Page 88 - FREN-C2021 PROCEEDINGS

Javanese migrants have been accepted as part of the Malay society and their tradition has also been
adopted and assimilated. The Javanese people had been said to be a society that prioritizes family and
camaraderie relationships, nevertheless, they can assimilate with Malay society as well as adapt to the
culture (USM, 2009). However, the way the Javanese communicate in Malay can be easily recognized
through their accent particularly among the senior citizens. The Javanese descendants in Malaysia
have been inculcated and internalized with Javanese culture, language, ethical manners, arts and menu
since young, thus they are now still practising the heritage and culture of their ancestors (USM, 2009).
This can be embedded since the Javanese society usually lives in groups and form their society and the
situation has indirectly been prevented the extinction of Javanese culture.

The Javanese accents are still there although they have long been called the Javanese Malay (Melayu
Jawa). Javanese people are famous for their friendliness and easily adapt to the new environments and
local society. The cultural aspect like art, dance and food are also brought together in their communal
life. Two famous food-related to the Javanese people are ‘nasi ambeng/ambang’ and ‘bubur merah’.
The ‘nasi ambeng’ is a Javanese rice platter that includes an assortment of meat dishes together with
Javanese kinds of vegetable cooking and fried noodle. Over the changes of time, the red porridge, ‘nasi
ambeng’ and some other Javanese dishes are still being accepted and becomes favourite food to many
Javanese and other local people until now (Nurhayati, et. al., 2014).

Looking at the ‘bubur merah’/red porridge, it has meanings on its own, starting from the ingredients
to the purpose of giving the porridge to someone or during special occasions. Firstly, the rice is
washed properly and cooked for quite a long time to turn it into porridge. During the simmering
process, brown sugar is added to turn the porridge to act as a colouring effect. The porridge turns
slightly brownish/reddish. The red colour signifies the blood that flows out during childbirth and
simultaneously indicates the spirit of a mother. In another perspective, the white porridge means the
spirit of a father. Both mother and father need each other to raise a child. This dish also resembles the
good and the bad times during marriage when it is being served to the newlyweds and guests. It
indicates that human being must be very courageous and strong in facing the hurdles during lifetime.

Even though times changed but the meaning of red and white porridge remains unchanged amongst
Javanese society in Malaysia nowadays. Like their ancestors, Javanese society believes that red and
white porridge interprets a lot of hidden yet valuable meaning. One of them is they believe that the red
and white porridge is made as a symbol to repel evil or to keep people from misfortune and negativity.
Therefore, it is not surprising that red and white porridge is still now often made and served at events
such as to welcome newborns, birthday celebrations, weddings, harvest season, a form of gratitude to
avoid accidents or bad incidents, and many other occasions.

The tradition of preparing the red and white porridge continues until today in some parts where there
is Javanese society, particularly in Selangor and Johor. They are still upholding the beliefs that red
and white porridge have their meaning and philosophy. The Javanese society in Malaysia refers to
some events as ‘bancakan’, ‘syukuran’, or ‘selamatan’, where the red and white porridge will be
served and shared after offering prayers and hopes to the Almighty. Overall, the social dimension,
sharing red and white porridge can also increase friendship for neighbours and share happiness and
prayers to take care of each other.

Cooking Methods
Ideally, ‘bubur merah’ is a dish that is fast to cook and the ingredients are basic thus can be obtained
easily and cheap. The preparation will not take a long time as most of the raw materials that include
rice, glutinous rice, coconut milk, brown and white sugar and also salt can be gathered from the kitchen.
It is interesting to note that the cooking method is kind of unique. The rice and glutinous rice are
combined and washed properly. Next, cook both rice to become porridge and add the coconut milk. It

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