Jakarta, CNN Indonesia — Betawi weddings cannot be separated from crocodile bread. Usually the groom brings a crocodile-shaped bread — now with eyes made of chocolate chips or raisins as a variation — when he comes to the bride. If not, it could be considered disrespectful. The application will be rejected. The marriage could be cancelled.
The culture makes people wonder. Because all this time, crocodiles have been synonymous with men who are womanizers. If you like to tease women, you are called a land crocodile. Just listen to the song Men Crocodile Land sung by the Queen. The term is even in the Big Indonesian Dictionary. It is interpreted as ‘criminal’ or ‘female fan’.
Many people are mistaken, according to Betawi history researcher, JJ Rizal. When met in the Kemang area, South Jakarta some time ago, Rizal said that if you know the meaning of crocodile bread in Betawi, you must not forget that the people of Jakarta used to be river people. Jakarta is surrounded by 13 rivers. “It is often reported that crocodiles appear in these rivers. “And the Betawi people’s interactions are most intense with crocodiles,” explained Rizal. The creature is considered loyal. It only mates with one partner, never moving to another body or heart. Crocodiles are also considered sacred animals like cows in India.
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“Until now there are still some people who make offerings to crocodiles, in the Pesanggrahan River for example,” he said.
Because they are considered sacred animals, crocodiles are included in the most important life cycles in Betawi society, such as marriage.
“If the prospective male father-in-law doesn’t bring crocodile bread, he will be thrown out, because it is a symbol of loyalty,” emphasized Rizal. He also said that the harder and bigger the crocodile bread, the better. Because the bread will be kept forever.
“Initially it was displayed on the aisle, then placed on the bridal cupboard,” said Rizal. Therefore, the Betawi culture of allowing crocodile bread to be divided and eaten after the wedding ceremony is also wrong. It just symbolizes that the bride and groom’s marriage will fall apart, as unfaithful as a crocodile.
However, crocodile bread is not only used as a symbol of loyalty between men and women. The name crocodile is also for those who faithfully fight for the alleviation of people’s suffering.
“Because of that, if someone rebels for the sake of the community, he is called the Betawi Crocodile, because he is loyal to the Betawi community,” said Rizal again.
(rsa/mer)
