In traditional Javanese weddings, of course, we have heard the term of bleketepe. But not infrequently also those who are still unfamiliar with this term. So what exactly is bleketepe?
Quoted from CNN Indonesia, bleketepe comes from the word “bale katapi”. Bale means a place, while katapi comes from the word “tapi” which means separating dirt to be thrown away, so bleketepe means throwing away various impurities or things that are considered unholy.
Bleketepe is usually made of coconut leaves woven across each other in large numbers. This bleketepe is later installed in front of the house, and symbolizes the purification of the wedding location. The installation of this bleketepe is also included in a series of tarub installation events or which in Indonesian means a temporary roof during the wedding ceremony.
In a traditional Javanese wedding, bleketepe is not just a display that is installed without purpose. The installation of bleketepe also aims to purify the location used for the wedding location. In addition, the installation of bleketepe also has the meaning of rejecting bad luck so that the marriage runs smoothly, safely, and is protected from various evil things.
According to Javanese culture expert from Sebelas Maret University (UNS) Surakarta Supardjo, quoted from Kompas.com, the origin of the installation of bleketepe has started since Ki Ageng Tarub started it. Supardjo further said, bleketepe is usually installed by the bride’s parents or father before the siraman procession begins. In traditional Javanese weddings, in addition to bleketepe, tarub and tawuhan are usually installed around it, which have their own meanings.
Bleketepe is one example of how every part of a coconut has its own benefits in many aspects of life, including in Indonesian culture and traditions.
