MERTI DESA

THE EXISTENCE OF THE TRADITION OF THE AGRARIAN COMMUNITY IN SEMARANG REGENCY

Abstract

As an agrarian community, the people of Kemetul Village always perform Merti Desa festival. This yearly cultural event should be held in Jumat Kliwon (Friday Kliwon) in June, July or August. Merti Desa is a cultural tradition which is an expression of gratitude to God because of the abundant harvest that He has provided to the people of Kemetul village. This qualitative research obtained the
data from in-depth interviews, observation, and documents found during the study. Merti Desa is a manifestation of the existence of cultural tradition in an agrarian society. It functions to foster mutual cooperation and public awareness. Merti Desa is also an indication that the people of Kemetul village still preserves their traditional culture.