<![CDATA[The traditional wedding ceremony of the Lio ethnic group in Mbulilo’o Village contained various symbols reflecting cultural, social, and spiritual values. However, studies examining the forms, functions, and meanings of these symbols comprehensively in the context of the Lio community remained limited. This study aimed to identify and describe the symbols used at each stage of the ceremony, analyse their social and spiritual functions, and reveal their cultural, social, and spiritual meanings. The study employed a descriptive qualitative method with an ethnographic approach. Data were collected through participant observation, semi-structured in-depth interviews with purposively selected informants, and documentation. The informants included traditional leaders (mosalaki), community elders, and couples who had undergone traditional weddings. Data were analysed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings identified seven stages of the traditional wedding ceremony containing 14 principal symbols, including doi no bako, ruti nata, majo ine, lewa ke, godo, deke babo, mbendi sau, eda wuru, and pata regu with their respective elements. The symbols performed social functions by strengthening kinship, community solidarity, and reciprocity between families, while also performing spiritual functions by connecting the community with ancestral values and harmonising customary practices with Catholic faith. The symbols conveyed three interconnected meanings: cultural identity and ancestral heritage, social reciprocity and collective responsibility, and spiritual beliefs and hopes for a blessed life. The study demonstrated that the traditional wedding ceremony functioned as a cultural communication system that preserved collective identity, strengthened social cohesion, and supported the continuity of Lio cultural values amid modernisation and globalisation.]]>
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