Indonesian Batik Patterns and The Philosophical Meanings – Still in commemoration of Indonesia’s independence, today we will discuss batik. Batik has a certain charm that attracts people who visit Indonesia. It has a lot of patterns such as geometric motifs (which tend to be the earlier designs) and free-form designs. Before we show you 7 Indonesian batik patterns and their philosophical meanings, we will learn about batik a little, shall we?
Apart from being appreciated domestically, batik gained popularity internationally and was inaugurated by the recognition of UNESCO as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and the Intangible Heritage of Humanity on October 2, 2009.
The word batik is derived from the word ‘ambatik’ which means ‘a cloth with little dots’. The ‘tik’ means little dot, drop, point, or to make dots. Batik may also originate from the Javanese word ‘tritik’ which describes a process for dying where the patterns are reserved on the textiles by tying and sewing areas prior to dying.
From these techniques, there are several batik patterns that have their own meaning and wore during a certain event. Below is some Indonesian batik philosophy we sum for you.
Batik Parang
Batik Parang is shaped like waves and is one of the classic batik patterns. This pattern represents a struggle in life, which resembles the sea waves hitting a reef. This means that humans have to keep fighting and facing life’s challenges.
Batik Parang has 6 types of patterns, namely Parang Rusak, Parang Barong, Parang Kusumo, Parang Kecil, Parang Slobog, and Parang Klitik. This pattern has its own specialties, especially the Parang Barong pattern, which can only be used by the royal family.
Batik Sekar Jagad
This batik comes from the city of Solo and Yogyakarta and is usually used by the royal families. Sekar Jagad, comes from the word “Kar” which means map in Dutch, and “Jagad” in Javanese means the world. Thus, this motif symbolizes cultural diversity in Indonesia and around the world.
Batik Mega Mendung
This pattern originally comes from Cirebon and has a shape that resembles clouds. The name itself means dark cloud but it’s actually describing patience, calm, and being careful in solving a problem. Mega Mendung pattern has seven color gradations, which symbolize the seven layers in the sky.
Batik Sidomukti
Batik Sidomukti is worn at important Javanese traditional events such as weddings or inaugurations, especially in Yogyakarta and Solo. Sidomukti itself comes from the word “sido” which means to be, become, or to continue, and “mukti” means noble and prosperous. Wearing this batik pattern during a wedding is also a symbol of prayer and hope that they will get continuous glory and prosperity during their marriage.
Batik Sidoluhur
This batik pattern is close to Sidomukti and generally wore by the bride on the wedding night. Literally, the word “sido” in Javanese means to be or to become, and “luhur” means honor and dignity. Sidoluhur pattern is a form of prayer and hope that the bride will always be healthy and become a person with honor and dignity.
Batik Kawung
Batik Kawung is one of the oldest patterns of batik in Indonesia. Shaped like neatly arranged sugar palm fruit or coffee bean. This batik symbolizes humans who always remember their origins. This pattern has 6 types of patterns, Kawung Picis, Kawung Bribil, Kawung Sen, Kawung Sekar Ageng, and Kawung Sari. Kawung Sen is often used to cover the body before burial.
Batik Truntum
This pattern has a deep meaning because it symbolizes the love that grows back. It’s kind of romantic and suits for romanticists. Batik Truntum pattern mainly focused on floral patterns and has a meaning to keep love growing, it must be continuously cared for so they don’t wither with time.
That’s the Indonesian batik philosophy you need to know. If you need more info about Indonesia, you can check out our other articles!
