Batik for Every Occasion: Know Your Pattern
The philosophy behind different types of batik that you need to know.
Batik is represented as the cultural legacy of Indonesia’s pride which has also been recognized by UNESCO as one of the world heritage. Embedding ‘cultural heritage’ implements the identity of Batik as a unique symbol in various important celebrations of the Indonesian society, such as childbirth, marriage, and many more.
The popularity of Batik keeps on increasing along with technological advances. Based on the data populated from Tokopedia, the sales of Batik has been increasing significantly each year.
These Batik patterns vary across regions in Indonesia. Ease of commerce through marketplace partially contributed to the conservation of Batik in the country. Records suggest that there are 10 provinces with the highest number of Batik sales in Indonesia. The most popular Batik recommendations in Tokopedia comes from three major islands in Indonesia — Java, Sumatra, and Bali.
Not all types of Batik are applicable to every occasion. Every pattern of Batik has its own significance in accordance with the philosophy associated with it. There are different Batik designs that represent the spirit of life, authority, and even grief. Asides from knowing the philosophy behind the variety of Batik designs and helping to preserve its history, it is also important to adjust them with the right occasion.
Bright Patterns for Daytime
Bright batik patterns typically come from Aceh, Pekalongan, and Cirebon. These patterns are suitable for daily wear. The variety of colors that are on the batik design symbolizes energy and enthusiasm to carry out daily activities, which is suitable for work, campus wear, as an outfit of the day (OOTD) or for sightseeing. On some rare occasion, International artists even chose to and seen wearing Batik, such as Paris Hilton, Jessica Alba, and International Diva, Beyonce.
Batik Cirebon
This batik pattern that resembles clouds is called ‘Megamendung’. If you look closely, it is also similar to the shape of an ear. This pattern expresses the thought that every human being must be able to handle their emotions in every kind of situation, both in joy and in sorrow.
You can find Batik Cirebon in some of Tokopedia stores: Batik Ayunda and Wikebatiktrusmicirebon.
Batik Pekalongan
Batik Pekalongan does not have any special characteristics; it’s more of a freestyle. The pattern is light and suitable for anyone from any age group as they are produced into various kinds of fabrics from cotton to silk.
You can find Batik Pekalongan in some of Tokopedia stores: Batik Shelita and Ali Grosir Batik.
Batik Aceh
This type of Batik is unique. This batik pattern is dominated by bright colors like red, yellow, green and pink. The pattern of Batik Aceh has a deeper meaning to it; it depicts the nature and culture of the region.
You can find Batik Aceh in some of Tokopedia stores: Peukan Online Anagbunda and Light Soevenir Aceh.
The savior for special events
Batik Solo and Yogya are similar yet different. Both have the same geometric design with a dominant shade of brown that implements the authority of each individual. This pattern is suitable for formal events such as weddings, parties, graduation ceremonies, etc. This type of batik is favored by businessmen and office workers when attending important events.
Batik Solo
Batik Solo is recognizable by these geometric patterns. This represents goodwill for the individual. One of the main patterns for Batik Solo is the ‘machete’ pattern; it acts as an element of domination of winding lines that were once considered sacred and used only by the king and his family.
You can find Batik Solo in some of Tokopedia stores: BatikKotaSOLO and Batik Solo Amanah.
Batik Yogya
Similar to Batik Solo, Batik Yogya is also one of the popular traditional Nusantara batik patterns. The design is associated with striking bright base colors and large geometric patterns, making the individuals who wear them look prominent and elegant at special events.
You can find Batik Yogya in some of Tokopedia stores: Ree and me and MOCASUTORU Kulit Asli.
Dark is not always glamorous
Dark colors are the colors that are most commonly used to get the luxurious and glamorous look from people, but this does not apply in Batik wear. There are a number of dark patterns that symbolizes sorrow.
Batik Slobog
Slobog, which also means lobok or loose is often used as a form of grief. This design is a mix of dark patterns with a touch of brown, symbolizes avoiding the difficulty of one’s soul to go and face the Almighty.
You can find Batik Slobog in some of Tokopedia stores: Eling Batik Solo and Batik Arum Solo.
Understanding the meaning behind each pattern can help you identify which one that you should wear on what occasion. Wearing Batik is a testament of pride of being an Indonesian — it is proof that our culture is so rich and diverse, but still unite as one.
