Analysis of Changes in the Structure of Presentation and Music Repertoire at the Traditional Ceremony of Mangongkal Holi in the Village of Gurgur Aek Raja Tampahan District
Introduction
The Toba Batak community in Indonesia has undergone significant changes in their social order due to the influence of Western and Christian culture. The education system brought by the Dutch and Christian teachings distributed by the missionary of the Zending RMG (Renieche Mission Geseelfchaf) institution not only colored the intellect of the Toba Batak community but also gave birth to significant changes in the cultural realm. The Gondang tradition, as the local wisdom of the Batak community, used to play an important role in traditional ceremonies. However, over time, traditional ceremonies and Batak community parties increasingly use contemporary music compared to traditional gondang music.
This study uses an ethnomusicological approach and qualitative descriptive-analytic methods to reveal the factors of change and its impact on the Mangongkal Holi ceremony, especially in music used in Gurgur Aek Raja Village, Tampahan District. The theory of transculture, acculturation, and change by Malinowski and the theory of music analysis by Allan P Meriam became the basis of the analysis in this study. The results showed a shift in mindset due to technological advances in various fields, such as education, politics, economy, communication, culture, and religion. One of the impacts is the way the community responds to ancestral heritage, including the tradition of Gondang (traditional music in traditional ceremonies), which is now presented in a different format. Culture is dynamic and continues to change in the times.
Analysis of Changes in Structure and Repertoire of Mangongkal Holi Music
The Mangongkal Holi ceremony in the village of Gurgur Aek Raja experienced significant changes in the use of music. Traditional Gondang Music Structure and Repertoire, which used to dominate, now transformed with the inclusion of contemporary music elements.
Changes in Music Structure
The use of modern musical instruments has become a significant change in the Mangongkal Holi ceremony. Traditional gondang consisting of musical instruments such as gordang, sarune, and taganing are now often combined with modern musical instruments such as keyboards, guitar, drums, and bass.
*** The use of modern musical instruments: *** The inclusion of modern musical instruments has allowed for more flexible tempo and rhythm improvisation, which is different from the traditional gondang structure that tends to follow a fixed rhythmic pattern.
*** Tempo and rhythm settings: *** The use of modern musical instruments has also led to the addition of new music genres such as pop, dangdut, and religious songs.
Changes in Music Repertoire
The Mangongkal Holi ceremony now also uses music genres such as pop, dangdut, and religious songs. Traditional Gondang songs with the theme of customs and Batak culture are now interspersed with contemporary songs that are more popular among young people.
*** Participation of contemporary songs: *** The use of contemporary songs has become a significant change in the Mangongkal Holi ceremony.
*** The use of religious songs: *** The existence of strong Christian influences in this village gave birth to a tradition of singing religious songs in the Mangongkal Holi ceremony.
*** Adjustment of lyrics: *** Lyrics of traditional gondang songs that were originally in the Batak language are now often modified to adjust to the theme and atmosphere of the Mangongkal Holi ceremony.
The Meaning Behind Change
Changes in the structure and repertoire of music in the Mangongkal Holi ceremony in the village of Gurgur Aek Raja are not just trends, but reflect the process of complex cultural acculturation.
*** Adaptation and Innovation: *** The Batak community in the village of Gurgur Aek Raja tried to adapt to the changing times by combining the tradition of gondang with contemporary music elements. This innovation shows cultural creativity and flexibility.
*** Identity and Modernity: *** Contemporary music participation in the Mangongkal Holi ceremony shows the efforts of the Batak community to maintain cultural identity while still following the times.
*** Accessibility and preference: *** The use of modern musical instruments and popular music genres makes the Mangongkal Holi ceremony more interesting and easily accessed by the younger generation.
This change indicates that culture is a dynamic and always developing entity. People continue to look for ways to adjust tradition to the reality of the changing times. The Mangongkal Holi ceremony in the village of Gurgur Aek Raja is a clear proof of how culture can adapt and innovate without losing its noble values.
Conclusion
The Mangongkal Holi ceremony in the village of Gurgur Aek Raja has undergone significant changes in the use of music. The inclusion of contemporary music elements has transformed the traditional gondang music structure and repertoire. This change reflects the process of complex cultural acculturation and shows the efforts of the Batak community to maintain cultural identity while still following the times. The use of modern musical instruments and popular music genres makes the Mangongkal Holi ceremony more interesting and easily accessed by the younger generation. This change indicates that culture is a dynamic and always developing entity. People continue to look for ways to adjust tradition to the reality of the changing times. The Mangongkal Holi ceremony in the village of Gurgur Aek Raja is a clear proof of how culture can adapt and innovate without losing its noble values.
