18/01/2023
Meaning of Tridatu Bracelet
Quoting the Binus website, Tridatu's bracelet was obtained while praying at a temple. Even so, not all temples give tridatu bracelets to people who pray.
Tridatu comes from the word tri which means three and datu which means elements or colors. When combined, tridatu means three elements that come from three strands of thread with three different colors, namely red, white and black.
The thread used for this tridatu is not an ordinary thread. Before being given to the people, threads need to go through a ritual process first so as to produce deep philosophical meaning and value. Hindus believe that the tridatu bracelet has the power of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.
Then, the three elements or colors combined into a tridatu bracelet symbolize God's holiness in its manifestation as the Tri Murti god. The red color represents the power of Lord Brahma, the white color represents Lord Shiva, and the black color represents the power of Lord Vishnu.
It doesn't stop there, Tridatu's bracelet or thread also symbolizes Tri Kona which means the provision of life for every human being, such as Utpeti (born), Stiti (life), and Pralina (death). When someone wears a tridatu bracelet, that person is expected to always remember the Almighty creator, preserver and destroyer.
The History of the Tridatu Bracelet for the Balinese
The meaning and power of the Tridatu Bracelet are not just formed. There is a history that underlies the formation of the tridatu bracelet among Balinese people. The following is the history of the tridatu bracelet for the Balinese.
Appeared in the 14th and 15th centuries, when Bali was under the rule of the Majapahit Kingdom and ruled by Dalem Waturenggong.
Raja Gelgel carried out the attack by sending Ki Patih Jelantik to Nusa Penida led by Ki Dalem Bungkut so that Ki Dalem Bungkut lost and made a deal with Raja Gelgel.
From this commotion, Ratu Gede Mecaling decided to protect Hindus who were devout and devoted to their ancestors, while those who were proven to be negligent with their ancestors and were not devoted would be punished by Ratu Gede Mecaling.
Tridatu bracelets are then made to mark citizens who are obedient and devoted to their ancestors so that they will not be punished by rencang or Ratu Gede Mecaling.
The tridatu bracelet is finally interpreted as a gift and keeps away from distress.
Who Can Wear the Tri Datu Bracelet?
In general, the Tridatu Bracelet is more widely worn by Balinese, especially those who are Hindu, so that it becomes one of the identities or characteristics of Balinese people. According to student-activity.binus.ac.id, if you find someone wearing a Tridatu Bracelet, there is a high probability that that person is a resident of Bali.
However, basically there is no prohibition for non-Hindu or residents outside Bali to wear these bracelets.
Rules for Wearing the Tridatu Bracelet
Although the Tridatu Bracelet can be worn by anyone without restrictions, there are separate rules for its use. The use of the Tridatu Bracelet may only be made on the right wrist. The Tridatu bracelet cannot be worn on the left hand like accessories in general.
The Tridatu bracelet itself has a deep meaning. Quoting Gede Merthawan in the journal Understanding the Use of Tri Datu Threads for Hindu Youth in Palu City, there are three adolescents' understandings of Tridatu Bracelets that make how to use them important, namely:
1. Tri Datu as Balinese Identity
The Tridatu bracelet has basically become an identity for the life of the Balinese people, making a differentiator between certain groups and identities even though they are in the same area. For example, the Bugis and Balinese people will have characteristics that differentiate one another's identities, such as the use of the Tridatu Bracelet.
2. As Protection from God
The use of the Tridatu Bracelet is considered to be able to protect a person from negative things such as black magic and has a major influence on individual self-confidence so that it creates a feeling of comfort and calm for the wearer.
3. Tri Datu is a thread of three colors
The Tridatu bracelet includes three colors (red, white and black) which symbolize the three powers of God as Tri Murti.
That is information about the Tridatu Bracelet for Balinese people. The Tridatu bracelet has existed since the 14th and 15th centuries, when divisions between regional leaders occurred and caused one party to create a protection for those who served it. This bracelet can only be worn on the right wrist and cannot be used on the left.
It is believed that the Tridatu Bracelet provides protection from the three powers of God or Tri Murti.
