Cultural Significance
Rendang is revered in Minangkabau culture, as it contains their philosophy, musyawarah; traditional discussion and consultation to the elders. The four main ingredients symbolize the wholeness of Minangkabau society:
- Dagiang (meat), symbolize "Niniak Mamak": traditional clan leaders; such as datuk, nobles, royalties or revered elders.
- Karambia (coconut), symbolize "Cadiak Pandai": intellectuals such as teachers, poets and writers
- Lado (chilli), symbolize "Alim Ulama": clerics, ulama and religious leader. The hotness of chilli symbolize the strict sharia
- Pemasak (spices), symbolize the rest of Minangkabau society.
In Minangkabau tradition, rendang is pre-requisite dish during special occasions in traditional Minang ceremonies and served to honor a special guest. From birth ceremony to circumcision, marriage, and Al Quran recital.
In Malay tradition such as those in west coast of Sumatra or in Malay Peninsula, rendang is a special dish served in various traditional ceremonies; circumcision, marriage, and religious festival such as Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha.
In Malay classical literature, rendang is mentioned in Hikayat Amir Hamzah, as early as the 1550s.
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