Parang (batik)


Batik Parang is one of the oldest batik motifs in Indonesia. The word Parang comes from Pereng or the slope which has a diagonal line shape as in this batik motif. In each motif there will usually be an arrangement of motifs that form like the letter S, interrelated with one another, intertwined, and this symbolizes a continuity. The shape of the letter S was adapted from the shape of ocean waves, describing a spirit that never goes out.
Batik Parang motifs are original Indonesian batik that has existed since the time of the Mataram Kartasura Palace. Created by the founder of the Mataram Palace, so that this motif becomes the main guideline in determining one's royal status. Even in the past the machete motifs could only be worn by the king and his descendants.
Until now the machete motif has undergone many developments and modifications. Hundreds or even thousands of new motifs have emerged so as to enrich the treasury of batik motifs in Indonesia. Some of the most popular Batik Parang motifs are for example Parang Rusak Barong, Parang Kusuma, Parang Klithik, Sobrah Slopes and others.

The Meaning of Batik Parang

Philosophically, Batik Parang motif does have a high content of meaning. The symbolic language contained in it is a message that as human beings should never give up in wading through life. This is like the waves in the ocean that never tired to move.
Batik Parang motifs that are mutually sustainable, illustrate the fabric of life that never breaks. He is always consistent in efforts to improve themselves, fight for prosperity, as well as in maintaining the relationship between humans and nature, humans with humans and humans with their Lord.
The diagonal lines contained in the Batik Parang motif, illustrate that humans must have lofty ideals, be solid in their foundations, and be faithful to the value of truth. The dynamics in this machete pattern are also called dexterity, vigilance, and the constituency of one another.

Types of Batik Parang

1. Parang rusak, Batik motif Parang rusak was created by penembahan Senopati while meditating on the South Coast. This motif is inspired by the waves that never tired of hitting the coral reefs. This motif symbolizes people who are internal against evil by controlling their desires. From this self-control so that they are wise, have noble character and character that will win.
Machete motif symbolizes power. In the old days this motif could only be worn by rulers and knights. At the time of the production process, this type of batik must be made with high calmness and patience. Mistakes in batik are believed to eliminate the magical power of batik.
2. Parang Rusak Barong, Parang rusak Barong batik motif is one of the development of the machete batik motif, the characteristic of this motif is that it has a larger size than the broken machete, created by Sultan Agung Hanyakrakusuma. This motif has the meaning of self-control in the dynamics of continuous business, wisdom in motion, and prudence in acting.
In the past, it could only be used by the King, and Parang Rusak Barong meant that the King as a leader must always be careful, be able to control himself so that he becomes a responsible leader, character and noble behavior.
3. Parang Klitik, batik motifs Parang Klitik is a machete pattern that has a finer stylized form than a broken machete, a simpler shape and has a smaller size. This clit machete motif depicts a feminine image, gentle, describing subtle and wise behavior. This klitik machete motif in the past many worn by the king's daughters.
4. Parang Kusumo, this motif comes from two syllables namely Parang which means slope, and Kusumo which means flower or flower. In the past Parang Kusumo batik motifs could only be worn by the King's descendants when he was in the palace. In this era of batik, Kusumo machete motifs are used when exchanging rings.
The meaning contained in this motif is that life must be based on a struggle to seek physical and mental fragrance as the fragrance of flowers. For Javanese, the intended fragrance is mental fragrance and behavior, personal fragrance, obedience to the prevailing norms and can bring oneself to avoid various disasters.
5. Parang Tuding, the motif of Parang Tuding batik comes from the words Parang and Tuding. The word accusation itself has the meaning of the index or pointing, this can be seen from the shape of the motif that resembles the index finger arranged in a row and continuous.
This motif has the meaning that anyone who wears it is expected to be a director, a guide who can show good things and cause goodness. This batik motif is commonly used by parents.
6. Parang Curigo, Parang Curigo comes from the word machete and curigo. The word curigo itself is another name for a warless keris. The shape of the keris can be seen in the form of geometric-machete motifs that resemble the keris curves. The distinctive feature of the suspicious machete batik pattern is that the decoration is arranged parallel to an angle of 45 degrees. Then there is always a diamond-shaped ornamental variety which is also parallel to the main decorative patterns of the machete pattern, this decoration is called mlinjon.
This batik motif is widely used to attend parties. By using this batik cloth motif, the wearer is expected to have intelligence, authority, and calmness.
7. Parang Centung, Motif Centong Parang or also called Centung is a Parang ornamental variety that has a shape like a centong. There are also those who argue that parang centong means "wis ceta macak".
If judging from the meaning of the word is already good at makeup, then this batik motif is very suitable for women who have reached adulthood, so he will look more beautiful. This batik motif is usually widely used to attend weddings and is also used for the Pitonan event, which is a seven-month ceremony for the fetus during pregnancy.
8. Parang Pamor, comes from the words Parang and Pamor, the word Pamor itself in Javanese means aura or energy that radiates from a person. By wearing this batik, it is hoped that people who use Parang Pamor batik motifs will get their aura out or radiating.