A SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS ON YOGYAKARTA TRADITIONAL WEDDING CLOTHES AND THE ORNAMENTS AS THE REFLECTION OF JAVANESE FAITH AND VIRTUOUS LIFE

Abstract

The special characteristic of Javanese culture uses symbols as a medium or tool to put messages or advices for generation to generation hereditary. The Javanese traditional wedding ceremony also contains symbolic meanings. The meaningful symbols of Paes Ageng, which is one of Yogyakarta traditional wedding clothes, correlate to the Javanese philosophy that is influenced by Hindu mythology. This has existed and become part of Javanese custom. The Javanese people believe that the symbolic meanings contain virtues. The symbols of Paes Ageng can be defined as signs. Symbol is considered as a sign when it is interpreted through the conception of the object, not the things, in which symbols directly mean. Semiotics can be applied in the process of making interpretation to intend the meaning of signs. A thing can not be as a sign if it is not interpreted. A sign can not stand by itself, but a sign stands for another thing; it requires interpretation to reveal some meanings. By using Peirce’s theory, a sign can be interpreted through the triadic relationship of signification. The Javanese faithful and virtuous life can be seen from the semiotic potentials described in Chapter four. For example, the Javanese faithful life can be traced from the Kelat Bahu which looks like naga (dragon). Naga in Javanese mythology symbolizes eternity. It effected that both of the couple live eternally. In other words, the eternal life means that both of the couple are faithful to each other.