Symbolic Meaning of Lantern March and its Contribution to Social Education

This article disseminates the description (1) the background of the lantern parade, (2) the activity of the lantern parade, (3) the meaning contained in the lantern parade, (4) the opinion of the community, both participants of the lantern parade and the surrounding community against the event and (5) the contribution of lantern parade to social education in Junior High School/MTs. The research was conducted at Jawi Wetan Christian Church (GKJW) Ngoro congregation by using qualitative approach. This research is a symbolic interaction research. Research shows that the lantern parade is the background of the birth of Jesus or Isa Almasih. In addition, the participants are the church congregation and the surrounding community with different religion. The meanings contained in this lantern parade are: 1) the embodiment of light coming into the world; 2) the form of GKJW Ngoro congregation as witness; 3) a form of communication with the community; and 4) a form of solidarity and harmony. Public opinion as a participant or audience of the parade in the form of positive responses. Finally, the contribution of lantern parade in social education can be used as material to support KI-2, KD 3.3, KD 3.4 and theme 4 for class VIII in SMP / MTs in curriculum 2013. Keywords— latern parade, GKJW Ngoro congregation,