Meugang, Between Derivative Traditions and Obligations in Aceh

In welcoming the big days of Islam, especially the holy month of Ramadan and the feast of the people of Aceh have a unique tradition. Acehnese tradition of welcoming the day before the coming of fasting and the day before celebrating Eid is known as makmeugang or often abbreviated meugang, makmeugang, and uroe meugang.

Gang in Aceh language which means market, where inside there are meat vendors hung under bamboo. On ordinary days, not many common people come to the market. However, on certain days, such as before the fasting month or public holiday will be crowded to the market, so there is a term "makmu that gang nyan" (prosperous once the market). then, be a makmeugang name.

Meugang celebration in Aceh has always been an interesting topic of discussion and a special concern by various parties. In addition to unique and religious also contains the value of togetherness. The meugang tradition is a routine of the people of Aceh with the whole family. Meugang is usually done three times a year, ie at 2 days before fasting, and 2 days before Idul Fitri and Idul Adha.

In various sources that I read, many peeled the values ​​contained in the traditions meugang in Aceh. Like, the meugang tradition that not only has an outward meaning as a celebration of enjoying beef, but also has several dimensions of values ​​that are passed on the teachings of Islam and the customs of the people of Aceh.

The implementation of the Meugang tradition originated from the efforts of the Acehnese people to celebrate the coming of the fasting month and the two festivals, Idul Fitri and Eid al-Adha. For the Muslim community in general, the coming of Ramadan is greeted with great joy. No exception for the people of Aceh.

Meugang performed before the fast is an attempt to be grateful for the coming months of blessing. Meugang on Eid al-Fitr is a form of celebration after a whole month of purifying themselves during Ramadan. While Meugang ahead of Eid al-Adha is a form of gratitude because the people of Aceh can carry out Eid Qurban.

In Aceh's understanding of meugang tradition has been celebrated since the time of the Kingdom of Aceh Darussalam, day meugang always done on certain days in the Palace which was attended by the Sultan, Uleebalang and the pious scholars.

Since the time of the Kingdom of Aceh Darussalam, meugang celebration has become one of the precious moments for the philanthropists and court officials to distribute alms to the poor people. Meugang meat sharing habits are still done by the benefactors in Aceh. Not only the philanthropists, the moment comes Meugang day has also been used as a gathering event and sharing among the office people, so now there is a term in government and private office that is meugang (meugang money), in addition there are also some offices that distribute meat meugang to the poor and orphans.

Tradition meugang which is the day where the nuclear family gathered. This makes the atmosphere of government offices, private companies, and educational institutions will usually be quiet. because the employees prefer to gather at home. Although a day of habit for the wanderers would come home to gather to eat beef with family. The celebration of Meugang becomes important because on that day there will be a meeting of silaturrahmi among the siblings who are at home and who have just returned from the overseas.

Because of the importance of the Meugang tradition, this tradition seems to be an obligation for the people of Aceh. how expensive the price of meat to be paid, the people of Aceh will still buy it, because through the tradition of Meugang the people of Aceh always foster a sense of brotherhood among family members.

In addition to the mandatory tradition that has been hereditary, meugang tradition will also be a moment that challenges the daughters to respect the in-laws. A man, newly married, will be morally charged with providing a few kilograms of meat for his family and his father-in-law. This is a sign that the man is able to provide for the family and respect the in-laws.