Few years later, memories of iftars in Ramadan will be filled with imaginations of enjoying nasi ambeng with friends and family.
Over time, when this practice continues, having nasi ambeng for iftar becomes part of the Ramadan tradition in Singapore – a re-invention of tradition.
Due to the resemblance of the side dishes and significance of nasi ambeng in a ritual, it has been compared with nasi tumpeng.
However, while nasi tumpeng has been served more in commemorative events or rituals; nasi ambeng is closely affiliated to the thanksgiving ritual of slametan, kenduren or kenduri.
Known by other names such as nasi berkat, nasi bancaan or even nasi tumpeng in other Javanese communities in the world, nasi ambeng distinguishes itself from other variants of food served in a slametan by the manner in which it is being served – in a tray and having people sitting around it (‘ambengan’ in Javanese).
In the past, the nasi ambeng is not consumed in situ but be divided equally among those seated around it, packed and brought home to be shared with family. The packed food is often referred to as nasi berkat.
So the same dish of rice with side dishes can change its term of reference from being the focus of attention in a ritual as nasi tumpeng or nasi bancaan (usually placed in front of the person leading the congregational supplications and announcing the intent [‘hajat’] of the host); then becomes nasi ambeng when people sit around it to consume just enough; and thereafter becomes nasi berkat when it is brought home.
As you enjoy your nasi ambeng as part of the iftar or breaking of fast this Ramadan, know that you are part of the reinvention of the nasi ambeng tradition, from slametan to Ramadan.
JavaNiche 