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Indonesia or Republic of Indonesia is the largest archipelagic nation in the world. It is home to people of many faiths and beliefs. The majority adheres to Muslim religion. This multi-cultural diversity explains why Indonesians refer to varied kinds of calendar.
The people of Indonesia follow the Javanese calendar as well as the Gregorian calendar and Islamic calendar. Even though Gregorian calendar happens to be the officially recognized calendar for Republic of Indonesia, Javanese calendar culturally unites and identifies the ethnicities of Java Island. Javanese, Madurese and Sundanese are the ethnic people of Indonesia who follow Indonesian calendar for cultural and metaphysical purposes. In modern times these people stick to Javanese calendar to relish their antique tradition.
Indonesian calendar came into existence in the year 1585. It was decreed by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokosumo. Ruwah, Pasa , Sawal, Hapit, Besar, Sura, Sapar, Mulud, Bakdomulud, Jumadilawal, Jumadilakhir and Rejeb are the months in the Indonesian calendar.
Originally the natives of the Java Islands used Hindu calendar also known as Saka calendar. The cyclic movements of the sun was used for calculating calendar dates but Indonesian calendar differs from the Hindu calendar in using lunar movements alike Islamic calendar. Indonesian calendar is sometimes called by the name of Anno Javanico or AJ (Javanese Year).
The Javanese or Indonesian calendar has cycles or measurements of time that overlaps with each other. It has Pasaran which refers to a cycle of five days. The seven day week is common to the Gregorian calendar. There are month long cycles of Mangsa and Wulan as well as the year long cycle termed Tahun. The eight year cycle is called Windu. Windu has four categories. They include Windu Adi, Windu Kunthara, Windu Sengara and Windu Sancaya. Indonesia calendar has derived the Wulan, Tahun and Windu cycle from Saka calendar.
The first day of the month in Indonesian calendar is compared to a new born baby. There are special days which are marked for worshipping Gusti, the creator of Universe. They are called Dino Mulyo. For horoscope predictions Windu is no longer referred to. But when a Windu passes it is celebrated by enjoying slametan, a communal feast of the Javanese people. |
