The Chinese Clan Associations in Padang: A package of the ethnic tradition and the social-culture change in the era of globalization

Abstract

A fascinating activity related to the Chinese New Year in Padang is the “Kio” (the god statue procession) which is conducted a few days before the closing of the Chinese Lunar New Year (the “Cap Go Meh”). This research describes how the Chinese clan associations in Padang together cooperate in conducting the “Kio” statue procession during the “Cap Go Meh.” The Chinese in Padang is unique because almost 99% of them cannot speak Chinese. But uniquely, they still celebrate the Chinese traditions and in this research, the “Kio” statue procession.This writing will analyze the Chinese clan associations activity that is closely related to the Chinese culture routinely conducted at the “Cap Go Meh.” At that day, many shows will be organized, such as the Lion and Dragon dance, and the “Kio” statue procession. On “Cap Go Meh” 2016, a few of the Chinese clan associations conducted the “Kio” parade on the same day.The goal of this research is to describe the social-culture change and the role of the Chinese clan associations in packaging the traditions in the era of globalization.