FUNGSI DAN MAKNA OSECHI RYOURI PADA PERAYAAN OSHOUGATSU DALAM MASYARAKAT KAGAWA KEN

Abstract

This research is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. The sources of data are
note and questionnaire techniques which distributed to some Kagawa Ken society, especially
in kannonji and Mitoyo city. Method that used to analize data is a descriptive research method.
They ere classification and data analysis technique. This research aims to describe function
and meaning of osechi ryouri in oshougatsu celebration in Kagawa ken society. Osechi ryouri
is kind of food that is served to greet the change of seasons. These food has meaning and
expectation form, which each food has symbols are believed to give happiness and avoid from
bad luck. Because of economic and limitation of time, so osechi ryouri served in oshougatsu
celebration only. Oshougatsu is the biggest celebration of season, in addition to greet new
year, also greet Toshigamisama; God who back from mountain to field, means as the coming
of fortune that should be greeted happily. Based on the result of questionnaire that was
distribute to the Kannonji and Mitoyo society, it can be concluded that function and meaning
of osechi ryouri has developed where it is not only as omedetai (safety), arigatai (thankful)
and onegai (hopeful) but also as atsumari tabemono ( gathering food for) caused development
of nuclear family system that has not lived together. Custom of made osechi ryouri that began
since mid – Heian period are preserved till now, although have advance in cuisine types and
ingredients of osechi ryouri.

Keyword: osechi ryouri, oshougatsu