Meungang (Acehnese language) is one tradition that is still preserved in Aceh. Meugang or some call it ma'meugang is a tradition of eating meat at the time before the fasting of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. This tradition is believed to be a very important and should not be abandoned for the people of Aceh. The practice of meugang celebration is celebrated by all levels of society, both in the village and in the city.
Meugang tradition is basically a series of activities from buying, processing, and eating beef for two days before fasting. The activity of eating beef is a symbol that the menu of 'luxury' can be enjoyed by all people in welcoming the great days of Islam, regardless of status or class.
This meugang celebration is also an important moment for families, especially parents to gather with family. Usually on the day of the event, children and relatives who migrate or have a family and live in distant places, they will go home and gather on the day of the event. There is no very special celebration at the Meugang celebration. The main event is eating meat that has been cooked with various dishes together.
At this Meugang celebration, several orphans were invited to the house to eat. This is not done by everyone, only a few people. It is estimated that they are people who are capable and have good religious knowledge. Most of the people celebrated meugang only by eating meat with their own family and relatives.
Meugang tradition has existed since ancient times. At that time, the people of Aceh considered that eating beef was a special activity. Because, they almost never consume cows other than on certain days. The Meugang tradition has been going on since the time of the Iskandar Muda Sultanate in Aceh. To give special food to its poor citizens, the Sultan then divided the beef for free for its citizens.
This is done by the Sultan as a form of gratitude to God who has provided prosperity and prosperity for the people of Aceh. At that time, a month before Meugang the village head had received a letter to record the poor in their respective villages. Based on what had been collected, the Sultan sent money to buy cattle for the poor. In another note, Sultan Iskandar Muda mentioned cutting large numbers of animals and the meat was distributed free of charge to all the people. This was done by the Sultan regularly before the fast of Ramadan. over time, the procession carried out by the Sultan mushroomed to motivate the rich to participate in the event. Meugang later became the tradition of the majority Muslim community in Aceh. Although the model is different from the Sultanate period, the meaning contained behind it is the same.
In ancient times, the people of Aceh considered eating meat as a luxurious food. In addition to the meugang day, people almost never eat meat. In the tradition of the Acehnese people, welcoming Ramadan must be at a large party and gather all family members so that the day is held.
Even in the past, there were husbands who divorced their wives because they did not go home on the day of meugang. "Divorced because her parents were embarrassed why her husband did not go home, it was considered as if he had nothing," Badruzzaman explained.
When meugang, overseas residents cannot send money to buy meat but have to go home and bring meat to their parents. For people in Aceh, the day of offering without buying or eating meat feels incomplete, even like disgrace. Poor riches are obliged to have it.
If in a village there are poor people who are unable to buy meat, the village head will collect money jointly so that all citizens can eat meat.
There are so many types of meat dishes that are cooked when Meugang arrives ... Every region has its own type of cuisine ... Because I come from Aceh Besar, we usually cook like: Rendang, Sie Reuboh, Keueng Acid Meat (Asam Keueung), Meat Soup, and etc.
So this is the most special type of cuisine when meugang arrives in addition there are several other complementary menus such as Fried Chicken, Curry Chicken, and some types of pickles as a complementary menu.
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