Within the Indonesian culture, birds often represent a philosophical meaning. The national emblem of Indonesia, the Garuda Pancasila, is based on the eagle-like mythical bird, and represents strength. The garuda also feature in the gelang bahu burung armbands of a bride from the province of Lampung, signifying the hope for an everlasting union, while the armbands themselves speak of the great responsibility the couple must shoulder as they embark on their marriage.
The gelang bahu burung are secured in the upper arms, while the lower arms and wrists are adorned by large wide gelang kano bracelets with intricate filigrees, narrow rounded studded gelang sempuru bangles, and thin wide gelang gepeng bracelets engraved with flower and plant motifs. These bracelets symbolize elegance, while gold as the typically used material represents prosperity.
Dangling from the bride’s fingers, a round intricate design tied to a red ribbon, called buah manggis for its resemblance to a mangosteen fruit, completes the adornments. Made from gold, silver, bronze, or copper, the ornament is historically used by the nobility to store kapur sirih, or lime betel powder, one of the ingredients used for betel nut chewing. In Lampung, only those with high social standing carry the buah manggis.
These wedding accessories signify the bride’s beauty, status, and connection to her cultural heritage.
