Cultural significance
What does Rendang's chili represent?
Rendang
Rendang is revered in Minangkabau culture as an embodiment of the philosophy of "musyawarah", discussion and consultation with elders. It has been claimed that the four main ingredients represent Minangkabau society as a whole :  The meat ("dagiang") symbolizes the "Niniak Mamak", the traditional clan leaders, such as the datuk, the nobles, royalty and revered elders.  The coconut milk ("karambia") symbolizes the "Cadiak Pandai", intellectuals, teachers, poets and writers.  The chili ("lado") symbolizes the "Alim Ulama", clerics, "ulama" and religious leaders. The hotness of the chili symbolizes sharia.  The spice mixture ("pemasak") symbolizes the rest of Minangkabau society. In Minangkabau tradition, rendang is a requisite dish for special occasions in traditional Minang ceremonies, from birth ceremonies to circumcision, marriage, Qur'an recitals and religious festivals such as Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha.