Music Function as Communication

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 69 views

The Spiritual Significance of Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo in the Sipaha Sada Parmalim Ritual Ceremony in Medan City

Introduction

The Parmalim community in Indonesia is known for its rich spiritual expression, which is deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. One of the key aspects of this expression is the Sipaha Sada ritual ceremony, which is held annually to commemorate the birthday of God Simarlimbulubosi. This ceremony is a significant event in the Parmalim calendar, and it is characterized by the presence of various musical groups, including the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo. In this article, we will delve into the description of the presentation of Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo in the Sipaha Sada ritual ceremony in Medan City, and explore its significance in the spiritual life of the Parmalim people.

The Sipaha Sada Ritual Ceremony

The Sipaha Sada ritual ceremony is a unique and sacred event that is deeply rooted in the Parmalim tradition. It is held once a year at the beginning of the year according to the Batak calendar, and it is a time for the Parmalim people to come together and celebrate their spiritual heritage. The ceremony is characterized by the presence of various musical groups, including the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo, which plays a crucial role in the procession of the pelean hon (delivery).

The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo

The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo is a musical group that consists of ten Gondang repertoires that are played sequentially based on the specified tangiang/tonggo-tonggo. The main function of Gondang in this procession is as an introduction and complement of prayer and offerings from the Parmalim people to the spiritual figure who is believed to be present in the ten tangiang/tonggo-tonggo. The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo is played to accompany the pronunciation of tangiang/tonggo-tonggo (prayer) in the procession of the pelean hon (delivery).

The Functions of Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo

Based on research conducted, the author uses the ten musical function theory introduced by Allan P. Merriam in his book entitled The Anthropology of Music. There are three functions contained in this gondang:

Music Function as Communication: Gondang is used to convey Pelean Somba (respect) and asking for blessings from God and Respected Spirit.
The Function of Music as a Symbol: Gondang Hasapi functions as a symbol that indicates that Parmalim people are carrying out Pamelean Somba (worship and offerings), and also functions as a symbol of the request at the ceremony.
Music Function as a Physical Reaction: Manortor (dance) action carried out by Uluan (dancer) in response to the gondang being played shows the physical reaction of the people involved.

The Presentation of Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo in the Sipaha Sada Ritual Ceremony

The presentation of Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo in the Sipaha Sada ritual ceremony is not just entertainment, but is an integral part of a deep spiritual experience. Music has the power to touch the soul and bring people closer to God and connect them with tradition and ancestors. The existence of Gondang in each procession gives a deep meaning, making it one of the important elements in the spiritual life of the Parmalim people in Medan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo plays a crucial role in the Sipaha Sada ritual ceremony, and its presentation is a significant aspect of the spiritual life of the Parmalim people in Medan. The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo is not just a musical instrument, but also a means of communication, ritual symbols, and physical expressions that unite the people in their trust and spirituality. This study shows how important the role of music in religious ceremonies and how it can bridge the relationship between the human world and the spiritual world.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Preservation of the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo Tradition: Efforts should be made to preserve the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo tradition, including the training of new musicians and the documentation of the musical repertoires.
Promotion of the Sipaha Sada Ritual Ceremony: The Sipaha Sada ritual ceremony should be promoted as a unique and sacred event that is deeply rooted in the Parmalim tradition.
Research on the Role of Music in Religious Ceremonies: Further research should be conducted on the role of music in religious ceremonies, including the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo, to understand its significance and impact on the spiritual life of the Parmalim people.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited Scope: The study only focuses on the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo in the Sipaha Sada ritual ceremony, and does not explore other musical groups or aspects of the Parmalim tradition.
Limited Sample Size: The study only involves a limited sample size of Parmalim people, which may not be representative of the larger Parmalim community.
Limited Time Frame: The study only explores the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo in the Sipaha Sada ritual ceremony, and does not examine its significance and impact over time.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

Preservation of the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo Tradition: Efforts should be made to preserve the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo tradition, including the training of new musicians and the documentation of the musical repertoires.
Promotion of the Sipaha Sada Ritual Ceremony: The Sipaha Sada ritual ceremony should be promoted as a unique and sacred event that is deeply rooted in the Parmalim tradition.
Research on the Role of Music in Religious Ceremonies: Further research should be conducted on the role of music in religious ceremonies, including the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo, to understand its significance and impact on the spiritual life of the Parmalim people.

