Lebaran Ketupat: A Tradition Following Idul Fitri
Date for 2025: Lebaran Ketupat in 2025 will fall on April 7th, as it is celebrated on the 8th of Syawal, one week after Idul Fitri (assuming Idul Fitri is on March 31st). This tradition involves fasting for six days after Idul Fitri.
Origin and Significance: According to NU’s website, Lebaran Ketupat is closely associated with one of the Nine Saints of Islam in Java, Sunan Kalijaga, who introduced the tradition of ‘ketupat.’ This practice emerged during the era of the Nine Saints (Wali Songo) by incorporating the existing ‘slametan’ tradition to teach Islamic principles of gratitude to Allah, charity, and maintaining kinship on the day of Idul Fitri.
Symbolism of Ketupat:
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Meaning of ‘Ketupat’: The Javanese word ‘ngaku lepat’ translates to ‘acknowledging mistakes.’ By sharing and consuming ketupat, Muslims symbolically acknowledge their faults, forgive each other, and seek forgiveness, following the teachings of Islam.
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Symbolic Elements: The diamond-shaped rice cake wrapped in coconut leaves symbolizes protection from harm for the Javanese people. The four-sided shape reflects the principle of ‘kiblat papat lima pancer,’ signifying that, regardless of where humans go, they will always return to Allah.
Symbolism in White and Woven Patterns:
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Complex Weaving: Some interpret the intricate weave of ketupat’s casing as representing the various mistakes of humans.
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White Color: When ketupat is split in half, its white color signifies purity and cleanliness after seeking forgiveness for mistakes.
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Rice Filling: The rice filling symbolizes prosperity following the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
Through the tradition of Lebaran Ketupat, Indonesians, particularly those in Java, blend cultural practices with Islamic teachings, fostering unity, forgiveness, and spiritual reflection during the festive season.
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