Then vs Now: How Raya Celebrations Have Changed Over the Years in Malaysia

“The only constant in life is change.”

We’ve all heard this saying before. As ironic as it sounds, it’s true. We live in an era where everything around us is constantly changing. We used to bungkus our food from coffee shops, now we have food delivery services. We even went from black and white film to 8K LED screens. Omg, slow down guys! Come to think of it, there’s so much we do differently now compared to 10, 20 years ago.

Well, with Raya fast approaching, we decided to compile a list of things we do differently now in Malaysia during this festive season compared to a decade or two ago. See if these make you reminisce the good ol’ days:

 

1. DUIT RAYA

Then

It actually started off as a donation to the poor and needy. Although how it started isn’t exactly clear, it is believed to be inspired by the Islamic teaching of giving alms, especially to the less fortunate.

Duit Raya also used to be given without the green packets or sampul duit raya plus, it was common to give only coins instead of dollar notes.

 

Now

Duit Raya has since evolved into becoming a rather compulsory “gift” especially to children and young relatives. They’re no longer in the form of coins but dollar notes ranging from RM5 or RM10 to RM50, even RM100.

Today, the money is also packed in green packets, inspired by the Chinese New Year ang pows.

 

2. RAYA FASHION

Then 

Long ago, the Raya outfits that were often worn revolved around the usual kebayas, baju kurung, and baju melayu. The main differences were usually just the colour and print on the clothing. Design and cutting were often similar to one another.

 

Now

Fast forward to today and even the tudungs have different designs, cuttings, and styles. As for the women’s baju kurung, we now have unique kebayas, abayas, even kaftans. The men’s baju melayu, on the other hand, are also becoming more “modern” with local designers coming up with outfits influenced by the jubah and kurta.

 

3. RAYA HOLIDAYS

Then

When you were still in tadika or kindergarten, you probably remember going back to your nenek or atuk’s house situated deep inside a quiet kampung complete with live chickens running around. That quaint little wooden house on stilts was where most would gather during Raya.

 

Now

For some of us these days, especially the newly married couples, in order to escape giving Duit Raya and getting stuck in the balik kampung traffic, we’d rather use our hard earned money to go makan angin overseas. In fact, according to NST, celebrating Aidilfitri abroad is becoming a new trend amongst Malaysians.

After all, Raya lasts for a month. That means we can still visit our relatives at a later date. 😛

 

4. MEETING RELATIVES

Then

Once upon a time, before the existence of smartphones and iPads, visiting relatives back in our kampung meant that we would play together with our cousins and other friends in the outdoors. We would be barefooted running up and down muddy paths and climbing up anything that could hold our weight.

 

Now

However, with our phones and fancy gadgets now, both the adults and kids are usually glued to their screens. The kids would often be playing games by themselves as opposed to playing with other kids too. While that saves the adults the hassle of making sure their kids don’t do anything naughty, that’s not what the Raya spirit is about! 🙁

 

5. RAYA DECORATIONS

Then

Hanging ketupats, stars, and moons–three of the most common decor items you’ve probably seen in houses during your Raya visits in the past. After all, ketupats were a good way for families to bond with one another as it takes time and patience to fold these rice-filled leafy pouches.

 

Now

Today, we’ve evolved from the usual green coloured ketupat decorations to colourful flowers, ornaments and so much more. And while the ketupat makes for some very delicious decor pieces, it’s always good to change things up a bit, and that’s exactly what Sunway Pyramid is doing!

This Raya, Sunway Pyramid will be in full bloom as it celebrates the festive season with a Bunga-Bunga Raya themed concourse.

That’s right, Sunway Pyramid will be fully decorated with Hibiscus flowers and more. So do come dressed in your Raya outfits and take as many photos as you can here! Time to add some colour to your Instagram feed.

In fact, if you absolutely love flowers, make sure you drop by the Flower Market by Fleurs and bring home some floral gifts and decor for your own home! There will also be workshops where shoppers can tend to their own mini garden over the weekends.

Besides the gorgeous flowers, shoppers can also sweeten their Raya experience by treating themselves to some free Royce chocolates at the concourse!

Additionally, if you happen to be doing your Raya shopping at Sunway Pyramid, keep those receipts because you might just be able to redeem a Yankee Candle for yourself. All you need to do is spend at least RM500 in two receipts (RM400 for HSBC credit cardholders) to redeem a free jar of Yankee Candle at the concourse.

In the mood for more goodies? Then try your luck at winning a limited edition Vespa too! All you have to do is:

1. Visit the Orange Concourse in Sunway Pyramid
2. Scan a unique QR code to download the Sunway Pyramid app
3. Register for the Vespa giveaway contest

That’s it! Contest ends on 9 June though, so head there soon!

Additionally, there will be fun and unique activities as well where you and your friends and family can take part in. The activities include:

• Bunga-Bunga Swing
• Floral Memory Lane
• Interactive Blooming Garden
• Blooming Floral Walk
• Hopscotch Play Area

To make sure you don’t miss any of these activities, make sure you get the Bunga-Bunga Raya Activity Card to ensure you take part in all these immersive activities.

We’re not sure about you but Sunway Pyramid sure looks like a pretty great place to do your Raya shopping, kan? They even have their very own music video! Check it out below:

Interested to give Sunway Pyramid a visit, or want to find out more about their Bunga-Bunga Raya event? Visit their website today! Additionally, you can keep up to date with the latest promos by following their Facebook album here!