It was on the shiny Thursday when all the villagers went to the graveyard and clean it up. A tradition held twice a year on Rajab and Muharam (Islamic month) at the first date of Javanese calendar. A traditional ritual combined with Islamic values, the reflection of syncretism in society.
Few moments after that, all villagers clean up the graveyard, they gathered in one place and someone start to lead the pray before they eat traditional meals together. They warmly welcome our attendance by sharing us their meals.
Uhmmm,,,,what’s the menu? Rice, peyek (such crispy crackers made from wheat flour with nuts on the top of it), fried chicken, fried fish, noodles and many things,,,,
“Wait,,wait up,,,oh c’mon stop it,,,it’s more than enough for me to eat,,,” that’s what I want to said when they gave us many food,,,but what could I do?? I couldn’t speak Javanese (local language spoken by people from Central & East Java Province also Yogyakarta). Besides I felt hesitate to refuse their kindness.
The villagers gave us their food sincerely (though we didn’t bring anything from home :p ). We could feel that somehow they respect us very much and warmly welcomed us. Wonderful!! I could feel togetherness among the villagers, something that rarely found in big cities. People in big cities tend to selfish and individualist. Am I correct?
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