The Meanings Of Imlek For The Society Of Chinese In Medan

THE MEANINGS OF IMLEK FOR THE SOCIETY OF

CHINESE IN MEDAN

A PAPER BY

AULIA SYARIF NASUTION 112202043

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA

FAKULTAS ILMU BUDAYA

PROGRAM STUDI BAHASA INGGRIS

MEDAN 2014

THE MEANINGS OF IMLEK FOR THE SOCIETY OF CHINESE IN MEDAN

A PAPER BY

AULIA SYARIF NASUTION 112202043

Supervisor

Dra. Nurcahaya Bangun M.Si. NIP. 19600711 198903 2 001

Submitted to Faculty of Culture Studies, University of Sumatera Utara In Partial fulfillment on the requirement on

Diploma III English Study Program

UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA FAKULTAS ILMU BUDAYA

PROGRAM STUDI BAHASA INGGRIS MEDAN 2014

Approved by Supervisor,

Dra. Nurcahaya Bangun M.Si. NIP. 19600711 198903 2 001

Submitted to Faculty of Culture Studies, University of Sumatera Utara In partial fulfillment the requirement for Diploma III in English

Approved by

Head of English Study Program,

Dr. Matius C.A. Sembiring, M.A. NIP. 19521126191121001

Approved by the Diploma III of English Study Program Faculty of Culture Studies, University of Sumatera Utara As a paper for the Diploma III Examination

Accepted by the board of examiner in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Diploma III of English Study program, Faculty of Culture Studies, University of Sumatera Utara.

The examination is held on the faculty of Culture Studies, university of Sumatera Utara

Dean,

Dr. Syahron Lubis, M.A. NIP.195110131976031001

Board of Examiner and Reader:

Examiner : Dr. Matius C.A. Sembiring, M.A. (………) Supervisor : Dra. Nurcahaya Bangun M.Si (………) Reader :Drs. Ridwan Hanafiah, S.H., M.A. (………)

AUTHOR’S DECLARATIONS

I am Aulia Syarif Nasution, declare that I am the sole author of this paper. Except where reference is made in the text of this paper, this paper contains no material published elsewhere or extracted in whole or in part from paper by which I have qualified for or awarded another degree.

No other person’s work has been used without due acknowledgement in the main text of the paper. This paper has not been submitted for the award of another degree in any tertiary education.

Signed :

COPYRIGHT DECLARATION

Name : Aulia Syarif Nasution

Title of paper : THE MEANINGS OF IMLEK FOR THE SOCIETY OF CHINESE IN MEDAN Qualification : D-III / Ahli Madya

Study Program : English

I am willing that my paper should be able for reproduction at the discretion of the Librarian of the Diploma III English Study Program, Faculty of Culture Studies, University of Sumatera Utara on the understanding that users are made aware of their obligation under law of the Republic of Indonesia.

Signed :

ABSTRACT

The paper entitled “THE MEANINGS OF IMLEK FOR THE SOCIETY OF CHINESE IN MEDAN” is about the process of Imlek New Year in Medan. It is done by using library research and field research. It is a very complex ceremonial and the things that need to be prepared with careful implementation of the Lunar New Year is going well. Chinese New Year was held in a large ceremony, but after the development period, the Chinese New Year has changed. Currently the Imlek New Year became simpler, though still maintaining that reflected the social significance of event activities such as visiting family Imlek relatives and people in their tuakan and distribute Angpao for their brothers who are not married and rituals that we can also understand that people visiting chinese Vihara one day before to the day of the Imlek Chinese New Year takes place for society.

ABSTRAK

Makalah berjudul "MAKNA IMLEK UNTUK MASYARAKAT CINA DI MEDAN" adalah tentang proses Tahun Baru Imlek di Medan. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan penelitian kepustakaan dan penelitian lapangan. Ini adalah upacara yang sangat kompleks dan hal-hal yang perlu dipersiapkan dengan hati-hati agar pelaksanaan Imlek Tahun Baru berjalan dengan baik. Tahun Baru Imlek diselenggarakan dalam sebuah upacara besar, tapi setelah perkembangan zaman, Tahun Baru Imlek telah berubah. Saat ini Tahun Baru Imlek menjadi sederhana, meskipun masih mempertahankan makna sosialyang tercermin dari aktivitas Imlek seperti acara mengunjungi saudara kerabat dan orang yang di tuakan mereka dan membagikan angpao bagi saudara- saudara mereka yang belum berkeluarga dan ritual yang juga dapat kita pahami bahwa masyarakat china mengunjungi vihara satu hari sebelum imlek sampai pada hari Imlek berlangsung untuk masyarakat.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

First of all, I would like to say thank and many pray to the almighty God ALLAH SWT for has given me its abundance health and its guidance as well so that the writer be able to finish this paper without any obstacle and not forget to the prophet MUHAMMAD SAW as the leader of all people all over the world which has led us all from the darkness into the bright life and we can feel it until now.

A lot of complaint and suggestions found in finishing this paper, however all of those make me more and more challenging to get the best grade so that all people around me feel proud and happy. This paper is not able to be finished by me Alone.

I need constructive criticism and motivation to finish this paper well. Here, I would like to express gratitude to all people who had given me them, as follow:

 My parents My parents, Ady Syafrizal Nasution SH and my beloved mother Dra. Nurhaida Harahap M.Hum. Thanks a lot for your support both morally and materially as well as a sincere prayer that flows endlessly day and night with the hope that i would be useful for the homeland, nation and the future of religion and become a trustful and fair leader even though can’t lead many people but lead myself and from my parents i get a lot learn about the true meaning of life.

 Dr.Syahron Lubis, M.A. as the Dean Of Faculty Of Culture Studies University of Sumatera Utara.

 Dr.Matius C.A Sembiring M.A. as the head of English Diploma study program for have been willing to take the time to provide input and direction that is useful for me.

 My great ReaderDrs. Ridwan Hanafiah, S.H., M.A. who had opened my mind by his great constructive criticism and ideas in completing this

 All English Lecturers in English diploma study program who has given so much useful knowledge, you are my teacher of all time, you are like a drop of holy water which has given the satisfactory of my thirstiness of knowledge, your services will not be forgotten until the end of my life  My Brother, Ahmadzi Syarif Nasution for the support and spirit that is

given during the preparation of this paper

 My Close and funny friends Ismail Simatupang (Bang Mail), Yoshua Victor Purba, Jaka Larizal, M. Ridho Syahputra, Dony Syahputra, Ferry Irawan, James, Rizki, Peri Irawan, Surya Fahrunisa, Fazlan Isnanda, M. Sahuri, Nina Barus, Melda Sunita.

