The Meaning of Ketupat and Lebaran and Its Philosophy
By: H. Sujaya, S. Pd. Gr.
(DPP ASWIN Advisory Board)
Ketupat is a typical dish that is identical to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr in Indonesia.
Ketupat, which is made from boiled rice wrapped in woven young coconut leaves (janur), has a deep philosophical meaning in Nusantara culture, especially among the Javanese and Malay communities.
*A. Philosophical Meaning of Ketupat*
1. Symbol of Purity and Sincerity
The word “ketupat” in Javanese is called kupat, which is an acronym for ngaku lepat (admitting mistakes). This symbolizes the moment of Lebaran as a time to forgive each other and return to purity after undergoing the Ramadan fast.
2. Weaving as a Symbol of Life
The shape of woven coconut leaves reflects the complexity of human life which is full of twists and turns. However, after being peeled, the ketupat shows its pure white contents, which symbolizes a heart that has returned to purity after undergoing the Ramadan fast.
3. Symbol of Togetherness and Generosity
Ketupat is often served and shared with neighbors and relatives, reflecting the values of mutual cooperation and togetherness in society.
4. Meaning of Abundance and Blessings
The dense and fluffy shape of ketupat after being cooked symbolizes abundant sustenance and blessings given after carrying out the fast.
*B. Ketupat in the Eid Tradition*
In addition to being served with chicken opor, rendang, and sambal goreng ati, ketupat is also used in various traditional rituals, such as Syawalan in Java and Lebaran Ketupat in several regions such as Madura and Lombok, which are celebrated a week after Eid al-Fitr.
Overall, ketupat is not only a typical Eid food, but also has deep cultural, spiritual, and social values for the Indonesian people.
*C. Philosophy of Lebaran and Its Meaning*
Lebaran, celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, has a very deep meaning, both in spiritual, social, and cultural terms. The word “Lebaran” itself comes from Javanese, which has several philosophical interpretations:
1. “Luberan” (Abundance of Grace and Blessings)
Lebaran symbolizes the abundance of grace and blessings after undergoing the Ramadan fast. Muslims believe that on Eid al-Fitr, they return to a pure state like a newborn baby.
2. “Lebaran” (Opening of the Door of Forgiveness)
The tradition of mutual forgiveness (halalbihalal) is an important part of Lebaran. This shows that Lebaran is not only about spiritual victory but also about improving social relationships and purifying the heart from past mistakes.
3. “Laburan” (Purifying Oneself)
In Javanese tradition, labur means white or clean. Lebaran is a symbol of cleansing the soul after fasting and increasing faith in God.
4. “Lebaran” (The End of the Fasting Struggle)
Fasting for a whole month is likened to a long journey full of tests. Lebaran marks the success of passing the test and returning to fitrah (purity).
Indramayu. 3/25/2025
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