Of Birds and Beasts
The migration of symbolism from Chinese culture to the coastal batik of Pesisir Indonesia reflects a fascinating interplay of tradition and artistry. Symbols such as swallows, peacocks, and phoenixes, revered in both cultures, embody themes of prosperity, beauty, and rebirth. As these motifs transitioned into Indonesian batik, they were reinterpreted and adapted to local aesthetics, creating a vibrant tapestry that honors their origins while embracing new cultural narratives. This fusion not only showcases the richness of cross-cultural exchange but also highlights the enduring significance of these symbols in conveying shared values across different societies.
Walet / Yàn zi / Swallows
The coming of swallows in spring was welcomed and signified good luck for the household. This may be linked to their amazing nest building skills, they can quickly repair and build a structure just out of mud.
Bangau / Hè / Cranes
It stands as a homophone for 合 hé ‘peace, harmony’. Cranes or Bangau in Indonesian appear in many elaborate fine batik from Pekalongan.
Kupu / Hú dié / Butterfly
The first character 蝴 (hú) has a similar sound as the character 福 (fú) for "good fortune." This is why butterflies are symbols of good luck. The second character 蝶 (dié) has the same sound as the character 耋 for "the elders." So butterflies are often seen in artwork celebrating a long life.
Butterflies can be seen a lot on batik Hokokai as the Japanese who once ordered them wanted to make the perception of Japan as the big brother of Asia.
Burung Hong/ Fèng huáng / Phoenix
As a supernatural bird, the phoenix embodies the five virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and sincerity.
In Batik, the appearance of phoenix, especially with dragons, means the balance of yin and yang. So these motifs usually appear during marriage ceremonies.
Merak / Kǒng què / Peacock
The beautiful colors and “eyes” on the peacock’s tail represented fame and good luck, as they enhanced one’s protection and awareness. From the tip of the west to the east of coastal north Java, peacocks can be seen on Batik Hokokai to Lasem.
Qilin
The Qilin is said to have an equine-like body. Thus, the Qilin may have the body of a deer, or an ox, or a horse. The body of the Qilin is also covered with the scales of a fish, and is often enveloped in fire. As for its head, it is quite similar to the Chinese dragon, yet, even this feature has its variations over time.
The qilin is said to be a gentle creature, always prioritizing kindness and righteousness, and gifted with an ability to see the same qualities in others. It symbolizes fortune and has the power to bring them children, and some superstitious couples hang illustrations of it with the baby in their bedrooms in the hope that it would help them get pregnant with healthy children.
Thus, qilin can be seen on gendongan baby wrapper and tok wi altar cloth
