SANTRI EN – The Betawi traditional house is not just an ordinary dwelling. Behind its architectural beauty lies a variety of fascinating philosophical meanings waiting to be discovered. One aspect that is rich in meaning is the use of colors and carvings.
The Betawi Traditional House: Colors Full of Meaning
The Betawi traditional house is generally dominated by the color brown, symbolizing the earth as the origin of humans and the place where they return after death. This color is combined with various other colors that have their own meanings for the Betawi people.
- Green: symbolizes steadfastness, patience, and fertility.
- White: symbolizes gentleness, motherliness, patience, and coolness.
- Black: symbolizes steadfastness.
- Yellow: symbolizes nobility.
- Red: symbolizes courage, ambition, and hope.
The choice of these colors is not without reason. The Betawi people believe that colors have an influence on the life and well-being of the occupants of the house.
The Betawi Traditional House: Carvings that Tell Stories
Carvings are also an important element in the Betawi traditional house. The flower motifs that adorn various parts of the house symbolize the hopes, desires, and aspirations of its inhabitants. The carving of a sunflower, for example, depicts the cycle of human life.
In addition, there are also calligraphy containing rajah, wafak, and verses of the Al-Quran. This calligraphy is believed to protect the house from disturbances by evil spirits and bring blessings to its occupants.
Philosophy Behind Other Elements
Not only colors and carvings, other elements in the Betawi traditional house also have philosophical meanings. Here are some examples:
- Gigi balang: Triangular ornaments along the roof of the house that symbolize the relationship between humans, nature, and God.
- Langkan: The boundary between public and semi-public space on the terrace of the house that symbolizes protection.
- Tiang guru: The four main pillars of the house that symbolize the four cardinal directions and the occupants of the house as the center.
- Balak suji: The stairs that connect the house to the outside area that symbolize the rejection of evil.
The Betawi Traditional House Closer Look at the Philosophical Meanings
1. The Color Brown and the Meaning of Earth
The brown color that dominates the Betawi traditional house is not just for aesthetics. This color symbolizes the earth, an important element in human life. The Betawi people believe that humans come from the earth and will return to the earth after death. Therefore, the color brown becomes a symbol of the beginning and end of life.
2. The Color Green and Fertility
The color green is often found on doors, windows, and other ornaments in the Betawi traditional house. This color symbolizes steadfastness, patience, and fertility. The Betawi people believe that the color green can bring good luck and prosperity to the occupants of the house.
3. The Color White and Purity
The color white symbolizes purity, motherliness, patience, and coolness. Usually, the color white is used on the ceiling and walls of the house. The Betawi people believe that the color white can provide peace and tranquility for the occupants of the house.
4. The Color Black and Steadfastness
The color black symbolizes steadfastness and strength. Usually, the color black is used on the doors and windows of the house. The Betawi people believe that the color black can protect the house from danger and external disturbances.
5. The Color Yellow and Nobility
The color yellow symbolizes nobility and majesty. Usually, the color yellow is used on the roof and door of the house. The Betawi people believe that the color yellow can bring blessings and glory to the occupants of the house.
6. The Color Red and Courage
The color red symbolizes courage, ambition, and hope. Usually, the color red is used on the doors and windows of the house. The Betawi people believe that the color red can provide semangat and motivation for the occupants of the house.
Carvings of Flowers and Hope
The carvings of flowers that adorn various parts of the Betawi traditional house are not just decorations. The carvings of flowers symbolize the hopes, desires, and aspirations of its inhabitants. The Betawi people believe that the carvings of flowers can bring good luck and happiness to the occupants of the house.
Carvings of Sunflowers and the Cycle of Life
One of the carving motifs that is often found in the Betawi traditional house is the sunflower. This carving symbolizes the cycle of human life. The sunflower that always follows the direction of the sun symbolizes the journey of humans from birth, growth, development, to returning to the Creator.