 The campus organization Teater “O”, Solidas, HMI, BTM AL-IQBAL. Finally, I do realize that this paper is still far from being perfect,therefore I opened the door as wide as possible to welcome any constructive criticism and suggestions on this paper. I hope that this paper will be useful and beneficial especially for my self and for the reader as well.

Medan,12 july 2014 The Writer

AULIA SYARIF NASUTION NIM. 112202043

TABLE OF CONTENTS AUTHOR’S DECLARATION COPYRIGHT DECLARATION ABSTRACT ABSTRACK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study ... 1

1.2 The Problem of study ... 2

1.3 The Scope of the study ... 2

1.4 Objective of study ... 2

1.5 The Purposes of study ... 2

1.6 The Reason for choosing the Topic ... 3

1.7 The Method of study ... 3

2. THE GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF IMLEK 2.1 History of Imlek... 4

2.2 Traditional Food ... 7

2.3 Before Imlek New Year ... 10

2.4 The Chinese New Year ... 11

2.5 After Imlek New Year... 14

3. THE MEANING OF IMLEK 3.1 Preparation to Welcome Imlek New Year ... 18

3.2 What Must Not to Be Done in Imlek New Year ... 18

3.3The celebration of Imlek New Year in Medan ... 19

4. CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION 4.1 Conclusion ... 24

4.2 Suggestion ... 26 LIST OF INFORMANT

ABSTRACT

The paper entitled “THE MEANINGS OF IMLEK FOR THE SOCIETY OF CHINESE IN MEDAN” is about the process of Imlek New Year in Medan. It is done by using library research and field research. It is a very complex ceremonial and the things that need to be prepared with careful implementation of the Lunar New Year is going well. Chinese New Year was held in a large ceremony, but after the development period, the Chinese New Year has changed. Currently the Imlek New Year became simpler, though still maintaining that reflected the social significance of event activities such as visiting family Imlek relatives and people in their tuakan and distribute Angpao for their brothers who are not married and rituals that we can also understand that people visiting chinese Vihara one day before to the day of the Imlek Chinese New Year takes place for society.

ABSTRAK

Makalah berjudul "MAKNA IMLEK UNTUK MASYARAKAT CINA DI MEDAN" adalah tentang proses Tahun Baru Imlek di Medan. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan penelitian kepustakaan dan penelitian lapangan. Ini adalah upacara yang sangat kompleks dan hal-hal yang perlu dipersiapkan dengan hati-hati agar pelaksanaan Imlek Tahun Baru berjalan dengan baik. Tahun Baru Imlek diselenggarakan dalam sebuah upacara besar, tapi setelah perkembangan zaman, Tahun Baru Imlek telah berubah. Saat ini Tahun Baru Imlek menjadi sederhana, meskipun masih mempertahankan makna sosialyang tercermin dari aktivitas Imlek seperti acara mengunjungi saudara kerabat dan orang yang di tuakan mereka dan membagikan angpao bagi saudara- saudara mereka yang belum berkeluarga dan ritual yang juga dapat kita pahami bahwa masyarakat china mengunjungi vihara satu hari sebelum imlek sampai pada hari Imlek berlangsung untuk masyarakat.

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of study

Culture or cultures derived from Sanskrit which buddhayah, which is the plural form of buddhi (mind or intellect) is defined as the things pertaining to the mind and human reason. Lim Ai Meng says that is derived from the cultivation of culture and power. Budi is a sense that a spiritual element in culture, whereas the mean power of any act or endeavor as a physical element, so the culture is defined as the result of reason and human effort.

Culture is a way of life that developed and owned jointly by a group of people and passed down from generation to generation. Culture formed a complex of many elements, including religious and political systems, customs, languages, clothing, buildings, and works of art.

Culture is a holistic lifestyle, culture is complex, abstract, and broad. Many aspects of culture also determine communicative behavior. The elements of the socio-cultural spread and includes many social activities humans.

The meaning of Imlek for the society of Chinese in Medan is remainder of the ancient Chinese tradition. Before 1985, Imlek was celebrated by the Chinese a large scale, but afterwards the celebration becomes simple although it still retains its social ritual meaning for them.

Certainly, the celebration of Imlek New Year has changed. In China, Imlek New Year is no longer celebrated as a ceremonial tradition to welcome the

Chinese New Year anymore, because the government has adopted 1st January as

Festival of Spring season to welcome the first day of Spring season. However, it does not mean that the tradition of celebrating Imlek New Year has gone at all. Most of the Chinese still believe that the rules of tradition influence their life.

According to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, Imlek New Year is celebrated by Chinese in the first day of the first moon whereas in the official calendar, it is celebrated at the end of January it may come in the first of February.

According to the official lunar calendar, Imlek New Year does not take place in a certain date because in Chinese traditional calendar, there are twin months in each three years. For example, if in 1990, there were double may then in the next three years, the same twin months will appear again.

1.2 The Problem of study

Based on the Background above, the problem of study is What is the Meaning of Imlek for Chinese Society in Medan ?

1.3 The Scope of study

There are many things that can be discussed about Imlek New Year, but it is takes a lot of time. Writer limits the writing just to The meanings of Imlek for Chinese people in Medan.

1.4 Objective of study

The object of writing this paper is to describe The meanings of Imlek for Chinese people in Medan.

1.5 The Purposes of study

This research is done on a purpose for young generation to understand the basic meaning of Imlek celebration. The day to describe the whole preparation need to do to celebrate the Imlek.

1.6 The Reason for choosing the Topic

One of the reasons why the authors are interested in researching the meaning of the Imlek Chinese community in Medan is because society in general has been carrying out Chinese Imlek Year with joy.

This celebration previously associated with Buddhist religious beliefs. But the Chinese people are mostly ethnic majority is Hokkien, which is still good Buddhist religion and have embraced other religious beliefs, still celebrating the Lunar joyfully.

