Roti Buaya: An Extraordinary Wedding Cake from Betawi
Who says that a wedding cake can only be in one form? The one that soars high with its multiple grand-looking tiers? Take the wedding cake of the Betawi people, for instance. Instead of using a normal-looking cake, they use a rather peculiar one. Roti Buaya is what they called it. In English, the translation would literally be “crocodile bread.” Interesting, isn’t it? As the name implies, Roti Buaya is a bread in the shape of a crocodile. This special Betawi bread is a mandatory handover in a traditional Betawi wedding. The groom must bring it during the wedding ceremony.
The decision in choosing a crocodile as the design is not without any reason. It starts with the first interesting trait of the crocodiles themselves – that they only mate only with one partner in their entire lifetime. This leads to the hope that the married couple can be faithful to each other until death do them apart. The other touching meaning correlates with the fact that crocodiles can live in two environments – land and water. The different environments represent the different situations in life. Therefore, this holds the hope that the newlywed household is able to withstand and survive through various trials that they might face in the future. Hoping that even if they stumble upon hard times, they both can go through it hand in hand.
Moreover, Roti Buaya is also often used as a symbol of prosperity. Back then, bread was regarded as a luxury.
Only the upper class can afford to consume this type of carbohydrate. Thus, by having Roti Buaya in the wedding ceremony, it symbolizes the wish for the new family to be able to prosper financially.
The philosophical belief of Betawi people regarding the Roti Buaya not only exists in the terms of having it in the ceremony, but also in giving it to the guest of the wedding. They believe that the act of giving this fluffy crocodile-shaped bread to those who are still single will help them in finding their soulmates. Hence, hoping they are able to soonly catch up in tying the knot. As sweet as it sounds, surprisingly, this heart-touching act has only existed not long ago. Roti Buaya was not meant to be served in the old days, let alone to be consumed. It was rather intended to be preserved. Differs from now, it used to be made as hard as a rock without any fillings added to it. Then, it will be displayed as the centerpiece throughout the event. Once the ceremony is over, it will be stored on top of the married couple’s bedroom closet and let it purposefully rot there. This tradition is a symbol of a long-lasting marriage. Wishing the couple that their marriage may stand as strong as how hard the bread is. May they live and grow old together as to how the bread is being left to rot slowly.
It is quite remarkable to see how a bread is able to contain such a deep meaning. Its philosophical background makes it even more special. The way that it holds many wishes and hopes that all newlywed couples could dream of having is very touching. Betawi people should be proud to have Roti Buaya as part of their culture. It is indeed a special and meaningful piece of tradition.
Editor: Nadia Salsabila & Pieter Bagaskara Astadiningrat
