CIRCUMCISION ceremony is a big event in a young Muslim boy's life as it marks his coming of age, from boyhood to manhood.
In the Malay community, the boys about to undergo the ceremony are made to feel very important, with new clothes and attention showered on them.
The feasting and merriment vary according to the social standing of the boys.
Circumcision is known as bersunat or berkhatan and together with bertunang (engagement) and marriage is normally celebrated during long school holidays like now.
Among royalties, berkhatan is held on a grand scale. The Kelantan royal family has a tradition of carrying the young prince on a special dais called Burung Petalawati or phoenix, elaborately decorated, accompanied by a big procession of musicians and people carrying bunga telor and pulut kuning (both are ornamental items and edible as well - egg and saffron glutinous rice respectively).
The ceremony is accompanied by a feast for the guests as well as the rakyat.
Many years ago, the Sultan of Brunei held a grand `coming of age' ceremony for his son and among the guests were heads of states from around the world.
For commoners, the mass circumcision is often held in groups involving 20 or more boys in the village or housing estate starting with dunking in pools where the `victims' are allowed to splash freely for an hour or so before they are brought to the place to be circumcised. The fun-filled dip is supposed to numb the skin.
In some places, they are carried on elephants or other vehicles but usually they ride on their fathers' shoulders.
They are assured all the way not to be afraid as it is only like `ant bites'.
The rite is performed by a Tok Mudim, most feared by boys for what they could do to them. But today the Tok Mudim's job has been taken over by doctors or even hospital attendants - taking away the fear factor.
After the ceremony, there will be music, entertainment and feasting, while the boys would be lying immobile under a sarong held away from the `wound' by a string and usually looked after by doting grandmothers.
Family and relatives would bring gifts and money to the boys as well as words of support and encouragement.
(source : NST)
