Detecting Early Pregnancy adn Understanding Cravings: Insights from Javanese Fiber Procedures
traditional Javanese culture possesses a deeply rooted understanding of pregnancy, documented in detailed “fiber procedures” – ancient manuscripts outlining customs and beliefs. These texts reveal complex observations about the physiological and psychological changes experienced during early pregnancy, going beyond simple identification to encompass nuanced understandings of cravings and the crucial role of experienced elder women in guiding expectant mothers.
One key aspect of early pregnancy detection, as detailed in these procedures, relies on subtle physical signs observable by those with experience.Beyond the cessation of menstruation, trained observers could identify indications like a more visible pulse in the neck, attributed to increased blood volume and cardiac activity. Perhaps most strikingly, the manuscripts describe a change in facial hue, termed “Light Ijo” (literally “light green”). this wasn’t necessarily a literal colour change, but rather a pale, yet radiant complexion – a unique aura believed to manifest in pregnant women. This demonstrates a profound intuitive grasp of women’s physiology, developed through generations of observation and communal recognition.
The fiber procedures also delve into the complexities of pregnancy cravings, specifically detailing the phenomena of ”Ngaang” and “Ngangah-gah.” “Ngaang” describes a powerful desire for foods with strong, often spicy or sour flavors, like salads, that remains unsatisfying even when indulged. “Ngangah-gah,” though, is a more peculiar experience: a strong craving that vanishes entirely once the desired food or object is presented.
A case study within the manuscripts recounts Raden Nganten’s complaints of experiencing both “Ngaang” and “Ngangah-gah.” nyai Ajeng, a senior woman in the family, immediately recognized these symptoms as ”Nyidam” - a culturally specific term for pregnancy cravings.This highlights that Javanese understandings of cravings aren’t simply about food preferences, but represent a complex interplay of physical and psychological changes associated with pregnancy.
Crucially,the fiber procedures emphasize the central role of the mother or mother-in-law in detecting pregnancy and providing guidance. In the documented family dynamic, Nyai Ajeng identified the signs in her son-in-law before the expectant mother or her husband did. This underscores a system of non-formal knowledge transfer, where older, experienced women act as experts, confirming pregnancy and offering crucial instructions, prohibitions, and recommendations for a safe pregnancy – ranging from specific bathing rituals to avoiding certain positions like sitting in doorways.
These documented customs, preserved through the efforts of individuals like Ki Padmasusastra and government documentation projects (Research and Research Projects of Regional Culture, 1978), are not merely superstitious beliefs. They represent a deeply ingrained tradition of prenatal care, demonstrating a long-standing concern for the well-being of both mother and child, and a profound respect for the life cycle within Javanese culture.
Bibliography:
Research and Research Projects of Regional culture. (1978). Customs of Central Java Regional. Ministry of Education and Culture.
Sumarno, S., & Mumfangati, T. (2016). Portrait of childcare from the womb to adolescents in Javanese people: Fiber Study Procedures. Ministry of Education and Culture, Center for Preservation of Cultural Values in Yogyakarta.
