SOSIOEDUKASI : JURNAL ILMIAH ILMU PENDIDIKAN DAN SOSIAL
Vol 15 No 3 (2026): SOSIOEDUKASI : JURNAL ILMIAH ILMU PENDIDIKAN DAN SOSIAL

RITUAL OF THE MARTUTUAEK CEREMONY IN MAINTAINING THE IDENTITY OF THE PARMALIM COMMUNITY IN MEDAN CITY

Ari Suhada (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Muhammad Jailani (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
22 Jul 2026

Abstract

Martutu Aek is one of the important rituals in Ugamo Malim which functions as a purification ceremony and naming of newborn babies, this ritual is still maintained by the Parmalim people in Medan City despite facing changes due to urban life. This study aims to describe the implementation  of Martutu Aek, analyze its symbolic and theological meaning, and examine its role in maintaining the cultural and religious identity of the Parmalim community in the city of Medan. The research uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data were obtained through observation, interviews with religious leaders and Parmalim congregations, as well as literature studies, then analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawn. The results of the study show that Martutu Aek contains symbolic meaning through the use of water, itak gur-gur, rimbang leaves, and weed leaves as symbols of purity, welfare, hope, and steadfastness of life. Theologically, this ritual is an expression of gratitude to Debata Mulajadi Na Bolon and a commitment to guide children according to the teachings of Ugamo Malim. In the midst of the multicultural community of Medan City, Martutu Aek continues to play a role as a medium for preserving the cultural and religious identity of the Parmalim community through the inheritance of values, strengthening community solidarity, and preserving ancestral traditions.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

sosioedukasi

Publisher

Subject

Education Social Sciences Other

Description

urnal sosioedukasi (e-ISSN: 2541-612X, Print ISSN 2086-6135) diterbitkan oleh Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Universitas PGRI Banyuwangi, diterbitkan dua kali setahun pada bulan mei dan november. fokus Scientific Journals of Education and Social. Jurnal sosioedukasi mencakup semua bidang dan ...