MACAPAT, ANCIENT JAVANESE POEMS/SONGS

Tembang Macapat is a traditional Javanese poem/songs that contains Gatra on each

of its four sides (lines of sentences). Gatra was initially created by the syllable (Guru
Wilangan) of the time, and its last phase was completed by the sound of the late
rhyme, also known as Guru Lagu.

Even though Macapat has been referred as as the "Traditional Jawa Poems," there
are a few Cultural regions, like Bali, Sasak, Sunda, and Madura, where Macapat
may also be known by other names. In addition to that, Macapat has also
occasionally been seen in Palembang and Banjarmasin.

Macapat’s Etymology

In terms of etymology, Macapat is referred to as Maca Papat-Papat (Javanese) or

Membaca Empat-Empat in Indonesian. The aforementioned insight aggravates the
method of elaboration that each of the eight gurus wilangan employs.

In addition to that, there are many who assert that "pat" refers to the majority of the
diathesis in the Javanese script pertaining to the macapat nembangan.
We can also access additional Macapat information in the Serat Mardawalangu by
Ranggawarsita. According to the said fiber, Macapat is referred to as a single word
from the phrase Maca-Pat-Lagu or "songs the fourth note." Also referred to as
maca-sa-song, maca-ro-songs, and maca-tri-songs phrases.

It is stated that Maca-sa-lagu is the most important thing that was narrated by a deva
who was summoned to the pandita Walmiki and was overheard by a Kediri-born
sang pujangga palace Yogiswara.

This category is currently referred to as Tembang Gedhe. Maca-ro is another name

for the type of tembang gedhé where the number of baits per pupuh can range from
one to eight while the number of syllables in each stanza is not always the same and
was invented by Yogiswara.

In addition, Maca-tri became the top category and are also found in tents. Resi
Wiratmaka, a palace pandita in Janggala, came up with this particular concoction,
and Pangeran Panji Inokartapati and his brother refined it further.
The third is Maca-pat-lagu, also known as tembang cilik, which awakens Macapat.
This Tembang was authored by Sunan Bonang and was directed at each and every
Wali Sanga.
Mocopat Song (Tembang) Names

Those names are tembang mijil, kinanthi, sinom, asmaradana, dhandhanggula,

gambuh, maskumbang, durma, pangkur, megatruh, and pocung, which are found
above the name tembang macapat. Here are some insights and comprehensive
explanations.

Maskumambang
Maskumambang is derived from two words, mas and kumambang, which translate to
"emas terapung" in Indonesian. The tembang macapat maskumbang is mentioned in
the first phase of human existence.

Maskumambang symbolizes the infant who was still within the womb. The macapat
maskumbang song contains a lot of advice to a child so that they remain in
retaliation against the people below.

Mijil
Mijil is derived from the Javanese language word for "out," wijil. Mijil's song has a
memory of the moment when her mother's womb brought the first human child to the
world. This tembang mijil is frequently used to give advice and instructions to people
so that they might live healthy, happy lives.

Sinom
Sinom signifies a muddy dun. Sinom also means "isih enom" (still young). The song
can achieve sinom by highlighting the adab, beautiful, and full of ages with hopes
and dreams. Tembang can exhibit advice-flavored sinom as well as friendship and
hospitality feelings.

Kinanthi
Kinanti derives from the word "kanthi" or the word "guidance," and it means that we
need tuntuns or guidance. The song will soon discuss the life of a young child who
needs help getting to a clear path. Tembang is going to be used to illustrate a
particular story that has good narration and is heartfelt.

Asmaradana
Asmarandana is derived from the words "asmara" and "api," which mean "api – fire
of romance" or "asmara - love," respectively. This Tembang highlights the journey of
human existence that is situated at a point where it is in harmony with its own way of
living. Asmarandana song advises feeling happy or feeling sad and sad in love.
Gambuh
Gambuh has a match or mate art. This tembang gambuh reminds someone who has
already completed their daily activities. Gambuh is used to convey stories and life
lessons, such as feelings of brotherhood, tolerance, and camaraderie.

Dhandhanggula
The word "dhandhanggula" is derived from the words "dhangdhang" and "hope" or
"expect," however there are some who say it is derived from the words "cital,"
"angan-angan," or "harapan. " A sugar word can indicate a manic, indolent, or happy
feeling. In this case, the song macapat dhandhanggula has the ability to "bear
assume" or "expect" an uncertain situation. This tembang is used as an opening
tembang that depicts a variety of goodness lessons as well as unrestrained feelings
of love and happiness.

Durma
The tembang macapat durma is typically used to illustrate the meanings of the terms
anger, rebellion, and lust for being in a perilous situation. The present tembang
presents a human attitude that is arrogant, arrogant, greedy, enjoys discussing
lust-related news, is empathetic, and exhibits mutual respect for one another.
In the Javanese language, the phrase "reduced or lost manners" is used to describe
this situation. Tembang Durma continuously practices advice to maintain composure
during daily life.

Megatruh
The word "megatruh" derives from the words "separation" and "nyawa/spirit" so that
it can be translated as "separation of the spirit from the human body." The meaning
that is found in a megatruh is when a person experiences death.

The song megatruh is comprised of advice to enable each person to elevate himself
to a state of calm and absolution. This Tembang is typically used to depict feelings
like regret, grief, or sadness

Pucung
The word pucung or pocong is interpreted as coming from a person who has already
arrived in the grave of the alps. The final phase of human existence, i.e., being in the
baka altitude, is when tembang macapat pucung is announced.
Tembang pucung typically mentions funny or guess-related details in order to raise
eyebrows. Even though it has a strong witty flavor, this contents tembang pucung
contains wise advice to explain the differences in human, animal, plant, and celestial
existence.