Lebaran Ketupat Tradition in Indonesia:
One of the post-Eid al-Fitr traditions in Indonesia is the celebration of “Lebaran Ketupat.” This tradition is predominantly observed by the Muslim community, especially in Java, typically one week after Eid al-Fitr or on the 8th of Shawwal. In 2025, if Eid al-Fitr falls on March 31st, then Lebaran Ketupat would be observed on April 7th, 2025 after six days of voluntary fasting.
Origin and Significance:
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Link to Sunan Kalijaga: According to the teachings of Sunan Kalijaga, one of the nine saints who spread Islam in Java, the tradition of Ketupat during Eid was introduced.
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Integration with Local Customs: The tradition of “kupatan” emerged during the era of the Islamic saints (Wali Songo) by incorporating the existing practice of “slametan.” This ritual serves as a way to express gratitude to Allah, engage in charity, and strengthen community bonds on Eid al-Fitr.
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Symbolism of Ketupat: The Javanese word “ngaku lepat,” meaning “acknowledging mistakes,” symbolizes the act of admitting faults and seeking forgiveness. The woven palm leaves of the ketupat represent the rejection of misfortune, while its square shape symbolizes the principle of always returning to Allah.
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Culinary Symbolism: The intricacies of weaving the ketupat’s casing represent the various wrongdoings of humans. When the white ketupat is cut in half, it signifies purification and cleanliness after seeking forgiveness. The rice filling symbolizes prosperity and blessings for the days following Eid al-Fitr.
Through the consumption of ketupat, Muslims are encouraged to acknowledge errors, forgive one another, and start afresh, embodying the essence of humility and forgiveness during the festive period.
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