The Traditional Marriage of Pekal Ethnic in North Bengkulu Regency

Abstract

Meaning and composition the traditional procession of Pekalnese ethnic marriageit is unique, because it is different from other traditional marriages. Many young people of Pekal ethnicdon’t undestandwhy themmust following the existing marriage terms. Because of that the researcher intends todescribe the meaning and terms the traditional procession of Pekalnese ethnic marriage. This research is qualilative researchand is descriptive. The research performed by primary data collectionwith interview techniques, note data, and documentation.The result obtained are the most important requirements in traditional marriage of Pekal ethnic is kaum (a clan that is smaller than a tribe), because Pekal ethnic folloeing the eksogami matrilineal system. Because of that Pekal society can’t marry with someone who has the same kaum name. The next requirement is sarao kehing (food made from white sticky rice) and must be served on each stage of traditional procession of Pekalnese tribal marriage. Sarao kehing has a meaning for Pekalnese ethnic is as a symbol for husband and wife in order to keep famly secrets whether it ia a good or bad famly. While the composition the traditional procession of Pekalnese tribal marriage is marriage contract, ngubak basung (introduction husband to wife’s famly, clan famly, and the community), turun semendo (parade of bride surrounding the village), merah mato (put sedingin water into the eyes), pencak silat (traditional fight), serah semendo (releasing women as wives to husbands), betepung/sumpah mudo (redeeming female promises to other man before deciding to get married), begandai (traditional dancing and just female can do that), resepsi (modern party), and the last is tari (like a dancing but use the traditional fight, and just man can do that).