One of the most popular Javanese traditional batik motifs is the truntum batik motif. Truntum is taken from the word tumaruntum which means to grow. Physically, this truntum batik is depicted with small, typical motifs like stars and is usually depicted on one piece of sogan brown batik cloth. This motif, which originates from the Surakarta Sunanate, has a long history in the formation of this truntum motif.
It is said that this truntum batik was created by Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Kencana who is the wife of Pakubuwono III. When he was married to the King and did not have children, GKR Kencana knew that the king preferred to meet his concubines. He then became sad and spent a lot of time meditating. From his contemplation, one day he got an inspiration or the idea of creating batik inspired by small tanjung flowers. This he did in order to spend his time so as not to be too dissolved in his sadness. Then he started to make batik and sure enough, the king’s attention was stolen. Gradually, the king who knew the activities of his empress was very fond and fond of the truntum batikan made by his beloved wife. The king’s heart then blossomed again by analogizing his heart twinkling like a truntum that resembles a star in the sky. After finishing the batik, this cloth was presented to the king as a sign of loyalty and affection.
This motif, which is very common for weddings, siraman, fiancés, and even seven-month events, has the main meaning of a person’s sincere love, due to its history. During the wedding ceremony, the truntum batik is worn by the parents of the bride, which symbolizes the love of the parents for their children which will also be passed on to the prospective bride. Today, the truntum motif is usually combined with other standard motifs such as parang motifs, kawung motifs, garuda motifs, sawat motifs, and others.
