Nasi Semangat

Untitled
Originally uploaded by UmmAbdrahmaan @alhamdulillah!

Happy Eid 2u2 :)
Eidul Adha is about sacrifices. Sacrificing cows, lambs, goats and camels for us who is not performing hajj. That translate to abundant meat supply for this 4 days celebration. (Eidul Fitr is only 1 day)
Eidul Adha for those performing hajj is performing the hajj rituals.
The above is not associated with hajj or eidul fitr/adha at all.
This is a part of the Malay culture.
When our sons and daughters completed reciting the holy qur'an for the first time, we'd have a small celebration (kenduri), 'khatam Qu'ran" where we invite neighbours and friends to the house to recite some parts of the Qur'an together and listen to the recitation of the qur'an from our sons and daughters who have completed their Qur'anic lessons. Then, we eat together merrily :)
Then, we'd send a party bearing gifts to the house of the qur'an teacher who have taught our sons and daughters. The standard gifts would include this "nasi semangat" - made out of yellow ( from turmeric root) sticky rice molded on round 12" bowl and decorated with "bunga telur" - flowers made from coloured papers, plastics, ribbons, organzas, cloths and decorated with colourful pearls, beads etc which are assembled on a bamboo stick and hard boiled egg is attached to it.
Other gifts would include thaub (the long dress for man), pants, keffiyeh and head scarfs to wrap around the head together with some money. All is nicely wrapped.
It is also customary to send along a complete meal along with it i.e. rice, a beef or chicken dishes, vegetables and fruits and desserts in a tepen.
My father is a Qur'an teacher teaching kids and adults to read qur'an as far as i can remember. When I was a kid, I was always looking forward to these gifts. Eventhough, it's not meant for me but I do get to taste whatever food, fruits or desserts sent to our house :)

Here Momma! For you...

Untitled
Originally uploaded by UmmAbdrahmaan @alhamdulillah!

We were up on top of the taman panorama. We walked into the building and went out to tha balcony facing the Radio station. When we walked back inside, I spotted one of this flower in the corner by the glass wall. Jr saw it too and he picked it up and gave it to me.

"Here Momma! For you. Someone left it here just for you!"

I refused and told him to put it back from where he got it from.

But Jr insisted that I wear the flower to decorate my head... Asking me to bend down so that he can tuck the flower on the side of my headscarf... How sweet of him!