The Function of Traditional Snacks and Fruits at Chinatown Semarang-A Case Study on Semarang Northcoast Maritime Culture

Abstract

Traditional snacks and fruits are the culinary culture of Chinese community to fulfill Chinese daily consumption and ritual activities in Chinatown Semarang. It is a particular characteristic of social and local culture. As local wisdom, it provides a local value of the food products. This study aims to reveal varieties and functions of traditional snacks and fruits in Gang Baru traditional market Semarang. This research refers to theory and method of naming system and function. It is in a descriptive qualitative manner and describes names and functions of traditional snacks and fruits for ritual functions. The red and golden colors of snacks and fruits symbolize the source of fortune and wealth. Traditional snacks and fruits for the Chinese community function as ritual media to give offerings to ancestors rather than for daily consumption. The meaning and function of traditional snacks and fruits symbolize the fortune, luck, wealth, harmony, love, sharp mind, happiness, long life, calm and steady hearted, sincerity, blessing, and salvation. Hopefully, there would be a social impact to challenge the Industrial Revolution 4.0. It seems to refresh social paradigm and to recognize the high value of local wisdom, local skill, social skill, local ingredients, and local product.