Fungsi dan Makna Arak Putih dalam Budaya Masyarakat Tionghoa di Medan

Abstract

The title of the paper is “Fungsi dan Makna Arak Putih dalam Budaya Masyarakat Tionghoa di Medan”. The Chinese people still carry on the tradition of white wine in the city of Medan.The purpose of the research is carried out to determine the function of white wine as a function of traditional medicine and the meaning of white wine as a spiritual significance in the Chinese community in the city of Medan. Methods of research conducted in this paper is a qualitative research method is descriptive. This paper used theory is the theory of functionalism and semiotic theory. Source of data obtained from several Chinese community in Medan, books and journals. This paper also described the history and the types of white wine. Types of white wine used in Medan is Samsu Putih and Sari Ketan. For the Chinese community in the city of Medan, they used white wine for rheumatism and gout, as a stamina enhancer, as drug waist and bones and helps cleanse the blood after childbirth. And the meaning of white wine is as spiritual sense. Chinese people during praying to the gods or ancestors, presenting offerings seem habits. One of the perks such as white wine which is a sign of respect. Where the white wine has the symbol of sacrifice. They assume that the gods or ancestors need to be respected and white wine is a beverage that is very valuable to offer.