1.7 The Method of study

This research is qualitative. This report was written by descriptive. The data obtained through interviews and a few books that are relevant to the topic. The main data source is through informant interviews and through several references, the authors getting some information for research topics.

2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF IMLEK 2.1 History of Imlek

Imlek or Sin Tjia is a celebration of tradition in Chinese farmers who usually falls on the first day of the first month at the beginning of the New Year.

This celebration is also associated with a party of farmers to welcome

spring. The celebrations began on the 30thof the 12thmonth and ends on the 15th

of the first month.

Lunar program included prayer, a prayer to the Creator, and the

celebration of Cap Go Meh. The purpose of this worship is as a form of

thanksgiving and prayer in the hope that next year gets more sustenance, to entertain the ancestors, and as a means of gathering with relatives and neighbors.

According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called theNian. Nianwould come on the first day of New Year to eat livestock, crops, and even villagers, especially children. To protect themselves, the villagers would put food in front of their doors at the beginning of every year. It was believed that after the Nianate the food they prepared, it wouldn't attack any more people. One day people saw that the Nian was scared away by a little child wearing red. The villagers then understood that the Nian was afraid of the color red. Time when the New Year was about to come, the villagers would hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on windows and doors. People also used firecrackers to frighten away the Nian. From then on, Nian never came to the village again. The Nian was eventually

captured byHongjun Laozu, an ancient Taoist monk. The Nian became Hongjun Laozu's mount.

In Indonesia, Imlek actually has nothing to do with the celebration of spring. Since the first Chinese community knows only as the Imlek Chinese new year. For the Chinese New Year Chinese society closely associated with New

Year prayer, worship God, to pray in the Vihara, new clothes, a good meal with

family, paycia, angpao, Barongsay, firecrackers, following cap go meh and

mutual Tepekong.

Chinese New Year celebrations in Indonesia actually been done since the Dutch colonial era until the time of president Sukarno. However, the Suharto government, then banned the celebration of Imlek with the issuance of Presidential Decree No.14/1967, precisely on December 6, 1967. In Presidential Instruction, determined that all rituals, beliefs and customs of the Chinese only be celebrated in the family and in a closed room. Thus, all matters relating thereto,

including Barongsay, and Cap Go Meh.

Cap Go Meh is a celebration of the 15th night after the Imlek New Year,

which this year falls on February 17, 2011. Cap Go Mehbegan to be celebrated

in Indonesia since the 17th century, when there was a great migration of southern China.

Cap-Meh-Go is actually a Hokkien term, which means "the night 15." In mainland China itself, called Xiau Yuan Jie in Mandarin, which means the first month of the festival night. In the first days of the Han dynasty (202 BC - 220),

on the eve of the Cap Go Meh, usually the emperor's own special out of the palace to celebrate with the people.

Every culture has always had a tradition of origin. One version of the

origin of Cap Go Meh occurs at the time of the Zhou dynasty (770-256 BC).

Every evening the 15th of the first month after the Chinese New Year, the

farmers put up the lanterns called Chau Can Tian around the fields to repel pests

and frighten the animals plant destroyer. When the goal put the lanterns is to repel pests. But today it became a tradition featuring a beautiful landscape in the evening of the first 15 months.

When it is to frighten or repel the animals wrecking crops, in addition to installing lanterns, they add all the sounds and playing Barongsai, to be more crowded and beneficial to farmers. Beliefs and cultural traditions from one generation to continue, both in mainland China and overseas throughout the world.

While in Indonesia, in addition there are events around the parade procession, there is another characteristic, namely the cap go meh food rice cake,

which is particularly abundant in the Java community. Cap go meh rice cake

consists of various types of food, ie, opportunistic, plus rice cakes and soy powder.

Cap Go Meh title itself is more popular in Indonesia than in any other

place in the world. Cap Go Meh was actually a misguided naming which may

means "night to 15" which is the 15th of the first month, which is called in the dialect of Hokkien "cia gwee cap go".

This celebration is the culmination of a series of celebrations at the same time cover the Imlek New Year celebration. In Indonesia alone, since the first one is more familiar with the term Cap Go Meh than another term although in the original version.

2.2 Traditional Foods

More food is consumed by Indonesian Chinese families during the New Year celebration than at any other holiday. As it is considered bad luck to cook on New Year's Day itself, food is prepared the day before. Chinese believe that what you do on New Year's Day will reflect on your life in the coming year, so most housewives do not want to take a chance of being 'chained to the oven'. The large number of traditional dishes prepared is also meant to symbolize abundance and wealth for the household.

Kue keranjang was originally named asNien KaoorNi-Kweeor Yearly Cake or Seasonal Cake, because they are only made once a year. InEast Java, this cake was named Kue Keranjang because the wrapper is made from abamboobasket with a little hole in the middle. InWest Java, it was named China Cake, as the origin of the cake fromChina, but some call it China Cake because the producers are Chinese. Kue Keranjangor Basket Cake is a cake that is made from glutinous flour and sugar. It has an elastic and sticky texture. This kind of cake is prepared forImlekcelebrations. Kue keranjang was used as an offering to spirits, just before New Year (Jie Sie Siang Ang) until the day of

Imlek. As an offering, this cake should not be eaten untilChap Goh Meh(15 days after Imlek). People believe that the cake was given to satisfyDewa Tungku, who was supposed to deliver a report to the Heavenly King (Yu Huang Da Di). The shape is round, symbolizing unity and peace. Most traditional dishes served on Chinese New Year are chosen for the significance of their name or appearance. One required dish is a whole fish. Fish in Chinese is 'yu' which sounds similar to the word meaning surplus or abundance. A whole fish must be served as this represents family togetherness. Oysters are also a favorite. In Cantonese the word oyster sounds like the word that means 'good business.' In Cantonese shrimp is pronounced 'ha', which to the Chinese sounds like laughter so it also often included. Clams are another favorite, as they open up when cooked, symbolizing the opening of new horizons. Indonesian Chinese whose ancestors come from Shanghai serve egg skin dumplings which are thought to look like gold ingots and glass noodles are thought to resemble silver chains, which earn them a place at the festive meal. Bean sprouts are another favorite. They are said to resemble a traditional scepter-like art object called 'ruyi', which means 'to your heart's content', symbolizing a great way to start a New Year. The word for black moss seaweed sounds similar to the word for 'exceeding in wealth'. Lotus seeds are believed to signify having many male offspring, which is much desired in a Chinese family. Chicken is considered a symbol of prosperity. The chicken however, should be presented with the head, tail and feet to symbolize completeness. Noodles are also considered a necessity but should be uncut as in

