Makna Simbolik pada Atraksi Budaya Bakar Tongkang di Bagansiapiapi Kabupaten Rokan Hilir

Abstract

The ritual of Barge Burning ceremonial in Bagansiapiapi is a form of cultural attraction carried out by ethnic Tionghua every year, at the date of 16-17 month five Imlek calender. This event has won The Indonesia Charm Award (API) In 2017, and this cultural attraction can attract Millions of visitors from domestic and foreign countries. This ritual is one form of Tionghua society’s interaction with the God Ki Hu Ong Ya and the God of Tai Sun, the interaction is done by using symbolic element, as equations of objects with meaning based on public trust. The purpose of this study was to find out the meaning of Barge Burning attraction, the writer used the methodology: qualitative research, using documentation technigues, observation and interviews in colleting data, the subjects in this study were there people; Mr Hasanto, Mr Budiono and Rahmad using techniques purposive. The results of the study showed that the ritual of Burge Burning ceremonial contained the value of local wisdom, namely the authenticity of a ceremony that was created In Bagansiapiapi and lasts for generations. This ritual is one form of cultural attraction on the temple “In Hok King”, the ceremony lasts for two days. Where on the first day of the process of birthday of the God “Ki Hu Ong Ya”, on this day there is no ship. And on the second day a replica Burge Burning ceremonial was held. In the ritual process there are symbolic elements which include forms of dance, artistic form or rituals that have meaning based on the Tionghua belief that, the result is Barge Burning ceremonial is a form of gratitude of the Tionghua community to the God “Ki Hu Ong Ya” and the God “Tai Sun” and a form of determination with the ancestors don’t return to the land of their birth and choose to stay in Bagansiapiapi.