References

Merriam, A. P. (1964). The Anthropology of Music. Northwestern University Press.
Parmalim Community. (n.d.). The Sipaha Sada Ritual Ceremony. Unpublished manuscript.

Appendix

Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo Musical Repertoires: A list of the ten Gondang repertoires that are played sequentially based on the specified tangiang/tonggo-tonggo.
Parmalim People's Perception of the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo: A survey of the Parmalim people's perception of the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo and its significance in the Sipaha Sada ritual ceremony.
Q&A: The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo in the Sipaha Sada Parmalim Ritual Ceremony

Introduction

The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo is a crucial element in the Sipaha Sada Parmalim ritual ceremony, and its significance extends beyond its musical function. In this Q&A article, we will delve into the world of the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this unique musical group.

Q: What is the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo?

A: The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo is a musical group that consists of ten Gondang repertoires that are played sequentially based on the specified tangiang/tonggo-tonggo. The main function of Gondang in this procession is as an introduction and complement of prayer and offerings from the Parmalim people to the spiritual figure who is believed to be present in the ten tangiang/tonggo-tonggo.

Q: What is the significance of the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo in the Sipaha Sada ritual ceremony?

A: The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo plays a crucial role in the Sipaha Sada ritual ceremony, and its presentation is a significant aspect of the spiritual life of the Parmalim people in Medan. The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo is not just a musical instrument, but also a means of communication, ritual symbols, and physical expressions that unite the people in their trust and spirituality.

Q: What are the three functions of the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo?

A: Based on research conducted, the author uses the ten musical function theory introduced by Allan P. Merriam in his book entitled The Anthropology of Music. There are three functions contained in this gondang:

Music Function as Communication: Gondang is used to convey Pelean Somba (respect) and asking for blessings from God and Respected Spirit.
The Function of Music as a Symbol: Gondang Hasapi functions as a symbol that indicates that Parmalim people are carrying out Pamelean Somba (worship and offerings), and also functions as a symbol of the request at the ceremony.
Music Function as a Physical Reaction: Manortor (dance) action carried out by Uluan (dancer) in response to the gondang being played shows the physical reaction of the people involved.

Q: How does the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo contribute to the spiritual life of the Parmalim people?

A: The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo contributes to the spiritual life of the Parmalim people by providing a means of communication with the spiritual figure who is believed to be present in the ten tangiang/tonggo-tonggo. The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo also serves as a symbol of the Parmalim people's trust and spirituality, and its presentation is a significant aspect of the Sipaha Sada ritual ceremony.

Q: What is the role of the Uluan (dancer) in the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo?

A: The Uluan (dancer) plays a crucial role in the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo by performing the Manortor (dance) action in response to the gondang being played. The Uluan's dance action shows the physical reaction of the people involved and serves as a symbol of the Parmalim people's trust and spirituality.

Q: How can the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo be preserved for future generations?

A: Efforts should be made to preserve the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo tradition, including the training of new musicians and the documentation of the musical repertoires. This will ensure that the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo continues to play a significant role in the spiritual life of the Parmalim people for generations to come.

Q: What are the implications of the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo for the Parmalim community?

A: The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo has significant implications for the Parmalim community, including:

Preservation of Cultural Heritage: The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo is a crucial element of the Parmalim cultural heritage, and its preservation is essential for the community's identity and continuity.
Spiritual Significance: The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo plays a significant role in the spiritual life of the Parmalim people, and its presentation is a crucial aspect of the Sipaha Sada ritual ceremony.
Community Building: The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo serves as a means of communication and unity among the Parmalim people, and its presentation is a significant aspect of the community's social and cultural life.

Conclusion

The Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo is a unique and significant element of the Sipaha Sada Parmalim ritual ceremony, and its presentation is a crucial aspect of the spiritual life of the Parmalim people in Medan. This Q&A article has provided insights into the world of the Gondang Tangiang/Tonggo-Tonggo and its significance in the Parmalim community.