BULAN Meaning and
Definition
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Bulan is a noun used in the Indonesian language to refer to the moon. Derived from the Sanskrit word "bhūmi," meaning earth, "bulan" denotes the celestial body that orbits around the earth, illuminating the night sky with its reflected sunlight. As an essential part of the solar system, the moon plays a crucial role in influencing tides, providing natural light during the night, and marking the passage of time.
In Indonesian culture and folklore, the moon holds significant symbolic and mythical meaning. It is often associated with romance, inspiration, and beauty. The moon's cyclical phases are believed to affect various aspects of life, including agricultural activities, fishing schedules, and even human emotions.
Lunar calendars are frequently used in some communities to determine religious holidays, festivals, and other cultural events. The Islamic calendar, for example, follows a lunar system, where the sighting of the new moon signifies a new month. Additionally, moon-watching activities, such as during eclipse events, are popular among people who are awestruck by the moon's celestial beauty.
Overall, "bulan" serves as a versatile term in Indonesian language and culture, representing both the physical celestial entity and the numerous cultural meanings and practices associated with it.
Etymology of BULAN
The word "bulan" comes from the Old Javanese language. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "puraṇa" (पुरण), which means "old" or "ancient". In Old Javanese, the word evolved to "fulan" and later to "bulan", which is the modern form of the word used in various Indonesian languages, including Malay and Indonesian. In these languages, "bulan" means "moon" and is commonly used in everyday language and in the names of the months.
