Batik and The Philosophy

Batik is a cloth that traditionally uses a manual wax-resist dyeing technique. Batik or fabrics with the traditional batik patterns are found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, China, Azerbaijan, India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Singapore.

Javanese traditional batik, especially from Yogyakarta and Surakarta, has notable meanings rooted to the Javanese conceptualization of the universe.

UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on October 2, 2009. As part of the acknowledgment, UNESCO insisted that Indonesia preserve their heritage.

 "Batik art especially batik tulis symbolizes patience. Each ornament is made with care and through a long process. Perfection motive implies the peace of the maker."

There are many types-variants of batik, base on the area where batik originally from. Each region has theirs own characteristics.

Batik art especially batik tulis symbolizes patience. Each ornament is made with care and through a long process. Perfection motive implies the peace of the maker.
Certain batik patterns is believed to have supernatural powers and should only be worn by certain class. For example, parang motif that symbolizes strength and power, should only be worn by rulers and knights. Batik of this type should be made with calmness and patience are high. MIstake in the batik process is believed to be rid of the supernatural powers of batik.
In addition to the process of making batik is loaded with philosophical meaning, style of batik is a meaningful symbols that show the reflections and the manner of makers. Here are some batik motif and its philosophy.

• Kawung. 

           This motif have blossom lotus shaped.  
           The motif symbolizes purity and longevity.

• Parang. 

           Motif top machete-shaped, symbolizes power and strength.
           Should only be weared by rulers and knight.

• Sawat. 

           Wing-shaped motif, weared only by kings and son of the king.

Batik motifs were created not based on consideration of the aesthetic value only, but also based on expectations as outlined in the shape of many symbols, such as the following:

• Hias Slobong
  Having a sense of smooth and loose. This motif is used to mourn and have meaning; expectations for spirits of people who died may have peace in Heaven with God.

• Sida Mukti.Means ‘be happy’ and hope the peoples who wear this motif will have happiness in theirs life. Ussually this motif is weared by the bride and the groom.