Keris, the symbol of glory
A keris or kris is a special knife, a double-edged assymetrical stabbing weapon originating in Java which is used in a close range combat. It has spread its influence far beyond its initial beginnings to Bali, Lombok, Kalimantan, and even to Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Mindanao. From a stabbing weapon it has developed into a social status symbol and a symbol of manhood. According to Javanese keris lore, the development of keris can be assumed to take a parallel course with the kingdoms of Java. Unfortunately myth and fact are also intertwined that it is sometimes difficult to separate the two.
Some keris has been constructed entirely for magic and spiritual purpose. The creation is a long and complicated magical ritual which involves the blending of the metal with magical ingredients and the invoking of a powerful jinn/khodam spirit into keris. After keris has been created, the spirit is continually fed, so it gradually grows more powerful. They are often passed down from generation to generation. Our keris go back as far as the 8th century, when the most powerful magical knives and swords were made. They have become extremely potent through magical and spiritual usage and continuous feeding.
What gives keris its power is the genie (also known as Khodam or Jinn) that resides in it. The genie, or jinn, is a magical spirit that normally exists in a parallel dimension. The different powers will also reflect in the different ways of using them. Some are more suitable for experienced magicians, and like to be held in rituals, in which case they will add great power to the ritual. Some keris are easier to use by the beginner. You only have to hold it and visualize your desire and the jinn will work on fulfilling that desire. Others were created as family protectors, and can be used with no magical knowledge at all. All you have to do is hang it on the wall and feed it once a month and it will work quietly in the background, protecting you from harm, or drawing in wealth and good luck. There are some that can be carried on the person to confer authority on the carrier, silencing opponents and making you successful in all debates and interviews.
A keris can be used as a magical and spiritual aid in reaching and manifesting one’s desired goals and aspirations. The spirit which dwells within keris supports your daily aspects in terms of luck, wealth and health and interactions with people. The empus have created these magical blades with the thought that they will empower one’s aura and assist in one’s quest for desired qualities and enhancements in life. These are all infused into the item during its creation and these can all work to successfully aid one’s spiritual development.
Keris as the symbol of the glory of a historical era can be seen by its shape and its art. The older keris, the simpler the shape, the ornaments, and the function would be. The early function of keris is as a weapon to defend oneself, to preserve one’s life, and to function as a close range weapon. Preceding the development of culture and art, the shape of Keris changed according to the need and it’s contribution to human’s life, among others it could indicate the social status of the owner of keris. Keris also functions as the symbol of power (Wahyu Keraton).
Keris has two kinds of shape: straight keris and meandering keris. There are approximately 200 kinds of straight Keris and 250 kinds of meandering keris. The meander is called luk. Meandering Keris always has odd numbers of meander, from luk 3 up to luk 29, above luk 29 that is luk 31 up to luk 51 are the kriya artwork from outer Java.
