And by now you are preparing for one of the most exciting religious nights in our beloved Cape Town... Boeber Aand.
It may be a night which has more meaning to the Muslim community, but you can’t seriously call yourself a Capetonian if you haven’t had a gulp of the creamy, smooth, sweet Cape Malay delicacy that is boeber.
Now, almost every Kaapse community during the month of Ramadaan has what we call the “ barakatjie-gang” and by now they have all gotten hold of a paper cup or Tupperware bakkie and worked on the perfect tone in which to say to the gallies, after knocking at the door just after boeka-tyd, “Auntie, boeber kanallah”.
The barakatjie-gang may be around in our communities but even in the workplace we all have one or two colleagues from a different religion who remind us on the day, “don’t forget my boeber, nuh”.
It is truly a special tradition, a night which encourages sharing, and cultural and religious blending which helps us to see past our many differences, all in the spirit of ‘ n koppie boeber.
Boeber aand, however, is about much more than just vermicelli or sago and many a boeber fanatic may not be aware of the religious significance of the night which takes place annually on the 15th eve of the holy month of Ramadaan – also known as the month of the Qur’an, because it was during this month, Muslims believe, that the holy book was sent down.
Ramadaan is often compared to climbing a mountain; you start at the bottom which is your first night and the 15th night is considered to be the peak of the mountain.
Many believers, especially the females, will say tomorrow, “ algamdulillah, ek is nog oppie berg”.
This means that they’ve managed to keep fasting for 15 straight days, without breaking it due to illness, menses or other halaal reasons.
It is considered a pwas a milestone and rightfully so, because 15 days without food and drink among other things, is no easy task and deserves to be celebrated in style, hence the boeber.
Just like the satisfaction one feels when consuming a cup of boeber, so too it is believed that the Almighty is satisfied with the individual who reaches the peak of the mountain.
Now, any form of religious achievement tends to leave a sweet taste on the soul and gives one the belief that life can run smoothly as long as one adds the right ingredients to it.
So let us keep the spirit of Ramadaan alive as we now proceed to roll down the mountain. Let’s increase our good deeds and continue with the spirit of sharing by making even more boeber than last year for the barakatjie boys, the caring co-workers, neighbours, family and friends.
For just as fast as we have reached this milestone, so too this beautiful month will be gone soon.
P.S. And don’t forget my boeber, nuh!