Ethnic-Chinese who have immigrated to Indonesian from the northern part of China serve 'jiaozi' or meat-filled dumplings. The pronunciation of this word sounds like a word meaning 'meeting of the last hour of the old year with the first

hour of the new'. In the southern regions of China, 'nian gao'is an important part

of the festivities. Indonesian Chinese from these regions serve this sweet rice pudding for their New Year's festivities. Another popular delicacy is 'Zong zi', glutinous rice wrapped up in reed leaves. Some celebrants place stalks of sugar cane behind their doors, as the height and section-upon-section construction of the sweet stalks represents the family's hope for a ladder-like ascent to new levels of glory in the coming year.

A candy tray is considered a necessity on the coffee table of any Chinese home, for visiting family members and expected guests. The tray should be circular or octagonal in shape and is called the 'Tray of Togetherness', symbolizing the family's sweet start of the New Year. Items on the tray are intentionally chosen for symbolic good fortune. Candied melon is symbolic of growth and good health. Melon seeds are dyed red to symbolize joy, happiness, truth and sincerity. Lychee nuts are thought to ensure strong family relationships. Kumquat represents prosperity while coconut symbolizes togetherness. Peanuts are thought to represent long life. Longan are believed to bring many good sons and lotus seeds many children. In very traditional families after taking several

pieces of candy from the tray, adults place a red envelope containing money, Ang

Just as some foods are always served on Imlek New Year, there are other foods that are to be avoided for their perceived bad meanings. One of them is tofu. Chinese believe that white is the color of death and misfortune, so tofu is never included in the Imlek New Year meal as it might cause bad fortune to fall upon family members.

2.3 Before Imlek New Year

The happy ceremonial tradition to welcome Imlek New Year usually hold

on three weeks. Preparation begin with house cleaning on the 20thof twelfth moon

and supplier are laid in for the New Year feast.

The Kitchen God is seen of to make His annual report on the family’s

behavior on the night of the 23rd of twelfth moon. The kitchen God is one’s of the

oldest of the household deities. In the household plays dual role, for he does not only look after the hearth, but has constituted Himself the censor of morals of the family. He is the connecting link between God and man, and seven days before the New Year, he is dispatched to make His annual report where officials are concerned it as axiomatic in Chinese that every man has got his price and the kitchen God is no exception to the rule.

The family, whose record is about be laid before the all Highest, make every effort to ensure that a favorable report shall be rendered. A special sticky sweetmeat is part of the sacrifice.

Before New Year, everybody goes around collecting debts in order to clean up his own liabilities. The daughters who have married will send food gifts

everything that is sent. The messenger must be rewarded with “Ang Pao” by the recipient. The banquet takes places on the vigil, every housewife will prepare and make ready the food for several days. At the least day before the New Year, the all generations will reunion to their parents ‘home for dinner although they have their own family and daughters who have married should return to their parents in law’s home for having dinner.

For some people, the New Year it self is being observed as a fast day on which no meat is eaten, theoretically, only vegetables and beancurd in oli, and no lard, should appear on the table. In sending food present vegetables dishes are included with this observance. For some families who are not as strict as others in the absention from meat and including it in the evening meal, but breakfast, the fist meal of the year is usually vegetables.

After dinner, attended by all generation, the children bow to their parents who will give them “Ang Pao”. On the last day of the year, there is a general clean up all around, in the shape of bath and hairdressing. No one goes to bed on

the night of the 30th of twelfth moon, but all sit up to welcome in the New Year.

After twelfth o’clock on the last day of the year, most of the them will worship at the temple for begging the safety and lucky. The others will go there the next morning.

2.4 Chinese New Year

The First day in Imlek New Year is a sacred it is regarded as a family reunion. All members who are with it reach every endeavor to attend, unless positively bedridden. All quarrels are supposed to be forgotten. It is also an

occasion for general reconcilia. Friends and relation in ceremonial garments greet each other by saying “Gong Xi Fat Chai” For the parents who have not given the “Ang Pao” to their children in the New Year night, they can give it on tomorrow

morning. Ang Paois the money which enclosed in a special red envelope.

The first day is for the welcoming of the deities of the heavens and earth, officially beginning at midnight. It is a traditional practice to light fireworks, burn bamboo sticks and firecrackers and to make as much of a din as possible to chase off the evil spirits as encapsulated byNian of which the termguo nian was derived. Many people, especiallyBuddhists, abstain from meat consumption on the first day because it is believed that this will ensurelongevityfor them. Some consider lighting fires and using knives to be bad luck on New Year's Day, so all food to be consumed is cooked the days before. On this day, it is considered bad luck to use the broom. Most importantly, the first day of Chinese New Year is a time to honor one's elders and families visit the oldest and most senior members of their extended families, usually their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. For Buddhists, the first day is also the birthday ofMaitreya Bodhisattva (better known as the more familiarBudai Luohan), the Buddha-to-be. People also abstain from killing animals. Some families may invite aBarongsaytroupe as a symbolic ritual to usher in the Chinese New Year as well as to evict bad spirits from the premises. Members of the family who are married also givered envelopescontaining cash known aslai seeorAng Pao, a form of blessings and to suppress the aging and challenges associated with the coming

managers also give bonuses through red packets to employees for good luck, smooth-sailing, good health and wealth.

