3 Eid Traditions in Aceh that are Full of Meaning of Togetherness, from Sharing Meat to Greeting Tempel

Traders cut meat for sale to consumers ahead of the meugang tradition (ANTARA)

YOGYAKARTA - Eid is always the most anticipated moment to strengthen relationships with family, relatives, and neighbors. The uniqueness of this celebration is also seen from various unique traditions in various regions of Indonesia that are maintained from generation to generation, one of which is in Aceh.

Aceh has a tradition of Eid that has been going on for hundreds of years, even since the era of the Sultanate of Aceh. This tradition is full of meaning of togetherness and is part of the identity of the culture of the people of Aceh. This article will discuss some of the Eid traditions in Aceh that are still alive until now.

3 Eid Traditions in Aceh

Quoted from various sources, the following are 3 of the Lebaran traditions that are still maintained and preserved by the Acehnese people:

Meugang: The tradition of cooking and sharing meat

One of the most famous traditions in Aceh before Lebaran is Meugang or often also called Makmeugang. Meugang is a tradition of buying and cooking meat to be enjoyed with the family and sharing with people in need. This tradition is usually carried out two days before Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.

The Meugang tradition has been going on since the Aceh Sultanate, precisely during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Muda in the 17th century. At that time, the sultan ordered the slaughter of a large number of animals to be distributed to the public, especially the poor. This policy was even regulated in the qanun or royal law known as Meukuta Alam.

More than just eating meat, Meugang has a strong social value. Usually, people who are able to share with neighbors or relatives who are less able. Therefore, Meugang is often considered a symbol of togetherness and gratitude of the Acehnese people in welcoming the great days of Islam.

Meuleumak: Gathering together during Eid

In addition to Meugang, there is also the Meuleumak tradition which is still maintained by the Acehnese people, especially in several areas such as Pidie. This tradition is usually held during Lebaran Idul Fitri as a form of socializing and strengthening brotherhood among residents. This activity is often pioneered by young people in the village.

In the Meuleumak tradition, the community holds a feast or a meal together with a typical menu of leumak rice. The preparation of the event is carried out by the residents in a gotong royong, while the funds generally come from donations from young people who are traveling.

Not only just eating together, the Meuleumak event is usually also filled with prayers together. This prayer is offered for the safety of the community and the blessing of life. It is values of togetherness that make the Meuleumak tradition still preserved.

Purpose: Greeting stickers for newlyweds

Another unique Eid tradition in Aceh is Teumuntuk, which is widely found in the South West Aceh region. This tradition is related to newly married couples. When Eid arrives, the couple will visit the family and relatives' houses to socialize.

When shaking hands with the bride and groom, the family usually gives money that is tucked in their hands. This gift is called a tempel salam or Teumuntuk. This tradition is a symbol of prayer and support so that the new couple can live a good life at home.

Interestingly, before Lebaran, the groom's family usually sends ingredients to make traditional cakes to the bride's family. After the cake is made, cakes such as keukarah, juadah, and leumang are then delivered to the male party's family.

This is the discussion of 3 Lebaran traditions in Aceh. The existence of these traditions is a reminder that cultural heritage has an important role in maintaining community harmony. As long as it is still maintained and passed on to the next generation, the Lebaran tradition in Aceh will remain alive and become part of the wealth of Indonesian culture.

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