Weaving for Raya

Colours of Raya and warm wishes

The residents of  the Home had extra company for our regular Sunshine Group activity session at the Home. Thanks to some  medical students from Monash Uni who were on a programme to complement their studies, we enjoyed a merrier session.

When hands get busy, more pairs are always welcomed. That Tuesday morning we were introduced to nyaman or weaving to make a simple Raya greetings card by Helen and Linda who conducted the session.  The holy month of Ramadhan has just begun 2 days ago. An early start for the residents to get the cards made will ensure that their friends receive them on time for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

It was not an activity to be hurried. For many, the intrinsic (small) muscles have been dormant for a long time. So when it comes to craft time, using scissors, pinching objects between fingers, we engage ever more with them .  Understandably the fine motor skills to weave in and out for the pattern are also lacking. That's when a little guidance  from a helper made the task manageable. Each step, though inevitably not precise  but  patiently done got them  closer to finishing  a task thought beyond  their completion.

 Helen had taken pains to pre cut the pieces for all to come together to make a simple card.  Each were given  in a kit  just like those crafts that  are sold in the shops.

What's more, the weaving reminds all of us of the local  ketupat, a kind of traditional rice cake wrapped in a  square casing  of young coconut leaves. Even with Raya celebrations waiting, the residents delighted in talking about Raya goodies which they are accustomed to enjoy. They recalled the open house with the ex PM, Tun Mahathir  and how they enjoyed Raya specialities like rendang, lontong, satay, lemang and more...

For some of the students,observing the progress of the session was a learning situation, seeing how the residents and helpers adjust to situations and handicaps. Glad to know that these youths in our midst are the future caregivers and decision makers of tomorrow.The nation needs them.

Slowly but surely it'll get done

More hands make light work

Raya colours for  friends

A hive of activity

Ready to be sealed and sent off!

Visitors from  Monash Uni chip in

The finishing touches

Someone  remembers me!

Thank you for the added warmth and attention 

Festive Raya

Selamat Hari Raya to all my Muslim friends !

Hari Raya Aidifitri is upon us. The important part of every Muslim's life in the month of Ramadan has ended. And the joyous celebration of Raya marks the end of the holy month.

Like so many others, I caught the fervour of the festive spirit in the city. Judging by the crowds that thronged the malls, business was brisk. For the ladies, the lovely clothes will spice their day and the men and little ones were not to be outdone too. In fact, I was looking for a baju kebaya to wear for a choir in November and I knew it was just the right time to be looking for one. As I window shopped, there were many things to enjoy.

Coincidentally, some shopping malls has the same themes of ' Balik Kampong'( literally ' returning home' ) atmosphere for the shoppers. Every Raya, millions of Muslims take this great opportunity to balik kampong to celebrate with their families and relatives. Months before Raya, tickets for travel, especially bus are snapped up well ahead of time to ensure the journeys are made. One song that I enjoy and I heard playing in the malls is the late Sudirman's 'Balik Kampong' which I feel gives so much added fervour to a homecoming. In fact, when I hear it, there's the added spring in my footsteps too :)



I caught the Malay cultural dances, the ketupat making, basket weaving, batik painting, and several traditional Malay crafts showcased to celebrate Raya. Tempting my taste buds were the chicken rendang, ketupat, lemang and the buah rojak sold in the stalls. The many varieties of cookies look so meltingly sweet but I do not have a sweet tooth. So, it's easy to to give them a pass:)







We made a long distance call to Edmonton, Canada to wish our friends, Seif and Shemila. They were truly delighted to hear our voices and told us they'd be in Kuala Lumpur in October.

During Raya , the festive spirit is extended to other Malaysians in the Open House invitations. It is a great way to celebrate one's festivities with the others - Chinese, Indians, and even foreign visitors. It was lovely to meet some old and make new friends at our Raya visits. For the young ones, there's the duit raya to look forward to. The joy of receiving cash in the special raya envelopes makes the young ones happy. I bought some orchids as Hari Raya gifts and made 2 trips to the Orchid Garden to pick my favourites.