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.
Read more about this topic: Rendang
Famous quotes containing the words cultural and/or significance:
“The primary function of myth is to validate an existing social order. Myth enshrines conservative social values, raising tradition on a pedestal. It expresses and confirms, rather than explains or questions, the sources of cultural attitudes and values.... Because myth anchors the present in the past it is a sociological charter for a future society which is an exact replica of the present one.”
—Ann Oakley (b. 1944)
“It is necessary not to be Christian to appreciate the beauty and significance of the life of Christ.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)