Hari Raya Haji

So I tried to start up my language classes again this week but was unable to do so because it's ANOTHER holiday in Malaysia. Today was Hari Raya Haji, also known as Hari Raya Aidil Adha. Actually, this story will likely sound familar to you even if you aren't Muslim. Today, this very holy day for Muslims all around the world is in celebration of the day that Ibriham offered his son to Allah as a sacrifice, but the child was at the last moment spared and unbeknownst to Ibriham replaced with a goat. Very similar to the story of Abraham that many of us studied in Sunday school as children... when we weren't busy terrorizing the Sunday school teacher that is. Traditionally, if you are not in Mecca today, as over 2 million Muslims are as we speak, then most people will 'balik kampung' ie. return to their village where the well off residents will slaughter a cow and share the meat with the less advantaged people around them.

But honestly, I sometimes wonder how anyone gets any work done around here. Since the beginning of Ramadan there have been more public holidays than I can count. It's only fair that a society represented by three ethnicities (Malay, Chinese, and Indian) with four decidedly different religions (Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian) and traditions allow all of those ethnicites their holidays, but it sure does lead to a whole lot of days off of work. Starting with Ramadan and working your way forward, it's the month of fasting, though you don't get time off of work for this, historically productiveness is known to be rather sluggish this month. The end of the month culminates in a week of holidays that at least this year fell together, though probably do not always, as they are based on a Lunar calendar. So that is Hari Raya and Deepavali. Deepavali being an Indian holiday celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Next come the Christian holidays which, just like home are brought in with much commercial fanfare, holiday decorations everywhere, and parties and such. Leading us up to Christmas and New Years. That passes and then we're onto the above mentioned holiday. Next comes Chinese New Year. This too is based on the Lunar calendar and this year falls on the 29th and 30th of January. Then on the 31st is another Muslim holiday Awal Muharam. A celebration of the anniversary of the muslim pilgrims' migration from Macca to Medinah. Then on Feb 1 is Federal Territory Day a government adminstrative holiday. Thats four days of holiday in one week! For the Chinese the New Years celebrations will actually last for more like 10 days and most Chinese businesses (ie most businesses in Malaysia) will be shut for 10 days.

And of course, we can't forget Feb.2. Groundhogs Day!!!! Okay, so there's no Puxatawny Phil here to announce the end of winter... But perhaps there could be a Uncle Louie the Monkey announce the end of the rainy season? Well whatever, guess thats one I'll just have to wait for next year to enjoy.

Of course, the good (and bad) thing about working on a thesis and doing schoolwork is that, aside from language classes with someone who does follow the holiday calendar, most of my work does not. I found myself studying on Hari Raya, Deepavali, Thanksgiving, over the holidays in the US, and on and on... A student can always find work to do...

But hey, I'm not complaining... :-)