SEMIOTIC INTERPRETATION OF THE TEPUNG TAWAR OFFER IN TANJUNGBALAI MALAY

This study was aimed at finding the meanings displayed, how and why the meanings realized in the tepung tawar offer ceremony. This study was conducted by using descriptive qualitative method. The data of this study were all signs
found in the tepung tawar. The sources of the data were tepung tawar offer ceremony in Tanjungbalai Malay and the Informant who knew well about tepung tawar offer ceremony. The data were analyzed by using Peirce’s theory of
semiotic object. The researcher found 12 meanings were displayed on the tepung tawar offer, namely: (1) Level of social status, (2) unity and agreement, (3) harmony, (4) sacrifice, (5) generation, (6) happiness, (7) eternal victory, (8) coolness, (9) name fragrance, (10) growth, (11) fertility, and (12) mediator. From those materials found that there were 3 icons that consist of balai, merawal and puncak balai. Then, 1 index was Telangkai and 8 symbols namely: sticky rice, kernel (shredded coconut), meat, egg, water, potpourri, bertih and rice. Malay
people believed that tepung tawar was the gratitude to God for something that they have gotten. That’s why Malay society in Tanjungbalai considered that tepung tawar must be held.