Reported by:
Lim Sze Kee SR1SCB
“Ketupat” is a Javanese rice cake packed inside a diamond-shaped case made of coconut leaves which is served during special occasions such as Hari Raya and Malay weddings. Besides, Ketupat is also a decoration which is widely seen in malls, houses and more during the Hari Raya festival.
In conjunction with the Hari Raya festival, Kuen Cheng High School Library Assistant Head, Madam Jane Chan Mei-Qi, designed an event called “The Ketupat Workshop ”. Purpose of this workshop was to let students try to create the symbolic diamond-shaped decoration. This event was held in the Library separately on May 12 and May 19, 2022, from 3:15p.m. to 3:50p.m. and it was guided by our Senior Kua Zhao Rong in the weaving of the ketupat. On May 19 2022, the second workshop, the Library Head, Ms. Ong Lay Fong and the first workshop participant Cheong Hoi Kei also assisted students in weaving ketupat while other assistants and teachers helped to take pictures for the activity.
The poster of the Ketupat Workshop
At the beginning, Zhao Rong distributed two colourful ribbons to every student. The ribbons were then placed on both hands between the thumb and index finger, leaving approximately 5cm at top. Making three loops around our palm by wrapping the ribbons, we should hold the ribbons with our thumb to keep it in place. Repeat the steps above with your right hand. The hardest part was the webbing process had become more complex. During the process, we have to insert the ribbons one after another and keep weaving in and out in a diagonal shape to get the layers done. Finally, the shape will start to take form and all we have to do is to tighten it by pulling the “tail” of each leaf.
Students weaving ketupat
Some students were able to pick up the weaving skills quickly while some of them struggled with the ribbons and got their fingers tangled. Fortunately, all the participants did not give up and kept trying over and over again. On the other hand, Zhao Rong repeated the demonstration of the weaving steps several times and explained to the students patiently to ensure that every participant can keep up with the progress.
In a twinkling of an eye, the event has come to an end. Most of the students have successfully completed the Ketupat. The teacher in charge took a group photo.
First workshop (12/5) success rate: 8/12
Second workshop (19/5) success rate: 12/12
Group Photo (12th May)
Group photo (19th May)