"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!