Red envelopesor Ang Pao are passed out during the Chinese New Year's

celebrations, from married couples or the elderly to unmarried juniors. It is also common for adults or young couples to give red packets to children. The red

covers are stocked in quantities by every prudent housewife. Ang Pao almost

always contain money, usually varying from a couple of dollars to several hundred. Per custom, the amount of money in the red packets should be of even numbers, as odd numbers are associated with cash given during funerals. The

number 8 is considered lucky (for its homophone for "wealth"), The number six

is also very lucky as it sounds like 'smooth', in the sense of having a smooth year. Sometimes chocolate coins are found in Ang Pao. Odd and even numbers are determined by the first digit, rather than the last. Thirty and fifty, for example, are odd numbers, and are thus appropriate as funeral cash gifts. A married person would not turn down such a request as it would mean that he or she would be "out of luck" in the new year. Ang Paoare generally given by established married couples to the younger non-married children of the family. It is custom and polite for children to wish elders a happy new year and a year of happiness, health and

good fortune before acceptingAng Pao. Ang Paoare then kept under the pillow

and slept on for seven days after Chinese New Year before opening because it symbolizes good luck and fortune when you sleep on the red envelopes for seven nights. In addition to Ang Pao, which are usually given from elder to younger, small gifts (usually of food or sweets) are also exchanged between friends or

relatives (of different households) during Chinese New Year. Gifts are usually brought when visiting friends or relatives at their homes. Common gifts include fruits (typically oranges, and never pears), cakes, biscuits, chocolates, candies, or some other small gifts For persons who have not married should not give the lucky money to anybody except money only.

They also must not saying dirty words or be angered by anyone. The reasons why must do not these things will be discussed in Chapter Three.

2.5 After Imlek New Year

Rarely shop is open on the third day. On the fifth day, a ceremony is held to welcome all of the deities who have returned from the Heaven. It is said that at the day all of the deities return to check up the situation after the New Year.

Very early in the morning of the sixth day, all of the deities, a sort of vicarious exercise to ensure that no exactly disposed fairy Gogmother is omitted. Business is resumed in the shop on the sixth day. This old custom is not so rigorously adhered to in modern times and most shops does not stay for the full period of five days, though some of the prosperous business can afford the holiday. After twelve o’clock in the night. It is said that a long time ago, there was a war in the Hokkianese’s village. They hid in a place which has sugarcane’s

treesand they prayed to the god for stopping the war. In the 9th of first moon the

war was stopped, so they worship the sacrifice. By the other Chinese tribes, it is

said that on the 8th night of the first moon or the 9thmorning is he Hokkianese’s

On the tenth is known as the birthday of the Earth God are five brothers and in every person in a household deities who takes care of every person in

house. It is know that the Earth God are five brothers and in every 10thdate from

the first moon till fifth moon is their birthday. The eggs and a kind of noodle named “Mie Sua” is part of the sacrifice.

The official holiday ends on the fifteenth. Everybody will worship the deities and the ancestor for begging the luck. The night to welcome the first full moon in the year is so crowded with people. West Borneo Chinese cultural experts, Fat Lie Sau says, every feast of Chinese citizens, religious or cultural traditions exist origins as told from mouth to mouth, legends, based on the book with a variety of versions, depending on the culture, traditions and regions, respectively.

According to the man born in 1932, Cap Go Meh has two versions. The

first version is Yuan Shiau Ciekis one of the festivals that are celebrated since Xie

Han Dynasty (206 -24 ) to mark the end of the Imlek New Year celebrations. For

ethnic Chinese, Cap Go Meh celebrations may be as important to the Chinese

Imlek New Year celebrations. "In a religious community Taoists, Cap Go Mehis

known as the day of birth San Yuan Shang Kuan Yuan Thianor sky god who gave

humans the gift," he said.

While at Tung Han Dynasty (25-220), by Emperor Liu Chang, Yuan Shiau

Ciek celebration in honor of the Buddha, who had appeared on the 30th Imlek

month 12 in the West Mainland, which is interpreted the same as the date 15 months 1 Imlek in Mainland east.

Therefore, the Emperor also ordered the people to worship celebration, procession, installing lanterns, and folk art performances at night precisely Cap Go Meh. "As for the other Chinese people celebrated as the feast of cultural

traditions Yuan Shiau Ciek or Cap Go Meh Festival or Lantern suit the conditions

and circumstances of each," he said.

While other versions, according to folklore Asali is on Tung Zhou Dynasty

(770 BC - 256 BC), namely the farmers on the 15th of the month 1 Imlek installing lanterns called Chau Can Tian around the fields to repel pests and vermin scaring plants.

Farmers are also seeing a change in the color of fire lanterns (Ten Lung) is

believed to change the color of the flame in the lantern at night it can be known the weather to come, namely whether droughts or more of rain throughout the year.

Thus, every year on the same day the farmer will put lanterns around the field. Every year growing many lanterns are mounted so as to form a beautiful landscape on the 15th of 1 Imlek month.

"Installing lanterns useful addition to repel pests, also created the beautiful

scenery. While to scare the vermin plants plus all the sounds, play Barongsaiand

pageantry Tatungas starting reinforcements and make it more crowded,"

Default explained, the celebrations continued for generations until now

celebrated Chinese community that embraces Tri Dharma (Sam Kaw) people as a

Imlek New Year celebrations. In Indonesia, the cities that have a large number of

ethnic Chinese population is always a feast Cap Go Meh mass. The word is

derived from the Cap Go Meh Teochews or Hokkien dialect is the Cap Go Meh

fifteen and it was night. That is the fifteenth night. At the time of the celebration of Cap Go Meh, most of the city of Medan will be filled with red ornaments -which are considered as ethnic Chinese lucky color - throughout the city. A few

days before the Cap Go Meh, a few temples that exist in the field will hold a ritual

to bless the Liong that will be paraded at the time of the parade. Since morning,

one by one eye dragon decorated to display when Cap Go Meh underway.

Moreover, the barongsaiwill also be revoked paraded paper spells pasted on his

forehead. Then the barongsai will be paraded around the city over to people's

houses. Each resident whose home was visited by a barongsai will give angpao

containing money. In addition to the procession of Liong and barongsai, which

became the main attraction when the Cap Go Meh is the parade of Tatung

(spiritual medium). The Tatung present to resist and repel evil spirits luck in the

new year. Before starting the parade, the Tatung will run in vihararitual prayer to

invoke the protection and avoid yourself from danger. But, it took mental steel to see the Tatung wondrous attractions. Because they would casually jabbing sharp objects into her body, walking on the sword, and others. What is surprising is the Tatung will not hurt at all. In fact there is no trace left behind after they hold their attraction. According to the belief of ethnic Chinese, the Tatung possessed by the spirits of the ancestors, so that they will not get hurt while doing the things it was pretty awful.

3. THE MEANING OF IMLEK 3.1 Preparation to welcome Imlek New Year

This chapter discusses the meaning and the symbols of the activities in celebrating Imlek New Year.

