Seserahan (peningset, hantaran) is one of the most familiar tradition in Javanese wedding. In this tradition, soon to be groom (SG) is expected to buy presents for the soon to be bride (SB). The presents consist of stuffs which will be useful for SB in her future every day life.
Seserahan is different from Mahr (mahar), since it's purely adat. The philosophy behind this custom can be drawn from the word "peningset" which in return was developed from the word "singset". Singset or "to tie up" - like other carefully selected Javanese term for important events - has the hope to tie two families up through a marriage. The philosophical meaning is symbolized through the presents carefully selected for the SB. Materialistic enough? In Javanese tradition, seserahan also can be seen as a proof of SG's ability to provide living for his future family, and to show his good will.
The Seserahan amount is varied from one place to another. For example Sundanese (West Java) marriage usually requires the SGs to pay fully for the wedding and the amount of seserahan as told by SBs. In my case, I am a Solonese, and here in Solo, usually it's not decided as a dead price. We allow the SGs to maneuvre through their budget. In the past, SBs even let SG's family to do all the shopping and just present it at the night before wedding. But nowadays, in the name of practicality (oh how I like it), many SGs would just let their SBs to shop within budget, since seserahan stuffs are meant for them to have and use. And believe me, I and my fiancee are not one but very very practical couple ;-).
Common seserahan consists of :
1. Prayer clothes, sajadah, Mushaf Al Qur'an, tasbih)
2. Kebaya fabric, Jarik fabric (Wahyu Tumurun or Sido Asih pattern), clutch, sandals
3. Jewelry (necklace, ear rings, bracelet, ring, watch)
4. Lingerie, panties, bras
5. Working clothes, hijab, bag, shoes
6. Daily clothes (long dress), hijab, bag, sandals
7. Toilettries (Towels, shower equipment)
8. Hair care, hairdryer, hair straightening iron (it's Asian thing)
9. Make up, Skin care regiment, perfume(s)
10. Fruits Parcel
11. Cake
12. Food parcel
13&14. Pair of pisang raja (banana :p)
The number, according to tradition has to be odd. And things mentioned above, especially in Solo tradition is not a dead price. It can be less or more. Jewelry, for example is often used as Mahr. A friend of mine asked her hubby to buy a laptop as part of seserahan, and the other one even explicitly ask for a washing machine, for she told me that she hates doing laundry by hand, lol. I am thinking of nice addition which can make my seserahan also felt personal. Maybe since I am a book worm, I should ask my Yts to buy me books. But it's kinda absurd, since soon I will be moving to Ireland, and he promised to load my iPad with e-books.
The wedding is still in few months, but I already shop some items from the list. It's for the sake of shopping getting things done asap, of course. Another interesting part, is of course the wrapping of the gifts. Since my Yts lives so far away, I have to take care everything myself. And I decide that artistic creativity is never my strong point (hello hello, that beautiful parafin ashtray which successfully gotten me an A at fifth grade? that's my dad). So this wrapping business must be given to third party.
One hundred meter to the east from Agus Bridal, there's a gift wrapping kiosk, named Griya Kado. I went there to see their stuff, and it's all I can ever want: elegant, artistic, and not too tacky. Here are examples of their work :
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| Copyright : Griya Kado |
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| Copyright : Griya Kado |
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| Copyright: Griya Kado |
The staffs are really helpful. They explain patiently, as if I am not the zillionth SB who came to ask details and stupid questions. The wrapping price if you use their box: Rp 30,000,- and if you bring your own box: Rp 35.000,-. They also provide the box with your own choice of colored wrapper without additional charge. I will take a picture of my Seserahan, after all wrapped. For now, I will try to enjoy while it last; the luxury of spending without thinking.. (too much).
Seserahan Wrapping Vendor
Jalan Samanhudi 12 Mangkuyudan Solo
Phone (0271)7970889
