Not to show off, this is the origin of wearing new clothes on Eid

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, YOGYAKARTA — Buying new clothes is a tradition that is difficult for Muslims in Indonesia to avoid. This tradition is still strong today even though it has existed since the beginning of the 20th century.

The tradition of buying new clothes during Eid was noted by the Indigenous Affairs Advisor to the Dutch Colonial Government, Snouck Hurgronje. This Muslim habit began at the beginning of the 20th century.

“Everywhere the celebration of this party is accompanied by special meals, mutual visits by relatives and acquaintances, the purchase of new clothes, and various forms of joyful entertainment,” wrote Snouck in his letter contained in “Snouck Hurgronje’s Advice During His Service to the Dutch East Indies Government 1889-1936 Volume IV”.

The habit of visiting relatives, neighbors and relatives using new clothes is similar to the European New Year celebration tradition. In the book “Islam in the Dutch East Indies”, Snouck said that the tradition of Eid clothes at that time had become a habit of society, from officials to ordinary people.

Dutch East Indies Government officials will appear in Indonesian clothing in the form of tight cloth or pantaloons typical of European society. While ordinary people follow the fashion for Arab clothing robes, or Kurtas belonging to Indian society.

At that time, batik cloth or kebaya cloth was only worn by nobles so it was not an option. Over time, the choice of Eid clothing developed which made the textile industry in the Dutch East Indies thrive.

The habit of buying Eid clothes was halted during the Japanese colonial era. Apart from the fact that it is increasingly difficult for people to think about buying Eid clothes, even basic necessities are difficult to reach.

However, the tradition of buying Eid clothes is still preserved. It has been proven that in the last 10 days of Eid, mosques began to be quiet while markets, malls and shopping centers were busy.