<![CDATA[This study examines the symbolic meanings contained in the Mangajoan Anak Daro tradition in the wedding customs of Nagari Tandikek Selatan, Padang Pariaman Regency. The tradition is a series of customary rituals performed for the bride before entering married life and contains various symbolic devices that reflect cultural, social, and spiritual values within the Minangkabau community. This research aims to identify and analyze the meanings of the symbols found in the Mangajoan Anak Daro procession using Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory, which includes denotation, connotation, and myth. This study employed a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews with traditional leaders and community figures, and documentation of the customary procession. The findings reveal that each symbolic device used in the tradition, such as aguang, carano, limau, payung hitam, and dulang tinggi, possesses denotative and connotative meanings as well as myths that are deeply rooted in Minangkabau cultural beliefs. The tradition functions not only as a ceremonial practice but also as a medium for transmitting moral values, purity, protection, and social harmony to the bride before entering married life. This study contributes to the preservation of local cultural traditions and enriches semiotic studies in the context of Minangkabau customary practices.]]>
