Symbolic Meanings in Mosques and Churches: Fusion of the Padma Flower Ornament into the Worship Structures in Java, Indonesia

The Padma flower ornament, inspired by plants, was commonly found on religious buildings of Islamic, Catholic, and Protestant faiths.The Padma flower was popular during the precolonial and colonial periods in Indonesia, particularly on Java, where cultural, religious, and social diversity converge.The diversity of ornament visibly shown on the buildings represented expressions of life in various eras.This research explores the diversity of forms, functions and meanings conveyed in the physical structures of Islamic, Catholic, and Protestant religious heritage buildings during the pre-colonial and colonial periods on the island of Java.It employed qualitative research methods.A literature survey was used together with an examination of documents to identify the outcomes of previous research.Data was also collected through observations, and interviews.Findings show the integration of local culture with the new religion in those places of worship.In concludes that the Padma flower ornament originated from the influence of Hindu and Buddhist teachings in earlier times.Ornaments show that Indonesia, particularly the island of Java, is a region where cultural, religious, and social diversity intersect.However, the monolithic nature of culture does not affect the cultural life of the region.