A special sticky sweetmeat named “Tang Kua” is part of the sacrifice to send of the kitchen God. This sacrifice is to ensure that he will only say the sweet things at the heaven.

Giving food to the parents or the family has a symbolic meaning that the donor has a superfluity of good things of life which they are anxious to pass on to others. Chickens are usually delivered alive, as a quarantine of good faith and are accompanied. That all of the food gift shall not be accepted, a portion should be returned is an indication of that the donor is too rigorous.

Eating vegetable in breakfast as the first meal of the year has a symbolic meaning to pure body and mind.

Giving the “Ang Pao” to the children by their parent functions as a quarantine to their year life. Lucky papers, expect in the case of recent mourning, are always red. The children are deliberately kept awake all night on New Year night is to ensure their parent longevity. Greeting each other by saying “Gong Xi Fat Chai” which meaning wish someone luck in the New Year.

3.2 What Must Not Be Done in Imlek New Year Days

The writer has discussed the meaning of the activities to welcome Imlek New Year. Meanwhile, there are several things that must not be done during the

1) One Chinese who has not married should not give the “Ang Pao” to the others although he is rich because if does that, he will not get his partner. 2) One should not say dirty words on the first day because the God of wealth

will not come to its person.

3) One the first day of Imlek New Year, the Chinese should not eat porridge and sleep on the day light because they will lose their luck. They also should not sweep the floor because it will sweep out their luck.

4) One should not use sharp implement on the first day because it might cut luck.

5) During the day, one should not drive someone else crazy at him. One who has made others angry at him will be unfortunate in the year.

6) Shop rarely open on third day because it is said that a long time ago, there was a very poor man who live in a village. He wanted to get a job in government office but he has to sit for the examination as one of the requirement. The examination was held on third day of Imlek New Year. However, the man did not mind to sit for the examination although it was held on the New Year Days. Because of his keen and his clever, he could pass the examination. Everybody who lived at the same village with him admired him very much and from that time, the Chinese rarely opened the shop to respect him.

3.3 The Celebration of Imlek New Year in Medan

The activities to welcome Imlek New Year begins in two weeks before the New Year. Every housewife will clean her house. The rich people will repaint his

house every year. On the 24th of twelfth moon, they send off the deities who were worship by them in their house to the Heaven.

Every housewife is busy to prepare everything that will be needed for celebrating the Imlek New Year. The activities are making some cake and preparing the food for several days.

In welcoming Imlek New Year. The Chinese will make a special cake

named “Sweet Cake” which is available once a year in the market. It has a symbolic meaning. By eating this cake one will get well every year. This cake is also a part of sacrifice to worship the deities.

Not all of the housewife make this cake because there is a belief for not asking anything about the cake when it is still made. No one is allowed to ask if the cake can be cooked or to ask about how long for the cake to get cooked. If there is some asking about that, the “Sweet Cake” would not be done well. If it happen, the whole family of those who make the cake will have misfortunate. Therefore, many families prefer to buy it ready. Some it during the midnight time to prevent from someone else questions.

Before the Imlek New year, Everybody will clean up its liabilities. The Family helps preparing the cake, the snack, and soft drink for guests who will come to visit in the Imlek new Year days.

Actually, there is not official in Indonesia for the Imlek New Year days. The daily activities were still go on as usual. However the government does not have the holiday but the Chinese student could get leave of absent for three days

The clerks who work in a foreign company or national company could take the annual leave if they have been working at least one year. One the other hand, the clerks who work in a private company or Chinese company could get the holiday at least one day.

On the 30th of the twelfth moon, every housewife cooks the food as much

as possible because it will be eaten for three days long. All of the generation gather together for having dinner on the night. The sons will come to their parent home for having dinner although they have their own family. The daughters who have married will go to their parents in law’s home for having dinner and pray the

ancestor. Some of the children will get the “Ang Pao” from their parents on 30th

night or the next morning.

After having dinner, most of the young people will welcome the Imlek New Year by going to the movie or to watch the midnight show. Afterwards, they will go to the “ITBC (Indonesia Theravada Buddhist Center)” temple which is

situated on “Komplek Cemara asri” after Twelve o’clock midnight for worship.

For the people who do not go to the temple on the midnight, they can go on the morning of the days of the Imlek New year, there are some people

worshipping the God of wealth on the 30th midnight.

One the first day of Imlek New Year, everybody will greet each other by

saying “king Hi” from the younger to the older. The kids will get the “Ang Pao”

from their parents, family or relation and the “Lucky Money” are stocked in quantities by every prudent housewife. They visit each other from the younger to the older’s home from friends to friends.

Usually, most of the young people will celebrate the Imlek New year by going to the exciting places. They will go to there on the night of the first day and will be back after the next day.

On the fourth day, the daily activities will begin again usual. The students have to go to school or university and the clerks have to go to the work office. But, the ceremonial tradition of the Imlek New Year has not ended yet. On the fourth day, every housewife will worship the deities as a symbol to fetch them at the end the year, on a month before the Imlek New Year.

On the midnight of the 8th day, the Hokkianese worship the God birthday

by sacrifice the fruits and the cake, without the meat. And the other tribes usually worship the God birthday on the morning. The Hokkianese who have sacrificed a burned pork will share it to the neighbor and the families.

The Chinese will worship the God of earth birthday on the tenth day. Imlek New Year and on fifteenth. The worship their ancestors and the deities. On the night, everybody is going to welcome the first full moon in the New Year by going to the beach or climbing the mountain or to the other exciting places. Cap Go Meh feast or Xiaojie Yuan in Chinese language, which falls on the 15th of the first month of the Imlek Calendar is one of the traditional feast of sino. According to folk tradition sino, Cap Go Meh after, marked the end of the Imlek New Year celebrations.

Cap Go Meh feast is also called Yuanxi, Yuanye or Shang Yuanjie in

year. At night, people have a habit of installing sino colorful lanterns, the festival is also referred to as the "feast of lanterns".

