The purpose of this study was to assess the significance of bread crocodiles as symbols for indigenous Betawi people in their wedding processions. The method used in the study was descriptive and qualitative by in-depth interview and observation. The study was conducted in Setu Babakan, Betawi Cultural Village, Srengseng Sawah, South Jakarta. Items carried by the groom in the wedding ceremonies of Betawi Moslems are the dowry, a miniature mosque, two pieces of crocodile bread, Betawi traditional cake and kekudang (the bride's favourite things, such as clothing, shoes, salted fish, cookies or crackers). Crocodile bread is a symbol of loyalty because crocodiles are reptiles that are monogamous: the female pairs with the same mate for life, and has a nest that is fixed. The philosophical meaning embodied in the crocodile bread is spouse fidelity, through the generations of children and grandchildren, as well as having a fixed residence. Crocodiles are brave animals, and they can live in two worlds (on land and in the water). The bread is used as a symbol of the hope that households become resilient and able to survive anywhere. The crocodile being made of bread started in the Dutch colonial era. Nowdays, with changing times and the advancement of technology, crocodile bread is increasingly made of sweet bread dough, and also tends to contain chocolate, cheese or strawberry; it can now be readily consumed by the bride's family. With the progress of time, there is a shift; a growing sense that the crocodile bread is a symbol of wealth because bread is considered an expensive food. Usually the crocodile-shaped bread is about 50 centimeters in length, although sometimes as much as one metre, and is carried by the groom at the wedding ceremony. The bread is made into a pair of crocodiles, representing the bride and groom. The bride's bread symbolises crocodile females and includes a little crocodile that is placed on the back or side of the female crocodile. This little crocodile is intended to signify that the newly married family will be blessed with a child as the family successor. At the end of the wedding ceremony, the crocodile bread is usually given to any unmarried sisters, with the hope that they will get married soon. We should preserve and maintain our culture, and let it be known by other nations.
Betawi has a diversity of traditional food. One of the diversity of traditional foods of Betawi’s type of cake is Sengkulun cake. This rare cake is made from glutinous rice flour. Study was designed to recognize the Sengkulun cake from history, culture and philosophy as well as documenting the original way of making the cake which has begun to be forgotten. Descriptive qualitative approach was used to analyse data and information. Respondent were elders, i.e. Betawi cultural experts and Sengkulun cake makers. Experiment was conducted to obtain documentation in the form of photo and video which could make the cake more interesting to become Betawi ‘s snacks. Results show that the Sengkulun cake has existed for a long time but cannot be known with certainty the year of the creation of this cake. This cake began to be created because of the abundant availability of glutinous rice and also due to the influence of Chinese ethnic in the processing the snacks. The cake has a high position in ancient times because this cake can only be found in certain events such as Eid al-Fitr. From the Sengkulun's philosophy, it can be said that sticky texture of the Sengkulun cake has a symbol of respect each other. Keywords: philosophy, Sengkulun, traditional cake
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.