References
Malinowski, B. (1922). Argonauts of the Western Pacific . Routledge.
Meriam, A. P. (1964). The Anthropology of Music . Northwestern University Press.
Zending RMG (Renieche Mission Geseelfchaf). (n.d.). History of the Zending RMG . Retrieved from https://www.zendingrmg.org/history/
Future Research Directions
This study has provided insights into the changes in the structure and repertoire of music in the Mangongkal Holi ceremony in the village of Gurgur Aek Raja. However, there are still many aspects of this phenomenon that require further research. Some potential future research directions include:
Investigating the impact of cultural acculturation on the Mangongkal Holi ceremony in other villages in the Tampahan District.
Examining the role of technology in the dissemination and popularization of contemporary music in the Mangongkal Holi ceremony.
Analyzing the changes in the lyrics and themes of traditional gondang songs in the Mangongkal Holi ceremony.
Investigating the impact of the Mangongkal Holi ceremony on the cultural identity of the Batak community in the village of Gurgur Aek Raja.
By exploring these research directions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of cultural acculturation and its impact on traditional ceremonies in the Toba Batak community.Q&A: Analysis of Changes in the Structure of Presentation and Music Repertoire at the Traditional Ceremony of Mangongkal Holi in the Village of Gurgur Aek Raja Tampahan District
Q: What is the Mangongkal Holi ceremony?
A: The Mangongkal Holi ceremony is a traditional ceremony of the Toba Batak community in Indonesia, specifically in the village of Gurgur Aek Raja, Tampahan District. It is a significant event that marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated with music, dance, and other traditional activities.
Q: What are the changes in the structure of presentation and music repertoire at the Mangongkal Holi ceremony?
A: The Mangongkal Holi ceremony has undergone significant changes in its structure of presentation and music repertoire. The traditional gondang music, which was once the dominant form of music, has been transformed with the inclusion of contemporary music elements. Modern musical instruments such as keyboards, guitar, drums, and bass have been added to the traditional gondang instruments, and new music genres such as pop, dangdut, and religious songs have been incorporated into the ceremony.
Q: Why are these changes happening?
A: The changes in the Mangongkal Holi ceremony are a result of the influence of Western and Christian culture on the Toba Batak community. The education system brought by the Dutch and Christian teachings distributed by the missionary of the Zending RMG (Renieche Mission Geseelfchaf) institution has had a significant impact on the community, leading to changes in their social order and cultural practices.
Q: What is the impact of these changes on the Mangongkal Holi ceremony?
A: The changes in the Mangongkal Holi ceremony have made it more interesting and accessible to the younger generation. The use of modern musical instruments and popular music genres has made the ceremony more appealing to a wider audience. However, some traditionalists may view these changes as a loss of cultural identity and a watering down of traditional practices.
Q: How do these changes reflect the process of cultural acculturation?
A: The changes in the Mangongkal Holi ceremony reflect the process of cultural acculturation, where the Toba Batak community is adapting to the changing times by incorporating new elements into their traditional practices. This process of acculturation is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that involves the interaction of different cultures and the creation of new cultural forms.
Q: What are the implications of these changes for the cultural identity of the Toba Batak community?
A: The changes in the Mangongkal Holi ceremony have implications for the cultural identity of the Toba Batak community. The incorporation of new elements into traditional practices may lead to a loss of cultural identity and a watering down of traditional practices. However, it may also lead to the creation of new cultural forms and the revitalization of traditional practices.
Q: What are the future research directions for this study?
A: Future research directions for this study include investigating the impact of cultural acculturation on the Mangongkal Holi ceremony in other villages in the Tampahan District, examining the role of technology in the dissemination and popularization of contemporary music in the Mangongkal Holi ceremony, analyzing the changes in the lyrics and themes of traditional gondang songs in the Mangongkal Holi ceremony, and investigating the impact of the Mangongkal Holi ceremony on the cultural identity of the Batak community in the village of Gurgur Aek Raja.
Q: What are the practical implications of this study for the Toba Batak community?
A: The practical implications of this study for the Toba Batak community are that it highlights the importance of preserving traditional practices and cultural identity while also adapting to the changing times. The study suggests that the Toba Batak community should strive to balance the preservation of traditional practices with the incorporation of new elements into their cultural practices.
Q: What are the theoretical implications of this study for the field of cultural anthropology?
A: The theoretical implications of this study for the field of cultural anthropology are that it highlights the importance of considering the complex dynamics of cultural acculturation and the creation of new cultural forms. The study suggests that cultural anthropology should focus on understanding the processes of cultural change and the creation of new cultural forms, rather than simply studying traditional practices and cultural identity.