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THE CELEBRATION ENDED

Whew! Finally it's all over . . . the 10th month of the Muslim calendar just after the fasting month of Ramadhan. You see, during this month there were many 'open houses' involving visiting, eating and entertaining.

"Selamat Hari Raya . . . ." belting out some favourite tunes

Members enjoying the food . . .

In the Arabian countries, Ramadhan (fasting month) is more important than Syawal, the month following it. I was in Mecca for one month during Ramadhan a few years back. Every night and day the Holy Mosque was packed to capacity with pilgrims and every single person was fasting during the day. Imagine a whole city where everybody was fasting! I had to go hours before the call of prayer to get a space to pray. When it was almost time to break fast at dusk, we only took dates and cool "zam-zam" water. Most of the time the local Arabs would offer us yoghourt, bread and "ghahwa" the dark bitter coffee (which I didn't quite fancy). Everybody was very generous during the fasting month. Outside the Holy Mosque, thousands of people were treated with special bariyani rice, roast chicken and the like, sponsored by benevolent patrons. Heavy meals were not allowed inside the Mosque. Even as I walked towards the mosque weaving my way through the milling crowd, I was handed dates, snacks, yoghourt and milk to break fast (and sometimes money too). There were kindness and smiles on all faces.

Then on the first day of Syawal, very very early in the morn, about 3.00 a.m. we went to the Mosque to wait for the first call to prayer at dawn. The place was already crowded - children and all. The children were in their prettiest frocks and suits, strutting all over the place. As we sat, we were offered expensive sweets and candies. So early in the morning? Yes, that's the way of the Arabs. Not long after the morning prayer, it was the special Eid prayers. After that everybody dispersed and that was it. The vicinity of the Mosque was left with maybe some foreign pilgrims who stayed for a few more days whilst waiting for their flight home. Felt so sad when it was all over, hoping to visit again during the fasting month in Mecca.

"BUNGA TELUR"

A stalk of 'Bunga Telur'.

A bouquet of 'Bunga Telur"

'Bunga Telur' (bunga = flower, telur = egg) is a must item found at special ceremonies in the Malay culture e.g. weddings, end of the Quran recitation, ceromonies commemorating the birth day of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the like. The boiled egg is given to guests as a symbol of prosperity and thanks-giving from the host. Sometimes it is accompanied with yellow glutinous rice. Traditionally, the egg painted red or purple (like that of the aubergine or eggplant) is attached to a stalk of artificial flower from crepe paper, laboriously crafted by members of the household. That is how the name "Bunga Telur" is coined. Then the stalks are arranged creatively in a bouquet or attached to the banana stalk and later distributed to all quests as they come and go. Nowadays many do without the stalks of flower, preferring instead putting the eggs in small, decorative containers - which is more convenient no doubt, but has lost its traditional aura. Others do without giving the eggs, replacing it with candies, sweets, chocolates or even jellies or fruit, small handkerchief or towel. I still prefer the egg!

Festival Of Breaking Fast

That's what today is. The first of Syawal, the month immediately after the fasting month of Ramadhan is actually a festival of breaking fast. 1 Syawal and the days of the performing of the haj - 10, 11, 12 and 13 Dzulhijjah of the Muslim calendar, are the 4 days in the year where Muslims are strictly prohibited from fasting. It is also known in Arabic as "Eid Al-Fitri" roughly meaning "back to man's natural habits". So after 1 whole month of fasting, man returns to "Al-Fitri", hoping that the month before had trained him or her to be a better person in the eyes of God.

Today is a day of thanksgiving, visiting and asking for forgiveness. The young will approach the elders, the student the teacher and so forth. It can be quite emotional at times especially if you feel you had done some wrong-doings to the other person. When you clasp the other persons hands and say with sincerity, "Please forgive me for what I have wronged you the past year, whether I realised it or not." Somehow tears will automatically flow down your cheek! Especially among family members who always take things for granted. Dressed in their newest attire, after the special Eid prayers in the morning, Muslims move around the village, the state, the country in fact, visiting relatives and friends whom they might have not seen for some time. It's 'open-house' tradition in Malaysia where anyone, from all races, is most welcomed to one's house with smiles on all faces and laughter and merriment in the air. That is what is unique about Eid Al-Fitri.

Children are especially happy this time, for when they go on their rounds visiting the houses in the neighbourhood, they will receive small packets of "Raya money". Everybody is feeling extra generous today. In fact, Muslims are encouraged to contribute part of their earnings to the poor or those in need (i.e. if they have reached a certain amount) because 2.5% of what they earn does not actually belong to them. During Ramadhan and day of Eid Al-Fitri, they are extra generous!

And the food . . . . it's a gourmet's galore! The table is laden with a variety of food prepared by the women of the house. One has to be really careful because the eyes usually overide sensibility.

"Ketupat" - rice cooked in woven coconut leaves

But the main thing Muslims are reminded with - that they should be thankful to the Al-Mighty for showering upon them such abundance be it in health, wealth, family, friends, peace and prosperity.

Until we meet again next Ramadhan and Eid Al-Fitri . . . . God willing.