Witness the lanterns and eat onde-onde are two important part in the feast of Cap Go Meh. And the origins of the tradition from which the installation of

lanterns at Cap Go MehFestival The story tells that in the year 180 BC, Emperor

Hanwudi powerful in the Western Han Dynasty ascended the throne on the 15th of the first month of Chinese New Year. To celebrate his enthronement, the Emperor Han Wudi decided to make the 15th of the first month of the feast of lanterns. On the night of the 15th of the first month of every year, it is customary jaunt out of the palace and celebrate the festival with people. In the year 104 BC,

Cap Go Meh Festival is officially listed as a national holiday. Thanks to that decision, Cap Go Meh Festival scale up further. According to the rules, every public place and each family is required to install the colorful lanterns, especially on the main road and the cultural center will be large-scale exhibition of lanterns into the city. People, both old age or young-old, men or all women will flock to the town to see the lanterns and dragon lanterns dancing, as well as guessing puzzles.

Colored lanterns mounted on Festival Cap Go Meh most are made from

brightly colored paper. Lanterns named "zoumadeng" or lanterns horses running is one of the most interesting kinds of lanterns yan. They say it is historic lanterns thousand years.

4. CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION 4.1 Conclusion

The Chinese are usually busy to prepare everything to welcome Imlek New Year. They clean their house two weeks before the New Year. they send

offerings to the gods and the God before and after the Imlek to Viharaone week

before the New Year. Chinese New Year usually lasts up to 15 days. On the day of Chinese New Year, the Chinese people is a must to carry out the worship of

ancestors, such as, in the funeral ceremony, maintain or Lingwei ash table

(wooden planks bearing the names of deceased ancestors), ancestor worship on

the day of Ceng Beng (special day for pilgrimage and cleaning the ancestral

graves). Therefore, the Imlek New Year family members would visit the homes of

family members who maintain Lingwei(table ash) to worship ancestors. Or visit

the home daycare Lingweiancestral ashes for prayers.

On the night before the 8th 9th when Cu Si(hours 23:00 to 1:00) People

perform prayers again. Pray this prayer called "King Thi Kong" (Pray God Almighty) and performed in front of the door of the house facing the sky separated by using an altar made from high following table offerings, such as

Sam-Poo (tea, flowers, clear water), Tee -Liau (3 kinds of tea and sweets), Mi

Self, Ngo Koo(five kinds of fruit), a pair of Cane, and do not forget some of the

equipment such as Hio-Lo(where incense), Swan-Loo (where incense hundred /

At the Cap Go Meh, the 15th of the current Imlek full moon, people are doing the closing prayer at the time of the new year Shien Si (15:00 to 17:00

hours) and Cu Si (hours 23:00 to 1:00). Thiam prayer ceremony with incense or

use of this great ceremony called Prayer Gwan Siau. Prayer to God is mandatory,

not just on the big day, but every day morning and evening, the 1st and 15th Imlek and other days.

The married daughters traditionally send food gifts to their parents. On the other hand, the Chinese Buddhist eats no meat on the New Year feast. The children get the “Ang Pao” from their parents on the first day of the New Year. The people go to the temple on the New Year night or the next morning for worshipping.

The Imlek New Year regarded as a period of forgiveness and as family reunion. The younger Chinese have to respect the older by visiting them on Imlek New Year days.

Some colours have traditional meaning in Chinese tradition. Red mean happiness. On the other hand, black and white mean sadness.

Imlek activity also contains social value that is the social significance of event activities such as visiting family Imlek relatives and people in their elder

and distribute Ang Paofor their brothers who are not married and rituals that we

can also understand that people visiting Chinese Viharaone day before to the day

The Chinese have to obey in not doing things which could make them unfortunate. The ceremonial traditional usually hold in two weeks. They believe in many deities, such as: The Kitchen God, the God of Wealth, the Earth God.

The activities welcome Imlek New Year is solemn enough in Medan’s China town. There is available everything that is need in celebrating that is need in celebrating the Imlek New Year.

Imlek is not an Official holiday in Indonesia. However, people are free to take leave during Imlek New Year. Most of the young Chinese in Medan celebrate the Imlek New Year by going out for several days. The ceremonial tradition ands on the fifteenth day and it is known as the first full moon in the year.

4.2 Suggestion

As a writer, I suggest all the readers to understand another culture well, to give mutual understanding among the tribes or traditions.

By understanding about the Chinese culture about Imlek New Year, we can give better understanding and honoured about the Chinese culture to give peace and good cooperation among the nations.

LIST OF INFORMANT

Name : Lim Ai Meng

Occupation : Wiraswasta

Birth : 09-02-1957 / Kisaran

Religion : Buddha

Address : Jl Biawak no. 15.7B

Name : Ferry Irawan

Occupation : The Student IBBI Collage

Birth : 18-07-1992 / Kisaran

Religion : Buddha

Address : Jl Biawak No 15/7B

Name : Peri Irawan

Occupation : Sales

Birth : 24-04-1994 / Kisaran

Religion : Buddha

Address : Jl Biawak No 15/7B

Name : Budiman

Occupation : Guard of Temple ITBC

Birth : 20-09-1957 / Sei Mencirim

Religion : Islam

Address : Jl Cemara Boulevard Utara No. 1

Name : Halim Loe

Occupation : Leader of Indonesian Chinese Social

Association

Birth : 13-08-1972/ Medan

Religion : Buddha

BIBILIOGRAPHY

Buckhard, V.R., 1958. Chinese Creed and Customs,Hongkong: A SCMP

Publication

Echols, John M and Hasan Shadily, 1975. An English – Indonesia Dictionary.

Itacha: Cornell University Press.

Eileen Yin – Fei Lo, 1992 Celebrating The Chinese New Year,

Hongkong:Toppan Printing Co. (H.K) Ltd.

Hornby, A.S., 1974. Oxford Advanced Leaner’s Dictionary of Current

English.London Oxford University Press.

Pangesti, A. and Nestor, 1992. Aneka upacara dan Makna Dalam Perayaan

Imlek,Jakarta: PT. Garuda Metropolitan Press.

John Surjadi, H. and Drs. Koentjoro, S., 1986. Kamus lengkap Populer,

Jakarta: Penerbit Indah.

Syafri,Syaiful. 2009. Mengenal Provinsi Sumatera Utara. Bekasi : Sari Ilmu

Pratama

Pelly, Usman, Perkembangan Kota Dan Manusianya: Medan menuju Kota

Metropolitan yang Modern.Medan: Pustaka Gramedia. 2000

Hariyono, Kultur China: Pemahaman Menuju Asimilasi Kultur.

