The Structure of the Sea Spell

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 76 views

Introduction

The Malay tribe in Araskabu, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra Province, has a rich cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in their traditions and practices. One of the most fascinating aspects of their culture is the use of mantras, which are believed to possess spiritual power and are used to invoke the blessings of God. In this research, we will examine the melancholy spell in the culture of the Malay tribe in Araskabu, using a semiotic approach. Our aim is to understand the social meaning contained in the mantra and identify the lyrics more deeply.

Theoretical Framework

Our research is grounded in the theory of social semiotics developed by Halliday and colleagues. This theory posits that language is a social construct that is used to create meaning and to communicate with others. We will also use the semiotics rifterre approach to analyze the lyrics of the mantra, which involves examining the relationships between signs and their meanings. Additionally, we will draw on Peirce's semiotic theory, which provides a framework for understanding the relationships between signs, objects, and interpretations.

Methodology

Our research method is qualitative, and we will rely on data obtained from key informants. We will conduct in-depth interviews with fishermen and other members of the community to gather information about the use of mantras in their culture. We will also observe the rituals and practices associated with the use of mantras, in order to gain a deeper understanding of their significance.

Results

Our research has shown that the spell of sea is one type of spell that is part of the Malay culture in Araskabu. This spell is used by Malay fishermen before they go to sea, and is believed to bring abundant sea catchment with God's permission. The delivery of spells is carried out in Tangkahan, the place used by fishermen to prepare to go to sea, where one person leads the reading of the mantra.

The Structure of the Sea Spell

The structure of the sea spell is divided into several parts, including basmalah, al-Fatihah, prayers, contents of spells, and shahadatin. This combination shows that the spell of sea is not only a cultural practice, but is also an expression of Islamic values lived by the Malay community. In this context, the spell goes to sea as a bridge between religious beliefs and social practices, where fishermen not only rely on skills and experiences, but also ask for blessings from God before starting their journey.

Local Wisdom and Environmental Balance

Furthermore, our research has found that in the mealing spell there is a local wisdom that reflects respect for tradition, efforts to maintain the balance of nature, and surrender to God. These values show how the Malay Aras Kabu community interacts with their environment and lives a life that is in harmony with nature. Thus, the mantra goes to sea is not just a ritual, but also a symbol of deep local wisdom, providing a broader context of the relationship between humans, culture, and nature.

Conclusion

Through this study, we hope to expand the understanding of cultural and religious values contained in the practices of the local community, while highlighting the importance of cultural preservation in dealing with increasingly modern era changes. The spell goes to sea at the Kabu Aras not only as a means to ask for success in catching fish, but also as an effort to preserve the identity of rich and valuable Malay culture.

Recommendations

Our research suggests that cultural preservation is essential in dealing with the challenges of modernization. We recommend that the local community and government agencies work together to preserve the cultural heritage of the Malay Aras Kabu community, including the use of mantras and other traditional practices. This can be achieved through education and awareness programs, as well as the establishment of cultural centers and museums to showcase the community's rich cultural heritage.

Limitations

Our research has several limitations. Firstly, our sample size is limited to a small number of key informants, which may not be representative of the larger community. Secondly, our research is based on a qualitative approach, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between signs and their meanings. Finally, our research is limited to a specific cultural context, which may not be generalizable to other communities.

Future Research Directions

Our research suggests several future research directions. Firstly, we recommend that further research be conducted to explore the relationships between signs and their meanings in other cultural contexts. Secondly, we suggest that research be conducted to examine the impact of modernization on traditional cultural practices, such as the use of mantras. Finally, we recommend that research be conducted to explore the potential applications of semiotics in cultural preservation and education.

References

Halliday, M. A. K. (1978). Language as social semiotic. London: Edward Arnold.
Peirce, C. S. (1931-1958). Collected papers of Charles Sanders Peirce. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Rifterre, R. (1983). Semiotics, self, and society. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.

Appendix

List of key informants
Transcripts of interviews
Photographs of rituals and practices associated with the use of mantras
Q&A: Mantra Goes to Sea in the Malay Aras Kabu =====================================================

Q: What is the significance of the sea spell in the Malay Aras Kabu culture?

A: The sea spell is a crucial part of the Malay Aras Kabu culture, used by fishermen before they go to sea to invoke the blessings of God and ensure a successful catch. It is a bridge between religious beliefs and social practices, reflecting the community's deep respect for tradition and their environment.

Q: How does the sea spell reflect Islamic values?

A: The sea spell is a combination of Islamic prayers and values, including basmalah, al-Fatihah, and shahadatin. This shows that the Malay Aras Kabu community lives by Islamic values and incorporates them into their daily practices.

Q: What is the role of the local wisdom in the sea spell?

A: The local wisdom reflected in the sea spell emphasizes respect for tradition, efforts to maintain the balance of nature, and surrender to God. This shows how the Malay Aras Kabu community interacts with their environment and lives a life that is in harmony with nature.

Q: How does the sea spell contribute to cultural preservation?

A: The sea spell is a vital part of the Malay Aras Kabu cultural heritage, and its preservation is essential in dealing with the challenges of modernization. By preserving the sea spell and other traditional practices, the community can maintain its identity and cultural values.

Q: What are the limitations of this research?

A: This research has several limitations, including a small sample size and a qualitative approach that may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between signs and their meanings.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research directions include exploring the relationships between signs and their meanings in other cultural contexts, examining the impact of modernization on traditional cultural practices, and exploring the potential applications of semiotics in cultural preservation and education.

Q: How can readers learn more about the Malay Aras Kabu culture and the sea spell?

A: Readers can learn more about the Malay Aras Kabu culture and the sea spell by consulting the references listed in this article, including the works of Halliday, Peirce, and Rifterre. Additionally, readers can explore the cultural centers and museums in the region to learn more about the community's rich cultural heritage.

Q: What are the implications of this research for cultural preservation and education?

A: This research highlights the importance of cultural preservation in dealing with the challenges of modernization. It also emphasizes the need for education and awareness programs to promote the cultural heritage of the Malay Aras Kabu community and other communities around the world.

Q: How can readers contribute to cultural preservation and education?

A: Readers can contribute to cultural preservation and education by supporting cultural centers and museums, attending cultural events and festivals, and promoting cultural awareness and understanding through social media and other channels.

Q: What are the next steps for this research?

A: The next steps for this research include conducting further studies to explore the relationships between signs and their meanings in other cultural contexts, examining the impact of modernization on traditional cultural practices, and exploring the potential applications of semiotics in cultural preservation and education.