Bobot, Bibit, and Bebet in Choosing a Mate

Abstract

The concept of bebet, bibit, and bobot contain in the Serat Warayagnya manuscript by Mangkunegara IV, a poet and ruler of the Kadipaten Mangkunegara of Surakarta in the mid-19th century. Terefore, this Serat Warayagnya has been part of a modern Javanese literary work written by a Javanese priyayi. This manuscript is important to study considering that the term of bobot, bibit, and bebet is still popular among the people, especially the Javanese. The study using content analysis reveals that the concept of bobot, bibit, and bebet in Serat Warayagnya manuscript is related to four things that must be avoided in choosing a spouse/mate. Namely (1) choosing a spouse only because of his/her beauty; (2) choosing a spouse only because of his/her wealth; (3) choosing a spouse only because of his/her social status; and (4) choosing a spouse because of association and sweet seduction. In addition, it contains the concept of the noble piwulang value for young men and women to become human beings. It also contains the concept of tatariman (a mate given by the king) that is less relevant for today's life.