Comments on: Idul Fitri and Christmas have similar substances http://indonesianmuslim.com/idul-fitri-and-christmas-have-similar-substances.html Thinking about Islam and Indonesia Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:56:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: Adhi Sanjaya http://indonesianmuslim.com/idul-fitri-and-christmas-have-similar-substances.html#comment-744 Adhi Sanjaya Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:25:24 +0000 http://indonesianmuslim.com/idul-fitri-and-christmas-have-similar-substances.html#comment-744 I 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 I 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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