Symbolism in Malay House Openings

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 111 views

Introduction

The Malay tribe, which is one of the tribes in North Sumatra Province, is famous for its typical architectural characteristics. This can be seen from the shape of the building, symbols in the elements of Malay house openings, as well as unique village patterns. The Malay house is a reflection of the culture and tradition of the Malay community, and its architectural elements are rich in symbolism. This article will discuss the symbol study on the elements of Malay house openings located in Kampung Dalam, Pekan Tanjung Pura Village, Tanjung Pura District, Langkat Regency. This study aims to identify and analyze the symbols contained in the architecture of Malay residences in the region.

Research Methodology

This research was conducted through primary and secondary data collection. Primary data are obtained through direct observation and interviews with local communities who have an understanding of the village in. Meanwhile, secondary data is collected from literature studies related to Malay architecture, as well as the use of Google Maps to get an overview of the form of villages. The process of analysis of architectural symbols is done by documenting the results of observations and recording photos, which are then represented again using the AutoCAD application.

Research Findings

The results showed that the Dalam Village was one of the villages that still maintains traditional Malay houses. In these houses there are various symbols that are integrated in architectural elements, such as in windows, doors, and other ornaments. The Dalam village community is still undergoing Malay traditions and culture in daily life, although in-depth understanding of these symbols fades over time.

Symbolism in Malay House Openings

The Malay house openings are designed with various symbols that reflect the culture and tradition of the Malay community. The windows and doors are designed with intricate carvings and ornaments that represent the values and identity of the owner. The use of certain colors and shapes in the architectural elements also has a specific meaning and symbolism. For example, the use of red and white colors in the Malay house is a symbol of courage and purity.

The Importance of Preserving Malay Architecture

Traditional Malay architecture has a strong meaning and symbolism, which is reflected in various building elements such as color, shape, and ornaments. Every house built reflects the identity and values of the owner. Therefore, it is important for architects and the community to try to preserve the elements of Malay architecture in the construction of homes and other buildings. This effort will not only maintain cultural heritage, but also creates awareness of the importance of symbols that are part of the life of the Malay community.

Conclusion

The study of symbols on the elements of the architecture of Malay houses in Dalam Village, Tanjung Pura, gave a clear picture of how the culture and tradition of Malay still lived in the structure of community buildings. This research is expected to provide insight for architects and the community to continue to preserve Malay architecture that is rich in meaning, so that future generations can enjoy and appreciate existing cultural heritage. With this preservation step, it is hoped that the symbols that are scattered in various building elements can stay alive and useful in the lives of Malay people.

Recommendations

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

Preservation of Malay Architecture: The community and architects should make an effort to preserve the elements of Malay architecture in the construction of homes and other buildings.
Education and Awareness: The community should be educated and aware of the importance of symbols that are part of the life of the Malay community.
Documentation and Recording: The results of this study should be documented and recorded for future reference and preservation.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited Scope: The study only focused on the Dalam Village, Tanjung Pura, and did not cover other villages in the region.
Limited Data: The study relied on primary and secondary data, which may not be comprehensive or accurate.
Limited Time: The study was conducted over a limited period of time, which may not be sufficient to capture the full range of symbols and meanings in Malay architecture.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

Comparative Study: A comparative study of Malay architecture in different regions and villages should be conducted to identify similarities and differences.
In-depth Analysis: An in-depth analysis of the symbols and meanings in Malay architecture should be conducted to provide a more comprehensive understanding.
Preservation and Conservation: Efforts should be made to preserve and conserve Malay architecture, including the documentation and recording of symbols and meanings.

Conclusion

Q: What is the significance of studying the symbolism in Malay house openings?

A: The study of symbolism in Malay house openings is significant because it provides insight into the culture and tradition of the Malay community. The symbols and meanings in Malay architecture reflect the values and identity of the owner, and understanding these symbols can help preserve cultural heritage.

Q: What are some of the symbols and meanings found in Malay house openings?

A: Some of the symbols and meanings found in Malay house openings include:

Red and White Colors: Represent courage and purity
Intricate Carvings and Ornaments: Represent the values and identity of the owner
Certain Shapes and Patterns: Represent specific meanings and symbolism

Q: Why is it important to preserve Malay architecture?

A: Preserving Malay architecture is important because it maintains cultural heritage and creates awareness of the importance of symbols that are part of the life of the Malay community. It also provides a unique and valuable insight into the culture and tradition of the Malay community.

Q: How can architects and the community preserve Malay architecture?

A: Architects and the community can preserve Malay architecture by:

Documenting and Recording: Documenting and recording the symbols and meanings in Malay architecture
Education and Awareness: Educating and raising awareness of the importance of symbols that are part of the life of the Malay community
Preservation and Conservation: Preserving and conserving Malay architecture, including the documentation and recording of symbols and meanings

Q: What are some of the limitations of this study?

A: Some of the limitations of this study include:

Limited Scope: The study only focused on the Dalam Village, Tanjung Pura, and did not cover other villages in the region
Limited Data: The study relied on primary and secondary data, which may not be comprehensive or accurate
Limited Time: The study was conducted over a limited period of time, which may not be sufficient to capture the full range of symbols and meanings in Malay architecture

Q: What are some of the future research directions for this study?

A: Some of the future research directions for this study include:

Comparative Study: A comparative study of Malay architecture in different regions and villages should be conducted to identify similarities and differences
In-depth Analysis: An in-depth analysis of the symbols and meanings in Malay architecture should be conducted to provide a more comprehensive understanding
Preservation and Conservation: Efforts should be made to preserve and conserve Malay architecture, including the documentation and recording of symbols and meanings

Q: How can readers get involved in preserving Malay architecture?

A: Readers can get involved in preserving Malay architecture by:

Supporting Preservation Efforts: Supporting preservation efforts and initiatives to conserve Malay architecture
Raising Awareness: Raising awareness of the importance of symbols that are part of the life of the Malay community
Documenting and Recording: Documenting and recording the symbols and meanings in Malay architecture