As part of a global community, I believe being inclusive also means being open. Sometimes we assume people already know what we’re celebrating, but hey, assumptions can be tricky.
So when one of the Pinterest conference committees asked if anyone wanted to share about the Eid al-Fitr celebration, I raised my hand.
Here’s what I shared:
- Lebaran is what we call Eid al-Fitr in Indonesia. In Southeast Asia, it goes by other names too, like Hari Raya in Malaysia and Singapore, or Wan Raya in Thailand.
- No matter the name, the meaning is deep. Eid al-Fitr marks the celebration of returning to a pure state, like pressing a spiritual reset button.
- And of course, if you’re starting fresh, you’ve got to look fresh. So yes, shopping for new clothes is a very serious tradition. Retail therapy is practically spiritual at this point.
- In Indonesia, we have this epic homecoming ritual called Mudik. Everyone travels back to their hometowns. The whole country moves. So do the traffic jams.
- On the big day, we pray together outdoors, usually in big fields or open spaces, because the mosques simply cannot handle the Eid crowd. It’s beautiful chaos.
- After the prayer, we do a heartfelt tradition called Sungkeman. This is when younger family members kneel and ask forgiveness from their elders. It’s emotional, sincere, and sometimes, tear-filled.
- Then comes the part every kid waits for: Salām Tempel. Basically, it’s a handshake where cash magically appears in your palm. When I was little, I felt rich. Now, as an adult, I’m… the ATM.
- And of course, no celebration is complete without food. Meet Ketupat, rice packed neatly into a woven palm leaf pouch. It’s square, it’s cute, and it tastes amazing when served with dishes like opor ayam or rendang.
- Lastly, there’s a special greeting we use alongside Eid Mubarak. We say “Mohon Maaf Lahir dan Batin,” which means “please forgive me for any mistakes, both seen and unseen.” It’s a beautiful reminder to let go of grudges and start fresh.
I hope this little cultural share gives you a window into what Lebaran means for us. For my non-Muslim friends, think of it like a mix of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, all rolled into one. A time for family, forgiveness, reflection, and food. Lots of food.
Eid al-Fitr isn’t just a religious celebration—it’s a celebration of humanity, togetherness, and joy.
