THE MEANINGS OF IMLEK FOR THE SOCIETY OF
CHINESE IN MEDAN
A PAPER BY
AULIA SYARIF NASUTION 112202043
UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA
FAKULTAS ILMU BUDAYA
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
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
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:
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.
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Name : Aulia Syarif Nasution
Title of paper : THE MEANINGS OF IMLEK FOR THE SOCIETY OF CHINESE IN MEDAN Qualification : D-III / Ahli Madya
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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.
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ABSTRACT
ABSTRAK
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.
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
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.6 The Reason for choosing the Topic ... 3
1.7 The Method of study ... 3 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
ABSTRACT
ABSTRAK
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
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
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.
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
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.
procession, there is another characteristic, namely the cap go meh food rice cake,
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
LIST OF INFORMANT
Address : Jl Cemara Boulevard Utara No. 1
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APPENDIX
Picture 1.1 : Happy Chinese New Year
Picture 2.1 : Worship place
Picture 3.1 : Kue Keranjang (Ni-Kwee)
