Be Watchful: How to Wear Balinese Traditional Clothing Appropriately

owdays, globalization really influence the era. All the aspects become change because of the globalization. Including in wearing Balinese traditional clothing. Perhaps there still a lot of people who do not understand that the Balinese traditional clothing is just not used as a body cover only. Traditional clothing is often used in various ceremonies, it is really meaningful. Each of part has their own meaning. In this chance I would like to highlight the grip problem in wearing the Balinese blouse (kebaya) that has many experience a shift in meaning.

But previously it would be better if we know about the basic concepts in the dress especially Balinese traditional clothing.

The values that contained in the custom clothing has august values such as shade, peace and joy. The concept itself has three parts that should not be abandoned even if only one thing. The all three concepts are Dewa Angga (the use of materials that cover the neck to the head); Manusa Angga (the use of materials that cover the navel to the neck); and Butha Angga (the use of materials that cover the waist to the feet). All parts must be fulfilled the requirements to be eligible to follow the ceremony and events in Balinese traditions.

There are also three types of clothing in Balinese traditional clothing namely Payas Agung for luxury clothing, Payas Jangkep or Payas Madya are for complete traditional clothing and Payas Alit for common event. So the Balinese people use this type of clothing in accordance with its required.

There are some basic elements of clothing that should be used when using Balinese traditional clothing and each element has a good meaning. Among others are :

a. KAMBEN (Bottom Cloth)

It is used to cover the lower body. For men kamben is worn from left to right and it is used for women in vice versa. It became a symbol of the righteousness tenet or Dharma. Which means that men should be responsible in women and for women indicated Sakti that has meaning as the balancer of men.

b. KEBAYA / KEMEJA (Balinese Blouse / Shirt)

It has its own grid in dress. Kebaya motifs that is used must be tight and cover the upper part of the body with long sleeves for women. Beside Ngaben (cremation ceremonies) men should use a white shirt while for Ngaben use black, it means that black is symbol of sadness.

c. BULANG PASANG (Longtorso)

After using kamben women should use it before using kebaya. It has a meaning as a symbol of women emoticon control.

d. SAPUTAN

It is used for men only after using kamben. It is cover kamben from waist to thigh. It has a philosophy as a cover of male genitalia.

e. SENTENG/ SELENDANG/ UMPAL

For women senteng or selendang (scarf) has a meaning as justification. It means that women would justify the behavior of their children or as a teacher. While umpal is used by men have the same meanings with senteng as a symbol of truth.

f. UDENG (Balinese Traditional Headband)

Udeng is used for men only that has meaning as the mind controller. It is used depend on the user concerns. So udeng has many varities such as Udeng Jejateran (using for social activities or praying in temple); Udeng Kepang Dara (using for kings); and Udeng Beblatukan (for the religious leader).

As Balinese people have you used the traditional clothing in good and right way?

As people who live and really appreciate the culture of Bali, we should to know that the development of the use of traditional clothing these days is very concerned. Especially for women, they are competing in dress both in terms of material or model. It greatly affects the meaning of custom clothing itself. With wider style in the chest and shorter sleeves, it is incompatible with the proper grip certainly. Even often seen people worship only using the short-sleeved shirts and jeans. This matter gives negative opinions, such as :

1. Making the other person is not focused when doing worship;

2. Being the scene rivalry;

3. Eliminating the meaning of the worship itself.

Hopefully with my writing it can take back that every detail of custom clothing that to be used have meaning and it would be nice if it remains to be obeyed.