The impact of Marpaniaran ‘traditional dance of women’ of Toba Batak wedding ceremony for women's physical and mental health

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to describe (1) the benefits of marpaniaran ‘traditional dance of women’ for the women's physical and mental health, (2) the meanings and functions of marpaniaran at the Toba Batak traditional wedding ceremony. Methods: This study observed by using an anthropolinguistic approach with the analytic parameters is interconnection, valuability, and sustainability. The qualitative paradigm with the ethnography model used in this study. Results: Marpaniaran has good benefits for women's physical and mental health. The movement performed between hands and feet require good physical health because dancing must be done well and long at the wedding ceremony. Feelings of pleasure, gratitude, and welfare of women for what they receive will increase the mental health of women. There are several meanings and functions of marpaniaran, namely as a ritual worship of God and hulahula ‘wive giver’, asking for blessings from God and hulahula, and encouraging the soul of the bride in running household. Conclusion: Marpaniaran is required a strong women's physical and mental health very much. The body movements and feelings of welfare of women in marpaniaran make the Toba Batak women physically and mentally healthy and strong.

Keywords

• Batak women
• Marpaniaran
• Women's physical and mental health