Philosophy of the Tradition of Homecoming and Dark Eid 2025

Philosophy of the Tradition of Homecoming and Dark Eid 2025

By: H. Sujaya, S. Pd. Gr.
(Advisory Board of the DPP Association of International Journalists -ASWIN)

Eid al-Fitr 1446 Hijriah or Eid 202 for Indonesian Muslims is a very important moment and is considered sacred to return to their hometowns to meet family, relatives and friends.

However, this year’s homecoming is expected to not be as lively as previous years.

Various data show that the Indonesian economy is sluggish, affecting the excitement of Ramadan until it is predicted that it will not last until Eid 2025. Millions of families are unable to go home for Eid this year. According to CNBC Indonesia, the number of people moving home for Eid this year has decreased from 193,600,000 to 146,480,000.

The fundamental question is why the homecoming tradition is so important and sacred for Indonesian Muslims, because the homecoming tradition is generally only known in Indonesian Muslims and some Malay groups.

*A. Philosophy of the Lebaran Homecoming Tradition*

Homecoming is a tradition that is deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, especially during Eid al-Fitr. Its philosophy reflects several important values, including:

1. Silaturahmi and Returning to the Roots.
Homecoming is not just a physical journey, but also a spiritual journey to return to family and origins. This strengthens social relationships and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood.

2. Forgiveness and Reconciliation
The Eid al-Fitr moment is the right time to apologize and repair relationships that may be strained.

3. Values ​​of Sacrifice and Struggle
Homecoming is often full of challenges, both in terms of cost, traffic jams, and fatigue. However, all of that is carried out with enthusiasm in order to meet your beloved family.

*B. “Dark Eid” 2025*

The meaning of Eid in Indonesian Muslim society and the Malay community is very deep and traditional. So the culture of going home seems to have become a necessity.

Eid, which is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, has a very deep meaning, both in spiritual, social, and cultural terms. The word “Eid” itself comes from Javanese, which has several philosophical interpretations:

1. “Luberan” (Abundance of Grace and Blessings)
Eid symbolizes the abundance of grace and blessings after undergoing the Ramadan fast. Muslims believe that on Eid al-Fitr, they return in a pure state like a newborn baby.

2. “Lebar” (Opening of the Door of Forgiveness)
The tradition of forgiving each other (halalbihalal) is an important part of Eid. This shows that Eid al-Fitr is not only about spiritual victory but also about repairing 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-an” (End of 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 nature (purity).

The term “Dark Lebaran 2025” refers to this year’s Eid celebration which is predicted to be more sluggish due to difficult economic conditions.

A weakening economic condition can have an impact on various aspects of the Eid celebration, including the tradition of going home and public consumption during Ramadan and Lebaran. If people’s purchasing power decreases due to inflation, layoffs, or other economic factors, it is likely that spending on going home, souvenirs, and celebrations will decrease.

Some factors that influence it:

1. Decreased Purchasing Power Inflation, layoffs, and economic uncertainty make people more economical in their Eid shopping.

2. Reduced Homecoming
Expensive transportation costs and economic pressures have made more people choose not to go home.

3. Simpler Celebrations
If previously Eid was synonymous with abundant food, new clothes, and gifts, this year may be simpler.

However, even though this year’s Eid is not as lively as usual, the essence of Eid al-Fitr remains:


Indramayu,March 28,2025

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