Al Makin
Idul Fitri and Christmas bear a substantial similarity to each other: their human side. It is true — from a theological perspective — that both celebrations have to do with a man’s business with his God. Yet, in real life, the two involve more a man’s business with other men than man’s business with his God.
During the days prior to Idul Fitri, Indonesian Muslims are always eager to go back to their home towns (mudik) to spend their holidays with their relatives and close friends. Unfortunately, competition is stiff for the already incredibly steeply priced bus, train, airplane, and boat tickets.
Many, alternatively, decide to mudik with their motorcycles, riding from one end of the long island of Java to the other, or points in between. The same pattern occurs during the Christmas holidays in both Germany and Canada, as reflected in the soaring price of airplane tickets. Christmas is a human holiday. So is Idul Fitri.
Read the full article in The Jakarta Post, September 30, 2008.
1 user commented in " Idul Fitri and Christmas have similar substances "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackI think all day called “religious holiday” should have this cultural-related behavior. In the previous era, people used to live in a compound as a big family. They did farming and cultivate the local resources. As the modern (industrialized) influence came up, people tend to live far distance from the place they grew up. Holidays become a golden opportunity to gather family member together in a special event (where they are free from their bosses, schedules, works, schools, etc.)
Thus, to my opinion, it is not the essence of the Christmas or Idul Fitri itself, but more about people’s culture in utilizing freedom. Freedom from tight schedules, from regular living activities, and rehearse their steps - remind them where they came from.
Thank you very much!
Adhi
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