Makna dan Fungsi Kerja Tahun bagi Masyarakat Desa Pertibi Tembe, Kecamatan Merek, Kabupaten Karo

Abstract

The Kerja Tahun is a traditional ceremony that has been passed down from generation to generation. Kerja Tahun is interpreted as a form of feeling and expression of gratitude of the Karo people for the harvest. Phenomenological theory is one of the approaches in this research, phenomenology is a theory for studying the philosophical and psychological values contained in Kerja Tahun. The aim of this research is to explain the meaning and function of Year Work for the Karo community, especially those who live in Pertibi Tembe Village, Brand District, Karo Regency. This research uses a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach through interviews, documentation and literature study. The results of the research show that in terms of meaning, the people of Pertibi Tembe Village interpret Kerja Tahun as a feeling and expression of gratitude towards God, as a means of art and culture, building social interactions/relationships, and being able to build and bind new social networks for the community. Meanwhile, in terms of function, Kerja Tahun could be a place for economic turnover for business activists, as a bond for social relationships, as a forum for political campaigns and aspirations and as a forum for education for the village's young generation.