Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a celebration of victory, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan. Celebrations in the past were deeply rooted in tradition, however, some of these customs have evolved.
One significant difference is the sending and receiving of physical Hari Raya greetings cards.
These cards would be displayed as decorations in living and dining rooms for visitors to admire while those with families abroad would eagerly anticipate receiving Hari Raya cards from overseas.
With the rapid development of the internet, virtual greeting cards and even virtual Hari Raya visits have become commonplace. Family members unable to return home for the celebrations use video calls as a platform to connect with families hosting open houses.
For 76-year-old Fatimah binti Tengah from Kampong Pengkalan Sibabau, there have been significant changes in how Bruneians celebrate Hari Raya, particularly in terms of preparations. While some households still prepare during the first week of Ramadhan, many now leave it until the last minute.
She recalled her younger days when the preparations and atmosphere began to be felt during the first few days of fasting. By the second week, families would start their preparations, with everyone, including young children, lending a hand. Unlike today, where children are often preoccupied with mobile phones and gadgets, rather than helpingout.
The same applies to Hari Raya biscuits and cakes. In the past, she would help the other female family members prepare homemade Raya cookies and cakes. Now, however, many opt to order or buy from stalls, avoiding the hassle of baking due to hectic work schedules and time constraints.
Fatimah also remembered when she lived in Kampong Sumbiling Baru, she and her neighbours would walk together to make Raya visits around the village. When they needed to visit families living further away, they arranged for someone to transport them.
Fatimah also misses the days when young children made Raya visits on foot, going from house to house, collecting ‘green packets’ (gifts of money) and enjoying the food and drinks served. The children would usually be seen in groups.
For the family of Hamdani bin Haji Abdul Hamid, the trend of open houses has changed over the years. Unlike before, when they were typically held during the first two weeks of Hari Raya, open house invitations now extend throughout the entire month of Syawal, with some renting venues or function halls to host them.
As for the Hari Raya atmosphere, while the tradition of elderly and family visits on the first day remains, it is somewhat less lively than in past years. However, families still enjoy catching up and sharing food, he said. Kampong Ayer Zone 2 Village Head Haji Mayalin bin Haji Saat recalled that the most significant memories of Hari Raya in the past were playing with firecrackers with friends and family and visiting as many relatives and friends’ houses as possible throughout the day, ensuring no one was missed and visits could conclude early.
Unlike today, people take their time making visits and usually spend a while in each house, especially those serving Hari Raya delicacies for the guests to enjoy.
The atmosphere in Kampong Ayer then involved family members sharing the tasks of cleaning the house, putting up curtains and installing colourful decorative lights.
Haji Mayalin, originally from Kampong Saba Darat ‘B’, shared that the number of houses and people in Kampong Ayer has decreased. Many houses have either burned down or collapsed, causing residents to move to the mainland. As a result, Hari Raya in Kampong Ayer is no longer as lively and noisy as it once was, he added. – Lyna Mohamad
