About Lebaran Ketupat: Understand the Meaning and Philosophy Behind Its Tradition

Kapanlagi.com - Lebaran Ketupat, a unique tradition of the Javanese people, especially among Muslims, is celebrated seven days after Idul Fitri, specifically on the 8th of Syawal. This tradition, also known as Riyoyo Kupat or Kupatan, is celebrated in various regions in Indonesia, even outside Java. Although its name is similar, Lebaran Ketupat is different from Idul Fitri, which is a religious observance on the 1st of Syawal. Meanwhile, Lebaran Ketupat is an Islamic expression that has been acculturated with local culture, emphasizing togetherness and gratitude.

This celebration involves various rituals and activities rich in meaning, evolving from a simple tradition into an important annual event. Lebaran Ketupat is not just about serving ketupat dishes, but also holds deep spiritual and social significance. The community celebrates it as a form of completing the Ramadan worship, strengthening social ties, and instilling values of togetherness in communal life.

So, what is the history of Lebaran Ketupat? What does it mean and what is its philosophy for the Muslim community? Check out the complete explanation below.

1. Philosophical Origins of Ketupat Eid

Quoted from dero.desa.id, the Ketupat Eid tradition is believed to have been introduced by Sunan Kalijaga as a way to spread Islam in Java by combining local cultural elements. Sunan Kalijaga introduced two Eid celebrations, namely Idul Fitri and Ketupat Eid. Ketupat Eid emphasizes togetherness, friendship, and self-reflection, in contrast to Idul Fitri, which focuses on worship and gratitude.

The Ketupat Eid celebration involves various activities, such as weaving ketupat with family and neighbors. This becomes a moment to strengthen ties of friendship and sharing. After that, ketupat is served with various traditional dishes such as chicken opor, fried sambal, and vegetable lodeh, shared with relatives and neighbors as a symbol of charity and gratitude.

The reason Sunan Kalijaga used ketupat is that this food was widely known by the community, making it easier to understand. In the modern era, Ketupat Eid remains relevant. This celebration not only serves as a spiritual and cultural moment but also as a cultural tourism attraction. The values of togetherness, acknowledgment of mistakes, and mutual forgiveness become increasingly important amidst the challenges of modernization. This tradition reminds us of the importance of maintaining social relationships and humanitarian values.

Over time, this tradition has evolved and become an inseparable part of Eid celebrations in various regions, not only in Java but also in Lombok, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi.

2. The Meaning and Philosophy of Ketupat Celebration

Ketupat Celebration is not just about the special dishes served, but it also has a deep philosophical meaning for the Javanese Muslim community.

1. "Ngaku Lepat" (Acknowledging Mistakes)

The word ketupat in Javanese is often associated with the term "ngaku lepat", which means acknowledging mistakes. This reflects Islamic teachings about the importance of asking for forgiveness and forgiving one another after Ramadan.

2. "Laku Papat" (Four Noble Actions)

In Javanese culture, ketupat also symbolizes four main actions or "laku papat", which are:

• Ketupat Celebration signifies the end of the Ramadan fast and the beginning of the day of victory.
• Leburan symbolizes the melting away of sins and mistakes after fasting.
• Laburan The word "labur" comes from lime used to whiten houses, symbolizing the purity of heart after Ramadan.
• Luberan Means overflowing or sharing, reflecting the Islamic teaching to always share blessings with others.

These meanings make Ketupat Celebration more than just a culinary celebration, but also a spiritual and social reflection for Muslims.

3. Ketupat Eid Traditions in Various Regions

Ketupat Eid is celebrated with various unique traditions in different regions of Indonesia such as:

Central Java and East Java

The community cooks ketupat in large quantities and distributes it to family and neighbors. A selamatan (thanksgiving) event and communal prayers are often held in homes or mosques.

Lombok (Topat Eid)

The Sasak community celebrates Topat Eid with the tradition of visiting graves and a ketupat festival. This event is also enlivened with various traditional games and art performances.

Betawi (Kupatan)

In Jakarta and its surroundings, Ketupat Eid or kupatan is usually celebrated by gathering with extended family while enjoying the typical Betawi vegetable ketupat dish. This tradition shows how Ketupat Eid has become a part of the diverse and rich culture of Nusantara Islam, emphasizing the values of togetherness.

4. When is Ketupat Eid Celebrated?

Ketupat Eid is celebrated a week after Eid al-Fitr, on the 7th or 8th of Syawal. This time is chosen because it follows the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, who recommends fasting for six days in the month of Syawal after Ramadan.

After Muslims complete the Syawal fasting, they hold a thanksgiving celebration by serving ketupat as a symbol of victory and purity. On this day, people visit each other, share food, and strengthen the bonds of friendship with family, neighbors, and relatives.

Although it was initially celebrated only by the Javanese Muslim community, Ketupat Eid is now also commemorated in various regions of Indonesia in different ways according to the local wisdom of each area.

5. How to Celebrate Ketupat Eid?

For those who want to celebrate Ketupat Eid, here are some things that can be done:

1. Making and Serving Ketupat

Ketupat is made by weaving young coconut leaves (janur) and filling them with rice, which is then steamed until cooked. Ketupat is usually served with various traditional side dishes such as chicken opor, rendang, or kupat tahu.

2. Visiting Family and Neighbors

This tradition provides an opportunity to reconnect with relatives and neighbors after being busy with daily activities. Visiting parents or village elders to ask for blessings is also an important part of this celebration.

3. Sharing with Others

The meaning of "luberan" in Ketupat Eid teaches us to share our blessings with others, whether through food or charity. Many communities hold events to share food with those in need. In this way, Ketupat Eid not only becomes an occasion for communal meals but also strengthens social relationships and reinforces the values of togetherness in Islam.

(kpl/frr)