Kajian Fungsi Dan Makna Tradisi Penghormatan Leluhur Dalam Sistem Kepercayaan Masyarakat Tionghoa Di Medan

Abstract

This thesis aims to analyze of form, meaning, and function of ancestor worship in Tionghoa Medan City culture. To analyze form and meaning of ancestor worship I use semiotic theory (Barthes). Then, to analyze ancestor worship functions in context, I use functionalism theory both from Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown. I use research method and technique qualitative, based on filed work, interview, observation, participant observer, and choose key informants who know very much about Tionghoa Ancestor worship. The scientific conclussions are: (a) meaning of the tendency shifting religious values in young people today. Knowledge of Chinese young people who still maintain ancestral ashes is less. They are no longer paying attention in particular to honor ancestors. Ceremonies of respect they do without knowing it and understand it in depth. (b) Overall the functions it has a religious ceremony intensify social functions and promote solidarity among the members of a family or clan who reminds them that they actually are relatives who came from a common ancestor.

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