Jurnal Desain
Vol 13 No 3 (2026): Jurnal Desain

The meaning of religious symbolic signs in children’s clothing as souvenirs from Ampel Village, Surabaya

Rahayu, Genduk Ayu Sugma (Unknown)
Aji, Restu Ismoyo (Unknown)
Sutejo, Aris (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the meaning of religious symbols used in children’s clothing as souvenirs from Ampel, Surabaya. Nearly all of the symbols have undergone a long process of acculturation, through which they have acquired the religious meanings recognized today. The problem addressed in this study is whether these symbols still retain their religious meanings and to what extent their meanings have shifted. This study analyzes children's clothing as the research object and uses Roland Barthes’ visual semiotics framework as the method due to its compatibility in examining symbolic signs at the level of denotation, connotation, and myth. The results of this study demonstrate that the Ampel gate, gold color, and typography function as specific semiotic elements that construct layered meanings related to sacred space, cultural hybridity, and commodification. The symbols remain relevant; however, their meanings have shifted from purely spiritual representations to visual forms shaped by tourism consumption. This study is recommended to serve as the foundation for developing knowledge in tourism souvenir design that represents religious meaning more critically and contextually.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jurnal_desain

Publisher

Subject

Arts

Description

Jurnal Desain focused to publish high-quality articles dedicated to all aspects of the latest outstanding research and developments include research reports, conceptual ideas, studies, theories, using the qualitative approach in Design and Visual Communications, Interior Design, Fashion Design, ...