Symbolic Meaning of Tandang Mendet Dance in Ngayu-ayu Ceremony in Nusa Tenggara Barat

摘要

Tandang Mendet is a sacred dance that must be performed in Ngayu-ayu ceremony in Sembalun village, Lombok Timur regency, NTB in the month of Rajab. This study aims to describe the symbolic meaning of Tandang Mendet dance in Ngayu-ayu ceremony in Sembalun village, Lombok Timur regency. It used qualitative descriptive method. The result of the study revealed that Tandang Mendet dance contains several symbolic meanings seen from the movement, musical accompaniment, dancer, property, and costume. It can be concluded that the symbolic meaning is a gratitude expression towards God who has granted a feasible life for the community of Sembalun village. In addition, the symbolic meaning of Tandang Mendet dance is employed as a life principle of Sembalun community.