Semiotics on Batak Toba Death Ceremony Mangongkal Holi

The objectives of this study were to find out,describe, and explain the symbols,
utterances, gestures and their meanings used in Batak Toba ceremony
Mangongkal Holi. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach. The
data of this study were collected from the picture documentation of mangongkal
holi ceremony. The data analysis was taken by identifying, categorizing,
interpreting, and describing and analyzed the data based on the theory proposed
by Charles Sanders Pierce. The findings indicated that there were seven symbols
on mangongkal holi ceremony namely boras si pir ni tondi (rice)as the symbol of
blessing, dengke (golden fish)as the symbol of hope to all descendants for they
should be together in facing every kind of problems , ulos si bolang as the symbol
of unity, ulos panampin as the symbol of embracement ,jambar hupasuhutand
jambar osang (pork)as the symbol of respect, and pasi tuak natonggi as the
symbol of thanks.