Some visitors might wonder why I didn’t pick a name reflective of my name or some other marketable and memorable names. Some who understands what tjandoe radjoet means might even wonder why I picked a name that contains such a pejorative word. Is it, though?
I tend to disagree.
The Background
Tjandoe radjoet simply means crochet addict. It is written in the style of van Ophuijsen Spelling System which was used as Indonesia’s official spelling in 1901-1947. As with the grammar rules of English to Indonesian translation, tjandoe means addict; radjoet means crochet. If it’s written in Modern Indonesian, it will be candu rajut, which is not sexy at all.
Van Ophuijsen spelling is very dear to me because I still use it daily with my closest confidants. I sometimes still write Whatsapp messages or notes in this style because I think it is a part of Indonesian history and shall not be forgotten. Some of my previous colleagues called me ancient because I like this spelling, which was funny that this comment came from a bunch of archaeologists.
Historically, this spelling marked a transition period in Indonesia’s history right after the Independence (1945) to become the country that it is today. Nonetheless, van Ophuijsen spelling is still in use by quite a number of Indonesians within their names to this day. I also see some emergence of local business using the style, especially those of culinary business. Don’t ask me why it is popular in that segment.
The History
I first picked this name because I thought I would be crocheting forever and making a motherload of income from the hobby. Yep, there was a time when this blog was designed to be one of those crafty-themed blogs supporting my yarn shop. In reality, the haberdashery market has become oversaturated in Indonesia. I was out of ideas on how to stay on top. Plus, I was still juggling between archaeological field works and yarn shop, which was very challenging.
But as you know, I changed the direction of my career choice and thought I still like to keep the title. After deep thoughts and asking advice from some of my closest confidants, I chose to stay with the name. Crochet will always be my hobby, yarn will always be one of my obsessions, and I will not quit crocheting in the foreseeable future.
In conclusion, I think Tjandoe Radjoet represents me, a moderately conservative old-school, crochet-loving, yarn-obsessed, history buff, bookworm, ex-archaeologist who now owns a blog and works as an English transcriber. Voilà!
And that’s the story behind Tjandoe Radjoet.
I thank you for visiting my little corner of the web, and I hope you enjoy it.
