A Day in Gampong Blang
On a bright Saturday morning, my wife and I prepared to attend a close friend's wedding party in Gampong Blang, a quiet and beautiful village in Tanah Pasir sub-district, North Aceh. Our journey from Syamtalira sub-district took about 30 minutes. Along the way, the expanse of green rice fields and hills seemed to welcome us to a celebration full of meaning.
Upon arrival at the location, the festive atmosphere was immediately felt. The typical Acehnese stilt house that became the party venue was decorated with yellow coconut leaves, fresh flower arrangements and a large tent where guests gathered. Telling faces greeted us, full of warmth and friendliness that made me feel like part of their big family.
In the yard, the men were busy serving, kuah beulangong, a typical Acehnese dish cooked in a large cauldron. The strong aroma of spices made me impatient to taste it. Meanwhile, the female guests wore elegant traditional clothes, showing the richness of Acehnese culture that is so enchanting.
The wedding ceremony took place solemnly. The groom, dressed in traditional clothes complete with a tengkulok on his head, looked dashing side by side with the graceful bride in an embroidered emar kebaya. Prayers and the recitation of verses from the Qur'an accompanied the akad procession, which was then greeted with pakikan.
After the formal event, the party began. We sat with other guests enjoying the delicious Acehnese culinary delights. Nasi minyak, ayam tangkap, Acehnese rendang and of course the truly delicious kuah beulangong. The atmosphere was full of laughter and stories, accompanied by the strains of traditional music that added to the excitement of the day.
It was getting late afternoon when we said goodbye and went home. I left Gampong Blang with a warm heart and a head full of memories. Not only because of the beauty of the party, but because I felt like I had touched a small piece of Aceh's simple, warm and meaningful cultural richness.
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