Safian’s ‘Lampu Bintang Aidilfitri’ Keep Shining Bright
A Tradition Revived
PETALING JAYA: Every year, as Ramadan and Hari Raya draw near, Mohd Safian Mohd Salleh’s house shines a little brighter – thanks to the star-shaped lanterns he painstakingly handcrafts and hangs outside.
A Legacy of Light
Safian, 72, has been fascinated with these lanterns since he was young. He recalls how he loved the way they illuminated his home, casting a warm glow wherever they hung. It’s a feeling that remains to this day.
A Legacy of Light
Back then, he said, most people in his village would light the lanterns on the 27th night of Ramadan, also known as Malam Tujuh Likur. It was his curiosity that drew him to learn the craft: Safian would observe the elders in his village making lanterns, and he eventually picked up the skill. He has been making them ever since, helping to preserve the tradition.
The Art of Making Lanterns
The lanterns, Safian shared, are still made with bamboo from his village – the same type used to make lemang. He begins by carefully cleaning and cutting the bamboo into the desired lengths, then securing each piece with thin iron wire to create the star-shaped frame. He used to make traditional five-pointed stars but now prefers seven-pointed ones, saying it looks “more interesting” with seven tips.
A Delight to Behold
Once he completes the lantern’s frame, he glues on colored paper, selecting vibrant shades to ensure the end product is visually striking when lit. Next, he adds a clear plastic cover for protection. As a final touch, Safian uses ribbons to accentuate the star’s shape.
A Tradition Revived
Safian’s seven-tipped lanterns are available in three sizes: 26, 28 and 30 inches (0.66, 0.71 and 0.76m), measured from the top tip of the star to the bottom tip. He still makes lanterns with five-pointed stars upon request, in custom sizes.
A Tradition Revived
“In the past, people used candles or ‘pelita’ to light the lanterns. But now, I use a light bulb,” he revealed. Hence, each lantern comes with a light bulb and bulb holder, a plug, cable, and a ribbon for hanging.
A Tradition Revived
While he welcomes orders from across Malaysia, he prefers for customers to pick up their lanterns in person, as shipping can sometimes damage them. Perhaps it’s worth taking a trip to Kuala Kangsar to meet Safian: the royal town is also a treasure trove of history and good food – the perfect excuse for a getaway!
A Tradition Revived
While demand for his creations are highest before Hari Raya, Safian crafts them year-round as long as there are orders. He also displays his lanterns before Raya at his son’s fireworks stall.
A Tradition Revived
Safian hopes that long after he’s gone, his lanterns will continue to shine bright. “I craft them in the hope of making them popular again.” He added that he’s open to conducting group classes to pass his knowledge on to others.
Conclusion
Safian’s ‘Lampu Bintang Aidilfitri’ keep shining bright, a testament to the tradition of light and warmth that brings people together. As he continues to craft these beautiful lanterns, he hopes to revive a sense of nostalgia and community that once was.
Frequently Asked Questions
* How can I order a ‘Lampu Bintang Aidilfitri’?
Contact Mohd Safian Mohd Salleh at 017-538 9639.
* Can I customize the size of my lantern?
Yes, Safian still makes lanterns with five-pointed stars upon request, in custom sizes.
* How do I light my lantern?
Safian uses a light bulb, and each lantern comes with a light bulb and bulb holder, a plug, cable, and a ribbon for hanging.
* Can I pick up my lantern in person?
Yes, Safian prefers for customers to pick up their lanterns in person, as shipping can sometimes damage them.