Pendhapa Natabratan: Symbolic Meaning of the Javanese House in Demak, Indonesia

摘要

Pendhapa Natabratan At Kadilangu, Demak, Central Java, Indonesia was one of the Javanese noble houses which had very strong Javanese symbols. Javanese house contained symbolic meaning, socio-cultural values as well as architectural value, together with a unique structure that was adapted to the environmental and cultural conditions. Javanese houses, as a result of the traditional culture from the Javanese ethnic, had become Javanese cultural heritage that could not be changed. Javenese culture was heavily influenced by the noble power system. This study aimed to reveal the symbolic meaning of the Pendhapa Natabratan, especially those related to the Javanese traditional ceremonies held in this place, namely the Garebeg Besar and Ruwatan Sukerta. The study used an analytical framework that relied on the process of symbolic meaning in the relation of form-function-meaning within the framework of Javanese culture. The result of study showed that Pendhapa Natabratan had a domestic and cultural function. The cultural function was shown at the Garebeg Besar and Ruwatan Sukerta ceremony. From these functions had created important symbols. From the domestic function created a symbol of domesticity, while from the cultural function created symbols; it was a symbol of the permanence of power, and it was a symbol of deliverance from danger and disaster.