Dayok Nabinatur for a Birthday

In our family, we don't usually celebrate birthdays with candles and the "Happy Birthday" song. My parents only threw birthday parties for my eldest sister twice, inviting her classmates to our house. Besides those times, we've never had other birthday celebrations.

I remember our mother getting a birthday cake decorated with a Barbie doll wearing a dress made of icing. My sister's friends came over to celebrate her birthday and they had a good time until the party ended, exchanging gifts before leaving.

But personally, I don't like being the center of attention, where everyone's focus is on me. Even though teaching involves a similar situation, birthdays feel different to me. Honestly, unexpected birthday wishes often make me feel awkward.

Removing my birthdate from my Facebook profile three years ago turned out to be a wise decision. I remember when birthday wishes used to flood my messages and dominate my wall. However, I can't deny the joy it brings me when my closest friends remember my birthday without Facebook's reminder.

As for birthday parties, I prefer not to have one, and there are a few reasons for that. Firstly, aside from my sister, our family has never had a tradition of hosting birthday parties at home, something our parents instilled in us from a young age. When my friends invited me to their parties, my mom and I would often craft thoughtful gifts instead.

Secondly, I discovered that I prefer smaller, more intimate gatherings as I grew closer to certain individuals and formed what I consider my inner circle of friends. It boils down to the fact that I become more conscious of time passing as I age. With each passing year, my opportunities to grow and achieve my goals diminish, which motivates me to make the most of every moment.

However, when there is a family member's birthday, we always make sure to acknowledge it. Our mom goes the extra mile by preparing a special birthday meal for each family member. In our family, this heartfelt dinner celebration is a cherished tradition that we uphold for every joyous occasion, including birthdays.

You have to taste a culture to understand it – Deborah Cater. Because... People without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture are like trees without roots. – Marcus Gorvey

In Simalungun culinary traditions, "Dayok Nabinatur" shares similarities with practices in other tribes. Simply put, "Dayok" refers to chicken, while "Nabinatur" suggests regularity – essentially meaning "regularly prepared chicken meat."

In Simalungun culture, this traditional cooking style is typically reserved for significant events and meaningful traditions. These include weddings, funerals, welcoming new family members, and gatherings that bring together different generations. It's a way of celebrating and strengthening family bonds through food.

However, if you're part of a Muslim family like ours, you won't find "Dayok Nabinatur" on the menu during a funeral. This is because we adhere to our religious customs, and this dish doesn't align with Muslim funeral traditions. So, as delicious as it may be, you won't see it served on such an occasion.

Now, "Dayok Nabinatur" holds special significance. During any event, one or more deserving family members are chosen to take part in a meaningful tradition. The person offering and receiving the dish holds the plate it's served on while prayers are offered. These prayers seek blessings from God, including good health, harmony, and a love for life.

You might think this practice is reserved only for grand occasions, but it's quite versatile. We don't limit it to significant events like weddings or funerals. Instead, we incorporate it into casual, intimate gatherings, like celebrating a family member's birthday at home. It showcases how deeply we value the philosophy behind this meal and the unique way it's served.

Sikkam

I'm intrigued by how this traditional dish sets itself apart by using "sikkam" instead of blood, especially since it is typically prohibited in Islamic dietary guidelines. This aspect has piqued my curiosity, and I'm eager to learn more about the intricacies of this culinary tradition.

To delve deeper into this fascinating practice, the Simalungun community refers to "sikkam" as the bark of the bay leaf tree. What adds complexity to this process is how they skillfully combine the sikkam juice with rich coconut milk, creating a unique flavor. The highlight is when this harmonious mixture is gracefully poured over flavorful and expertly grilled chicken meat.

The combination of cultural significance, culinary skill, and adherence to religious dietary restrictions in this traditional dish has caught my attention and increased my admiration for the diverse world of food culture.

However, it's crucial to emphasize that the preservation of Dayok Nabinatur will be approached with utmost respect for the core principles of my religious beliefs. As a proud member of the Batak Simalungun ethnic group, I hold the cultural heritage of Dayok Nabinatur in high esteem.

Simultaneously, I see it as more than just a culinary tradition – it is a testament to our ancestors' wisdom and adaptability in facing challenges. Participating in and serving Dayok Nabinatur has deeply instilled in me an appreciation for its role in nurturing familial bonds. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining close connections with extended family members and the profound respect we owe to our elders, who provide invaluable guidance and wisdom.