A telling fact about Indonesian ceremonies is that people tend to dress in the traditional attire of their hometown, no matter where the ceremony is. I like that.
I was invited to a wedding in Jakarta that took place in the parliament building (it was just hired, no special connection, I was told). The event itself is basically a reception; the actual wedding takes place in a small circle of family and close friends. I was taught to tell the difference between the headdress of someone from Solo vs. Yogyakarta (the two old central Javanese Sultanates). The Yogya one has a bulge in the back. One's batik shirt - the far cheerier variant of black-tie formality - reflects one's culture as well. It was a sign of respect that a Japanese guest came in a proper Kimono and incredibly impractical footwear. It would have been a sign of respect had the Westerner come in proper Western attire (but he tried, in his way).
I was invited to a wedding in Jakarta that took place in the parliament building (it was just hired, no special connection, I was told). The event itself is basically a reception; the actual wedding takes place in a small circle of family and close friends. I was taught to tell the difference between the headdress of someone from Solo vs. Yogyakarta (the two old central Javanese Sultanates). The Yogya one has a bulge in the back. One's batik shirt - the far cheerier variant of black-tie formality - reflects one's culture as well. It was a sign of respect that a Japanese guest came in a proper Kimono and incredibly impractical footwear. It would have been a sign of respect had the Westerner come in proper Western attire (but he tried, in his way).
1 comment:
Would that "proper"attire be a striemel or a blue shirt?
Love you! Avi
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