Jakarta: Pustaka Harapan, 1993

Greif, W Tuart, WNI: Problematik Orang Indonesia Asal China. Jakarta:

Grafiti. 1991

Abdullah, Zem, Etnis Cina Dalam Potret Pembauran Di Indonesia,

Jakarta: Putasi Insan. 2000

Abdurahman, Dudung, Metode Penelitian Sejarah, Jakarta: Logeo Wacana. 1999

MC, Peter, Dualisme Pedesaan Di Indonesia dan Cina. Jakarta: Yayasan

Ilmu-Ilmu Sosial. 1982

Suryadinata, Leo, Golongan Etnis Tionghoa Di Indonesia. Jakarta: Gramedia

Pustaka Utama. 1981

Wang hey, Cheng, Khong Hu Cu Dan Konfusianisme: Kehidupan Humanis

Besar. Jakarta: Lucky Publishers

Prastowo, A. (2010). Menguasai Teknik-Teknik Koleksi Data Penelitian

Kualitatif. Jogjakarta: Diva Press.

Prastowo, A. (2011). Metode Penelitian Kualitatif Dalam Perspektif Rancangan

Penelitian. Jogjakarta: Ar-Ruzz media.

Sinar, Lukman, Sejarah Medan Tempo Doeloe, Satgas MAMBI, 1991

Liem, Yusiu, Prasangka Terhadap Etnis China. Jakarta: Djembatan, 1998.

APPENDIX

Picture 1.1 : Happy Chinese New Year

Picture 2.1 : Worship place

Picture 3.1 : _{Kue Keranjang (}Ni-Kwee)

The Chinese have to obey in not doing things which could make them unfortunate. The ceremonial traditional usually hold in two weeks. They believe in many deities, such as: The Kitchen God, the God of Wealth, the Earth God.

The activities welcome Imlek New Year is solemn enough in Medan’s China town. There is available everything that is need in celebrating that is need in celebrating the Imlek New Year.

Imlek is not an Official holiday in Indonesia. However, people are free to take leave during Imlek New Year. Most of the young Chinese in Medan celebrate the Imlek New Year by going out for several days. The ceremonial tradition ands on the fifteenth day and it is known as the first full moon in the year.

4.2 Suggestion

As a writer, I suggest all the readers to understand another culture well, to give mutual understanding among the tribes or traditions.

By understanding about the Chinese culture about Imlek New Year, we can give better understanding and honoured about the Chinese culture to give peace and good cooperation among the nations.

LIST OF INFORMANT

Name : Lim Ai Meng Occupation : Wiraswasta

Birth : 09-02-1957 / Kisaran Religion : Buddha

Address : Jl Biawak no. 15.7B Name : Ferry Irawan

Occupation : The Student IBBI Collage Birth : 18-07-1992 / Kisaran Religion : Buddha

Address : Jl Biawak No 15/7B Name : Peri Irawan

Occupation : Sales

Birth : 24-04-1994 / Kisaran Religion : Buddha

Address : Jl Biawak No 15/7B

Name : Budiman

Occupation : Guard of Temple ITBC Birth : 20-09-1957 / Sei Mencirim Religion : Islam

Address : Jl Cemara Boulevard Utara No. 1 Name : Halim Loe

Occupation : Leader of Indonesian Chinese Social Association

Birth : 13-08-1972/ Medan Religion : Buddha

BIBILIOGRAPHY

Buckhard, V.R., 1958. Chinese Creed and Customs,Hongkong: A SCMP Publication

Echols, John M and Hasan Shadily, 1975. An English – Indonesia Dictionary. Itacha: Cornell University Press.

Eileen Yin – Fei Lo, 1992 Celebrating The Chinese New Year, Hongkong:Toppan Printing Co. (H.K) Ltd.

Hornby, A.S., 1974. Oxford Advanced Leaner’s Dictionary of Current English.London Oxford University Press.

Pangesti, A. and Nestor, 1992. Aneka upacara dan Makna Dalam Perayaan Imlek,Jakarta: PT. Garuda Metropolitan Press.

John Surjadi, H. and Drs. Koentjoro, S., 1986. Kamus lengkap Populer, Jakarta: Penerbit Indah.

Syafri,Syaiful. 2009. Mengenal Provinsi Sumatera Utara. Bekasi : Sari Ilmu Pratama

Pelly, Usman, Perkembangan Kota Dan Manusianya: Medan menuju Kota Metropolitan yang Modern.Medan: Pustaka Gramedia. 2000

Hariyono, Kultur China: Pemahaman Menuju Asimilasi Kultur. Jakarta: Pustaka Harapan, 1993

Greif, W Tuart, WNI: Problematik Orang Indonesia Asal China. Jakarta: Grafiti. 1991

Abdullah, Zem, Etnis Cina Dalam Potret Pembauran Di Indonesia, Jakarta: Putasi Insan. 2000

Abdurahman, Dudung, Metode Penelitian Sejarah, Jakarta: Logeo Wacana. 1999 MC, Peter, Dualisme Pedesaan Di Indonesia dan Cina. Jakarta: Yayasan

Ilmu-Ilmu Sosial. 1982

Suryadinata, Leo, Golongan Etnis Tionghoa Di Indonesia. Jakarta: Gramedia Pustaka Utama. 1981

Wang hey, Cheng, Khong Hu Cu Dan Konfusianisme: Kehidupan Humanis Besar. Jakarta: Lucky Publishers

Prastowo, A. (2010). Menguasai Teknik-Teknik Koleksi Data Penelitian Kualitatif. Jogjakarta: Diva Press.

Prastowo, A. (2011). Metode Penelitian Kualitatif Dalam Perspektif Rancangan Penelitian. Jogjakarta: Ar-Ruzz media.

Sinar, Lukman, Sejarah Medan Tempo Doeloe, Satgas MAMBI, 1991 Liem, Yusiu, Prasangka Terhadap Etnis China. Jakarta: Djembatan, 1998. Bonavia, David, Cina Dan Masyarakatnya. Jakarta: Erlangga, 1987

APPENDIX

Picture 1.1 : Happy Chinese New Year

Picture 2.1 : Worship place

Picture 3.1 : _{Kue Keranjang (}Ni-Kwee)