggih ceremony that serves as a symbolization of entering a new phase of life, cleansing negative energy, and breaking the boundary into maturity. Amidst the tide of transmigration, the core rules (pakem) of this tradition are strictly preserved by the Javanese community in Maku and Langaleso Villages as an instrument for maintaining cultural identity in diaspora lands. This descriptive qualitative study applies Charles Sanders Peirce’s triadic semiotics theory to describe the procedural sequence and analyze the symbolic meaning of material components and physical actions through representamen, object, and interpretant. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, visual documentation, note-taking, and audio recording techniques, and subsequently analyzed through data condensation, data display, and drawing conclusions. The results indicate that the material components reflect collective prayers: endhog (offspring fertility), brass bowl (bokor kuningan) (household foundation), clean water (purity of heart), bunga setaman (fragrance of the family's good name), as well as jarik cloth and white tissue (sincerity and meticulousness). Meanwhile, physical actions are manifested through the groom stepping on and breaking the egg to symbolize the transition into the head of the household; the wife kneeling to wash the husband’s feet as an expression of devotion and respect (ngajeni); and the husband guiding the wife to stand as a symbol of gender equality and equal partnership. The study concludes that the core philosophical values of this tradition are maintained intact as a medium for cultural transmission in Sigi Regency.