Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a festive time for Muslims all over the world which marks the end of Ramadan. Since living in Malaysia, I have been fortunate enough to experience Ramadan and Hari Raya, and have learned about its cultural importance to the Muslim community. Here at Harumade Tea, we love to celebrate cultures different from our own, and to gain a worldly understanding of people and their practices from all across the sea.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is regarded as a joyous celebration for Muslims as they celebrate their personal accomplishment of self-discipline, determination, and resistance throughout the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, the Islamic community undergo a holy month of fasting, where they refrain from their basic needs including, food, beverages, and smoking between sunrise and sunset. Alongside this, to help cleanse the mind, they also refrain from any bad thoughts or intentions during this month. Through fasting, Muslims show appreciation to what God has bestowed upon them. Fasting helps Muslim people to learn self-control and to empathise those less fortunate than themselves.
During the month of Ramadan in Malaysia, bazaars are set up across the country serving traditional and modern Malay dishes. These Ramadan bazaars are not only for Muslims, yet are open to everyone to appreciate the foods that Muslim people enjoy eating. Some of these foods are only available during this month, so it is always a good idea to stock up. My first time walking up and down the many market stalls was a culinary delight for me. My arms bogged down by carrying numerous bags of food that was probably adequate for an entire group of people to eat. From savoury foods such as murtabak (folded flat bread filled with minced meat, garlic, egg, and onion) to sweets such as apam balik (a pancake filled with sweet creamed corn, peanuts, sugar, and butter)- bringing them home to lay out in a giant spread was honestly a gluttony haven.
Leading up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri new clothes, decorations, and delicacies are being stored in anticipation for the celebrations. Before the beginning of Hari Raya, Muslims are mandated to show their gratitude through paying Zakat Fitrah (a form of giving clothing, food, or money to those less fortunate). Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and its aim is to redistribute wealth between the rich and poor, whilst purifying the wealth of those who pay. When the new moon is seen on the last day of Ramadan, it symbolises that the fasting period has officially come to an end. The following day marks the start of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and this is when the real celebrations begin. This time is spent to visit family and friends, and part of these traditions is to show forgiveness to each other, and to strengthen relationships. Children also ask for forgiveness by their parents and are given green envelopes containing money.
The festivities of catching up with family and friends last up to one month, following the one month of fasting. Colourful clothing is generally worn during the celebrations by both men and women. Women normally wear a baju kurong (a loose-fitting full-length dress consisting of a blouse and a skirt), or a baju kebaya (a more fitting version of the baju kurong). Whilst males tend to wear the male version of the baju kurong which is called a baju melayu, paired with a kain samping (a sarong worn over their trousers). Both men and women might also wear a jubah (a long robe). For non-Muslim guests, it is not expected to be dressed in traditional clothing, but it is welcomed if you would like. When choosing your outfit, above all, remember to dress modestly.
You will see a lot of traditional food during the celebrations such as ketupat (a boiled rice cake wrapped in palm leaves) served with beef rendang; Lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes); Satays; Kuih muih (assorted Malay confectionaries); Wajik (a traditional glutinous sweet made with rice, sugar, and coconut milk); and dodol (a sweet toffee made with palm sugar). These are all symbolic dishes of Hari Raya and are made to be enjoyed amongst family and friends.
Like any cultural celebration it is a time to reflect, give gratitude, and to spend with those we love, so on behalf of us at Harumade Tea we would like to wish everyone a very Happy Hari Raya Aidilfitri!
