Manjujur dalam Gondang Sabangunan dan Uning-uningan pada Upacara Adat Batak Toba di Samosir

Abstract

This study discusses manjujur in gondang sabangunan and uning-uningan, which functions as the initial ritual activity for expressing prayers and petitions to the Creator so that the entire Batak Toba traditional ceremony may proceed smoothly and without shortcomings. The objectives of this research are to describe the form of the Batak Toba traditional ceremony in Samosir using Koentjaraningrat’s ritual theory, to describe the presentation of manjujur through Dell Hymes’ SPEAKING model, to explain its meaning based on Ferdinand de Saussure’s semiotic theory, and to analyze its melodic structure using William P. Malm’s weighted scale theory. This study employs a qualitative method with an ethnographic approach. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and direct documentation of Batak Toba traditional ceremonies in Samosir. The results show that the ceremony consists of systematic stages, beginning with the opening, followed by the main procession, and ending with the closing, with manjujur serving as a sacred and essential opening element. Based on the SPEAKING model, manjujur involves a sacred atmosphere, active participation of the pargonsi, hasuhuton, and raja parhata, a structured sequence of musical actions symbolizing prayers, and the use of instruments as a medium of ritual communication. Saussure’s semiotics reveals that manjujur represents symbolic meanings related to spiritual concepts such as prayer, gratitude, and respect for ancestors and the Creator. The melodic analysis shows that manjujur in gondang sabangunan features strong and rhythmic patterns dominated by gong and taganing, while manjujur in uning-uningan is more melodic through the use of sulim, sarune etek, hasapi, and garantung. Overall, manjujur integrates ritual practice, symbolic meaning, and musical structure in expressing Batak Toba cultural identity.