Macapat
Definition: Macapat is a traditional Javanese poetic form that combines verse and song. It is known for its intricate rhythmic patterns and structured syllabic counts.
Structure: Macapat typically consists of stanzas with a fixed number of lines, each containing a specific number of syllables. Macapat follows a strict pattern known as Guru Gatra, Guru Wilangan, and Guru Lagu.
Guru Lagu: In Macapat, "guru lagu" refers to the ending of a vocal word within a line, which affects the syllable count and rhythm. This concept is crucial in maintaining the musicality and flow of the poetry.
Guru Gatra: Macapat also employs "guru gatra," which refers to the metrical unit or line length, often ranging from 7 to 11 syllables per line.
Guru Wilangan: Another aspect of Macapat is "guru wilangan," which determines the total number of lines in a stanza. Common guru wilangan values include 4, 8, and 12 lines per stanza.
Themes: Macapat explores themes of love, nature, spirituality, and moral teachings, drawing from Javanese cultural heritage and mythology.
Kakawin
Definition: Kakawin is a traditional Javanese poetic form that originated in ancient Java. It is characterized by its highly structured metrical patterns, intricate vocabulary, and rich use of mythological and religious themes.
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Structure: Kakawin typically consists of stanzas with a fixed number of lines, each containing a specific number of syllables. The syllabic counts in Kakawin follow a strict pattern known as "guru laghu," which dictates the length of syllables in a line and contributes to the rhythmic flow of the poetry. −−−|UU−|U−U|UU−|−−U|−−U| U the pattern of guru laghu, the symbol of – means a long syllable and U means a short syllable.
Guru Laghu: Etymologically, guru laghu consists of two words, guru and laghu. About kakawin, guru means a heavy voice, a long and regular voice, while the word laghu means short, tight and light sound. "Guru Laghu" refers to the syllable pattern within a line, indicating the placement of long and short syllables. This rhythmic pattern, along with other structural elements, contributes to the musicality and elegance of Kakawin verses.
Themes: Kakawin often explores themes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as tales of ancient Javanese kings, heroes, and mythological beings. The poetry reflects a deep appreciation for spirituality, morality, and cultural heritage.
Macapat and Kakawin are tightly bound in religion, Macapat is bound with Islam, and Kakawin is bound with Hinduism. Honestly, I don't know well about Kakawin. After all, in school, Kakawin had never been taught especially in Java, maybe in Bali, because Kakawin is so close to their culture and the poem grew rapidly in Bali. Kakawin believed in Java from the 9th until the 15th century when it was the Hindu-Buddhist period in Java and grew rapidly in Bali since the 16th century. Macapat started in the 17th century in Java, it started as a poem from Walisanga (The nine saints for Islam in Indonesia) to spread the Islam religion, using the local of Hindu-Buddhist culture to teach moral teachings, love, and spiritual themes.
Kakawin used Aksara Kawi, not Aksara Java nor Bali, Kawi is the descendant of both Aksara. The big thing is I am still using Java language for the Kakawin or Varania's chanting, which Kakawin use Ancient Java Language, and I don't know any words from that language, so I will stick to Java Language, not the ancient one.