Food Offering Culture at Chinese Rituals in Semarang Chinatown Coastal Community

Abstract

Food offering culture in Chinese ritual activities is a form of local wisdom in the religious system and as a medium of communication with Gods and ancestors. Food offerings in Semarang Chinese coastal community rituals are knowledgeable to increase people's awareness of religious consciousness, religious tourism, and culinary culture, especially local language, environmental and cultural identity. The research purpose is to describe various food names and offerings at Chinese ceremonies and ritual activities. It is descriptive qualitative research and refers to the theory of naming systems and meaning as symbols. The research applies observing, collecting, processing, and analyzing data. The research findings describe ritual and cultural ceremonies and celebrations in Semarang Chinatown, such as Chinese New Year, Ceng Beng ritual, festival rebutan, and eating Bakcang celebration. Food offerings imply specific meanings. Kue moho in the Cap Go Meh celebration is a symbol of much luck and fortune. Bakpao symbolizes joy and gentleness. Kue keranjang is a symbol of prosperity. Eating rice cake symbolizes long life and prosperity. Sweets are symbols of the sweet life. Citrus fruits symbolize harmony, and bananas are symbols of prosperity.