Qualitative Analysis of Bedug Drummer Costume in The Dandangan Kudus Tradition

The Dandangan Tradition is a tradition inherited from the holy figure in Kudus, Indonesia, Sayyid Ja'far Shodiq, which began 450 years ago and is still preserved to this day. The Dandangan Tradition is a tradition to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, one of the core rituals in the Dandangan Tradition is the beating of the bedug at the Menara Kudus Mosque. This study aims to analyze the costume of the bedug drummers as a form of meaning and symbolism in the context of the tradition. In addition, it can dig deeper into how the culture and identity of the Kudus community are reflected in the choice of clothing. By using a descriptive qualitative method, this study aims to reveal in detail the implied meanings behind the choice of clothing for the bedug drummers in the context of the Dandangan Tradition. The results of the study show that the costume of the bedug drummers not only functions functionally, but also contains deep symbolic values. The color white, for example, symbolizes purity and simplicity, while certain batik motifs reflect local values and the history of the Kudus community. In addition, clothing also functions as a marker of group identity and as a means to preserve tradition