Shifting Sacredness and Spatiality of Laku Ritual In Traditional Javanese SPA Treatment for Women (Case Study: Apasra SPA, Hotel Tugu, Malang)

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-404-4_9How to use a DOI?

Keywords

architectural semiotics; ritual; Javanese traditional spa; interior design

Abstract

This study explores the evolution of Javanese beauty ideals, traditionally rooted in the concept of harmony between body, mind, and spirit. To achieve this ideal, Javanese princesses once performed exclusive “laku” rituals within the sacred Keputren of the Kraton. These rituals, rich in spiritual meaning, involved strict procedures and meticulous attention to detail. However, over time, Laku has been adapted into more accessible spa treatments, reflecting a broader trend of glocalization – the integration of global elements into local contexts. This shift has transformed Laku from a sacred practice to a commercialized form of self-care, available to all women. Applying Saussure’s architectural semiotics, this research analyzes how these evolving beauty ideals and spatial contexts impact modern Javanese women, focusing on Apsara Spa. Findings reveal a multifaceted shift in the meaning and function of Laku. Findings reveal a multifaceted shift in the meaning and function of Laku. The strict procedures and deep spiritual meaning of the original rituals have given way to a more flexible approach, emphasizing relaxation and personalized treatments. Furthermore, the spatial context has been transformed: the sacred and exclusive Keputren has been replaced by the commercially accessible spa, democratizing access while inevitably altering the symbolic meaning of the treatments. Finally, the very concept of Laku has broadened beyond physical beauty to encompass a more holistic notion of self-care, incorporating elements of mental wellness and personal pampering. This evolution highlights the dynamic nature of cultural heritage, demonstrating how traditions adapt to changing contexts. While commercialization has altered the original intent, this adaptation also presents opportunities to preserve and revitalize Javanese cultural heritage.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Debri Haryndia Putri
AU  - Imam Santosa
AU  - Deny Willy Junaidy
AU  - Gregorius Prasetyo Adhitama
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/05/15
TI  - Shifting Sacredness and Spatiality of Laku Ritual In Traditional Javanese SPA Treatment for Women (Case Study: Apasra SPA, Hotel Tugu, Malang)
BT  - Proceedings of the International Conference Entitled Language, Literary, and Cultural Studies (ICONLATERALS 2024)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 92
EP  - 112
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-404-4_9
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-404-4_9
ID  - Putri2025
ER  -