Meaning of the Ponorogo Reog Symbol in the Java Tradition: A Critical Study

This research attempts to dismantle the meaning in the Ponogogo Reog symbol by using Javanese tradition studies, both in asthabrata teachings and Javanese cosmogony: keblat papat kelimo pancer. This research is important because not many people understand the meaning contained in the Reog symbols. On the other hand, the Reog symbols are now being reduced by the interests of commercialism so as to eliminate the valuable values in them. This can be seen in the use of Reog symbols which are used as a citybranding media in the city of Ponorogo and performances that come out of the standards Reog tradition. Reog's art has turned into a commodity that is traded to the market. This study uses qualitative methods using a critical paradigm. A paradigm that assesses social reality is not a neutral reality, but is deliberately shaped by and for political, economic, and social interests that are dominated by dominant groups in society by collecting data through observation and in-depth interviews with experts in the field of Javanese culture, specifically about Reog to obtain the meaning of the Reog Ponorogo symbol from Javanese tradition. The results of this study describe the meaning in the Reog symbol and see the development of traditional Javanese art is reduced by market interests. The symbols in Reog Ponorogo have meanings related to lust that exists in humans. Symbolization in Reog's art forms valuable meanings and values in society. in general, Reog Ponorogo is a show that can provide guidance in living life for those who see it or understand it deeply. Reog is no longer an art and culture that requires special rituals in every performance but is commodified into a commercial merchandise. At this stage, Reog's products are adjusted to market demands with market standards as well. Products related to Reog are then mass-produced and even made replicas that resemble Reog