People express their hope and pray in many ways. Some of
them chant and meditate. In ancient time, people wrote holly words and draw symbols
to express their wish. Ancient Javanese people not only designed Batik cloth
pattern for beauty and style but it was also unique ways to pray to God.
Definition of the art of batik is cloth which is made of a Javanese
manual wax-resist dyeing technique. Batik is well-known in Indonesia and it is
Indonesian national heritage.
As Batik is ancient art, there is esoteric myth of batik
artwork. Traditionally, making Batik is not only technique but also the work of
creation in mind, feeling, and power of will. In ancient times, man designed
the motif and woman draw the Batik with batik tools. It was how to batik in
ancient times.
Sidoluhur is one of motif of Batik or Batik Pattern.
Originally, the creator or maker of this motif of Batik had to hold his breath
while creating or drawing it. Sidoluhur was created by Ki Ageng Henis for his
children and grandchildren. It was his expression of hope that his offspring
could have awareness and give contribution to society. Batik is also the
expression of prayer. While making it,
Nyi Ageng Henis, the wife of Ki Ageng Henis, held her breath and concentrated
to draw the motive until the wax in canting was empty. Her pray and hope were
expressed in the motif of Sidoluhur.
Parang, the other motif of Batik, was created based on the
appreciation by Panembahan Senopate, King of Mataram (AD 1540-1553, toward the
nature. Panembahan got inspired when he
meditated in the cave in the beach of South Sea. Beauty of stalagmite and stalactite
attracted him. Then, he asked the princesses in his palace to draw the motif.
Not all batik motifs were designed by man. For example, Truntum,
created by one of Sultan Paku Buwono III’s wives, is a batik motif which is
created to express the hope toward the king. Truntum was created by Kanjeng
Ratu Beruk. One night, the beauty of Bunga Tanjung, Mimusops elengi Maulsari or
Spanish cherry or Medlaror Bullet wood attracted her. The fallen flowers of Maulsari on the beach
sand in the palace inspired her. Then, she held canting and drew Truntum motif
with black background. Truntum is expression of hope. Even if in the night
without moon, there are shining stars. There is always ease in every difficulties.
No matter how small opportunity is, opportunity is opportunity.
Maybe, in ancient times, batik is also amulet or talisman. Because
the maker expressed his spiritual experience in it and there are hope and pray
in the motif of Batik. However, todays, Batik is fashion. Batik is style.
People like exotic batik without understanding on its meaning of pattern.
