Jakarta, IO – The 10th of the Muharram in the Islamic calendar is commonly known as Assyura Day has its own meaning for world Muslims, especially Indonesia.
The day is believed to be virtuous. One of the observances performed on 10th of the Muharram is the Assyura fasting which is preceded by the Tasua fasting on the 9th, per Kompas, Friday (28/7).
As a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Assyura Day in Indonesia is celebrated with various traditions. One of them is cooking porridge. This tradition is usually carried out in a number of regions such as Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan and Penyengat Island in the Riau Islands.
This savoury yellow porridge is distinctive for its cooking process, which must involve residents from the same village.
Another interesting thing is that the porridge must contain 41 types of ingredients which are mixed during cooking. These ingredients can consist of vegetables, nuts, etc.
While the number of ingredients are fixed, they can be adjusted to the economic conditions of the residents. Afterward, the resident will pray together and have a feast.
Another unique tradition in Polewali Mandar, West Sulawesi is shopping for tools and kitchen utensils without haggling.
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This tradition can last three days from the 10th to the 12th of the Muharram. They include agricultural tools such as axes, hoes, machetes and sickles. There are also kitchen utensils such as pots, pans, washing tubs or spoons.
Residents who buy in shops or markets are not allowed to bargain. The community believes that this will improve their fortune in the next year. (un)