Cultural Values in the Umpasa

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 99 views

Ideology of Reciting Umpasa in Batak Toba Wedding Ceremony: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Introduction

The Batak Toba wedding ceremony is a significant event in the culture of the Toba Batak people, a tribe native to North Sumatra, Indonesia. One of the essential components of this ceremony is the recitation of the umpasa, a traditional greeting that holds deep meaning and significance. However, the true meaning behind the umpasa has long been shrouded in mystery, and its significance has been lost over time. This research aims to uncover the hidden ideology contained in the umpasa, using a critical discourse analysis approach.

Background of the Study

The Batak Toba people have a rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on tradition and custom. The wedding ceremony is a significant event in their culture, marking the union of two families and the beginning of a new life together. The umpasa is an integral part of this ceremony, and its recitation is considered a crucial aspect of the proceedings. However, despite its importance, the true meaning behind the umpasa has long been unclear.

Research Methodology

This study employed a critical discourse analysis approach, using the theory of Fairclough to analyze the umpasa. The data for this study came from two sources: the book "Umpasa Batak Toba: Mimetic Review" and recordings of wedding ceremonies in Balige on July 7, 2019. The data was analyzed using Fairclough's theory, which focuses on the relationship between language, power, and ideology.

Results of the Analysis

The analysis of the umpasa revealed three main processes: material, existential, and mental. The material process was the most dominant, appearing 29 times, while the mental process was 2 times, and the existential process was only 1 time. This suggests that the umpasa is primarily concerned with the material aspects of life, such as wealth and prosperity.

Ideology of the Umpasa

The results of the analysis indicate that the umpasa contains a strong ideology related to cultural and spiritual values. The data shows that most of the umpasa is concerned with expressing gratitude to Debata (God) and Hula-Hula (the Bride Family) for the gift of ulos, a symbol of blessing. This suggests that the umpasa is not just a greeting, but also a means of expressing appreciation and gratitude for the blessings of life.

Cultural Values in the Umpasa

The umpasa contains five cultural values that are essential to the Toba Batak people: hagabeon (many descendants), Hamoraon (rich), religion, kinship, and Hasangapon (respected). These values are central to the Toba Batak culture and are reflected in the umpasa. The umpasa is a means of transmitting these values from generation to generation, ensuring that they are preserved and passed down to future generations.

Significance of the Umpasa

The umpasa is a significant aspect of the Toba Batak wedding ceremony, and its recitation is considered a crucial part of the proceedings. However, its true meaning and significance have long been unclear. This study has shed light on the ideology contained in the umpasa, revealing its importance as a means of transmitting cultural values and expressing gratitude and appreciation for the blessings of life.

Contribution to Knowledge

This study contributes to a more holistic understanding of Toba Batak culture. Through a critical analysis of the umpasa, we can understand how language becomes a tool to reflect the values, trust, and history of a culture. The results of this study are expected to be a reference material for researchers and the wider community in understanding and preserving the traditions and culture of Toba Batak.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has uncovered the hidden ideology contained in the umpasa, a traditional greeting used in the Batak Toba wedding ceremony. The results of the analysis reveal that the umpasa is primarily concerned with the material aspects of life, such as wealth and prosperity, and contains a strong ideology related to cultural and spiritual values. The umpasa is a means of transmitting cultural values from generation to generation, ensuring that they are preserved and passed down to future generations. This study contributes to a more holistic understanding of Toba Batak culture and is expected to be a reference material for researchers and the wider community in understanding and preserving the traditions and culture of Toba Batak.

References

"Umpasa Batak Toba: Mimetic Review"
Fairclough, N. (1989). Language and Power. London: Longman.
Fairclough, N. (1992). Discourse and Social Change. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Appendices

Transcription of the umpasa
Recording of the wedding ceremony in Balige on July 7, 2019
List of cultural values contained in the umpasa
Frequently Asked Questions: Ideology of Reciting Umpasa in Batak Toba Wedding Ceremony

Q: What is the umpasa in the Batak Toba wedding ceremony?

A: The umpasa is a traditional greeting used in the Batak Toba wedding ceremony, which is a significant event in the culture of the Toba Batak people. It is a crucial aspect of the proceedings and is considered a means of expressing gratitude and appreciation for the blessings of life.

Q: What is the significance of the umpasa in the Batak Toba culture?

A: The umpasa is a means of transmitting cultural values from generation to generation, ensuring that they are preserved and passed down to future generations. It contains five cultural values that are essential to the Toba Batak people: hagabeon (many descendants), Hamoraon (rich), religion, kinship, and Hasangapon (respected).

Q: What is the ideology contained in the umpasa?

A: The ideology contained in the umpasa is primarily concerned with the material aspects of life, such as wealth and prosperity. However, it also contains a strong ideology related to cultural and spiritual values, including gratitude and appreciation for the blessings of life.

Q: How does the umpasa reflect the values, trust, and history of the Toba Batak culture?

A: The umpasa is a means of reflecting the values, trust, and history of the Toba Batak culture through language. It contains cultural values that are essential to the Toba Batak people and is a means of transmitting these values from generation to generation.

Q: What is the contribution of this study to the understanding of Toba Batak culture?

A: This study contributes to a more holistic understanding of Toba Batak culture by shedding light on the ideology contained in the umpasa. It provides a deeper understanding of the cultural values and spiritual beliefs of the Toba Batak people and is expected to be a reference material for researchers and the wider community in understanding and preserving the traditions and culture of Toba Batak.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the preservation of Toba Batak culture?

A: This study highlights the importance of preserving the traditions and culture of the Toba Batak people. It emphasizes the need to understand and appreciate the cultural values and spiritual beliefs of the Toba Batak people and to pass them down to future generations.

Q: How can the findings of this study be applied in practice?

A: The findings of this study can be applied in practice by promoting the understanding and appreciation of the cultural values and spiritual beliefs of the Toba Batak people. It can also be used as a reference material for researchers and the wider community in understanding and preserving the traditions and culture of Toba Batak.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the use of a limited dataset and the reliance on a single theoretical framework. However, it provides a valuable contribution to the understanding of Toba Batak culture and highlights the need for further research in this area.

Q: What are the future directions for research in this area?

A: Future research in this area could focus on exploring the cultural values and spiritual beliefs of the Toba Batak people in more depth. It could also examine the impact of globalization and modernization on the preservation of Toba Batak culture.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the development of cultural policies and programs?

A: This study highlights the importance of developing cultural policies and programs that promote the understanding and appreciation of the cultural values and spiritual beliefs of the Toba Batak people. It emphasizes the need to preserve the traditions and culture of the Toba Batak people and to pass them down to future generations.