Wearing keris in Java

Anthony G. · 15th May 2019, 10:17 AM

Dear members, i read this sentence in one of the public website belongs to an European. I would like to clarify is this statement is accurate.

//quote//
Wearing Keris In Java, a man would normally wear three Keris according to his social status: One on the back and one on each side. The one on the left side (the first to be drawn) would be the last acquired or received as a traditional wedding gift from the parents of his bride. The Keris on the back may be tucked into the folds of a sarong or at waist height.

A. G. Maisey · 15th May 2019, 11:19 AM

Anthony, that statement is far, far too broad.

Keris are and were worn in different ways for different situations. I do not understand the "social status" reference, there are too many things to consider to just say "social status". The whole passage needs to be put into context, in a place, at a time, and with a whole lot of qualifications.

Then there is the mention of a "bride". Yes, when a woman marries, her father will often give a keris to his new son-in-law, but "bride"? What are talking about here? First wife, second wife, third, fourth? Senior wife, junior wife? Or all of them? And under what conditions?

The passage you have stated is a very broad simplification, it is not inaccurate, but neither is it correct.

Anthony G. · 15th May 2019, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Anthony, that statement is far, far too broad.

Keris are and were worn in different ways for different situations. I do not understand the "social status" reference, there are too many things to consider to just say "social status". The whole passage needs to be put into context, in a place, at a time, and with a whole lot of qualifications.

Then there is the mention of a "bride". Yes, when a woman marries, her father will often give a keris to his new son-in-law, but "bride"? What are talking about here? First wife, second wife, third, fourth? Senior wife, junior wife? Or all of them? And under what conditions?

The passage you have stated is a very broad simplification, it is not inaccurate, but neither is it correct.

thank you, i do agreed with you.

15th May 2019, 10:17 AM	#1
Anthony G. Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 463	Wearing keris in Java Dear members, i read this sentence in one of the public website belongs to an European. I would like to clarify is this statement is accurate. //quote// Wearing Keris In Java, a man would normally wear three Keris according to his social status: One on the back and one on each side. The one on the left side (the first to be drawn) would be the last acquired or received as a traditional wedding gift from the parents of his bride. The Keris on the back may be tucked into the folds of a sarong or at waist height.

15th May 2019, 11:19 AM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,896	Anthony, that statement is far, far too broad. Keris are and were worn in different ways for different situations. I do not understand the "social status" reference, there are too many things to consider to just say "social status". The whole passage needs to be put into context, in a place, at a time, and with a whole lot of qualifications. Then there is the mention of a "bride". Yes, when a woman marries, her father will often give a keris to his new son-in-law, but "bride"? What are talking about here? First wife, second wife, third, fourth? Senior wife, junior wife? Or all of them? And under what conditions? The passage you have stated is a very broad simplification, it is not inaccurate, but neither is it correct.