Idul Adha

Before heading back to the States I had the opportunity to have one more cultural experience. Idul Adha is a celebration that comes in the middle of the hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslim's are required to go on once in their lifetime). Idul Adha commemerates when Abraham sacrificed Ishmael based on the Old Testament story of Abraham sacrificing Isaac. It is a day where every family who is able buys a goat or cow to be sacrificed and the meat goes to the poor. Well, this sounds very nice but seeing it actually take place was a different story. A group of us walked up to one site where the sacrifices were taking place. There they sacrificed over 30 goats and 2 cows. Once dead the goats were hung and skinned, then an assembly line of men cut out the innerd and butchered the goats. They made all these piles of the different types of meat and the heads and the skins and the inners. A group of women were present to cook food for those working, including Aaron's house helper who seemed to be in charge and invited us into the back tent for an up close look at the butchering and cooking process. Here are just some highlight pics, although there are many, many more.

Some of the goats tied up waiting their turn.

Do you think this goat is wondering what is going on? Does he realize that he is next?

There was definitely a crowd that had gathered to view or celebrate the event. To add to the festivities their was a man selling balloons and noise makers and the ice cream man was there selling treats.

I know this one is a little graphic, but it was amazing to me how many kids were there running around. Even young kids were present, looking on at this event.

Here a woman makes some krupuk.

These women were cooking up lots of food.

Aaron's house helper. Isn't she cute?

Here the men begin to skin the goats.

Down in this area they had laid tarps down so that they could butcher the goats right on site. These men all worked on different parts, doing different jobs. By the end of the day these piles will be pretty large. We got the backstage tour, normally people weren't walking around back here.

The goats all hanging in a row waiting to be skinned.

A guy asked if we wanted to help. Jennie jumped right in. Here he is showing her what to do.

I was a little hesitant but decided to give it a try.

Aaron was given this job, then the guy walked away glad for the extra help and fully trusting Aaron would get the work done.

Time for the cow. Once all the goats were killed they sacrificed the two cows. They had some difficulty tying it up and pinning it down.

The crowd looks on.