Parang (batik)

Parang batik (Javanese: ꧋ꦧꦠꦶꦏ꧀ꦥꦫꦁ, Indonesian: Batik Parang) is one of the oldest Indonesian batik motifs. Parang comes from the Javanese word Pereng which means slope. Parang depicts a diagonal line descending from high to low. The arrangement of the S motifs intertwining unbroken symbolizes continuity. The basic shape of the letter S is taken from the ocean waves which depict a spirit that never goes out.

Parang batik is an original Indonesian batik motif that has existed since the time of the Kartasura (Solo), Mataram palace (Present day Central Java). The Parang batik motif is credited to be created by Sultan Agung of Mataram during his visit to the southern coast of Java (Indonesian: Pantai selatan). The Sultan got his inspiration from the waves rolling in the Parangtritis sea.