[David]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

What you have said is correct David, when we talk about kayu pelet, it is normally wood that has black markings on it, probably most usual is timoho, but the descriptor "pelet" can be given to other woods as well.

However, the word "pelet" really has nothing at all to do with wood. "Pelet" is a kind of magic that causes people to fall in love. A m'ranggi who came from a long line of m'ranggis told me that the idea of "kayu pelet" was that if a woman saw a man wearing a particularly beautiful wrongko that was distinguished by outstanding black grain patterns, she would fall in love with the wearer. When we talk about "kayu pelet" we are actually saying that the wood has the power to cause a woman to fall in love with the person wearing it.

Why would a gayaman not be worn at festive occasions? The most usual wrongko worn is the gayaman. Even in kraton society there are only (probably) six occasions when ladrangan wear is essential. I've said "probably" Because although I've heard this 6 occasions thing a lot of times, nobody seems to be able to name those six essential occasions. The usual wrongko is the gayam. I did not say "special festive occasions", I said festive occasions, and that could be a grandchild's birthday party, or a nephew's graduation, or as a guest at a wedding. Any occasion where the aim is celebration and having a good time.

Ladrangs are a bit special.

Thanks Alan. Well, if nothing else, my particular sheath made ME fall in love with IT. The jury is still out on its effect on women.