In Aceh, the tradition of celebrating the dead is often referred to as "selametan" or "kenduri of the spirits." This celebration is an event to pray for the souls of people who have died and ask for safety for the families left behind. Usually, greetings are carried out by inviting relatives, neighbors and friends to pray together and eat the food that has been prepared.
This event has strong religious values, with prayers and reading of holy verses an integral part of the salvation. The dishes served can also vary, but often include yellow rice and other typical Acehnese dishes.
Selametan is not only a form of prayer for the soul of the deceased, but also a form of moral support and solidarity between families and communities in the face of loss. Thanks
