UDENG BALI: Traditional Headband

Many people around the world think of Bali as a separate country. While it's true that Bali's fame often eclipses that of Indonesia as a country, Bali is in fact just a small island located between the isles of Java and Lombok. Bali, like many of Indonesia's other islands, is renowned for its rich culture and tradition.

Udeng Bali is a headband worn by the Balinese for prayer and for traditional rituals and customs. Udeng is not merely a headband, but also embodies a philosophy. Its right side is taller than its left side, suggesting the kneeling of humans in accordance with the darma yakti dharma on the right side and the adharma on the opposing left. In response to tourism's development in Indonesia, and Bali in particular, and as part of the emerging market for tourism related merchandising, udeng has become the visitors' favorite souvenir, often purchased as proof that they have been to Bali.The Balinese gamelan's musicians wear udengThe Balinese gamelan's musicians wear udeng.

Udeng comes in different colors, and is worn primarily according to traditional usage. White udeng is reserved for religious ceremonies or prayer and symbolizes purity of heart. Black udeng is only worn at funerals, while batik udeng is worn at social activity such as town meetings or other traditional events. Red udeng and other colors are worn by Balinese gamelan musicians and dancers as well as by fashionably creative teenagers during the gong kebyar festival.

Basically, the philosophy of Balinese traditional clothes inspired by the teachings of the gods and goddesses, which provide shade, peace, and joy. The basic concepts of traditional Balinese dress is Tapak Dara or also called Swastika. Consists of three parts, namely :

1 . Dewa Angga : from the neck to the head

2 . Manusa Angga : from the navel to the neck

3 . Butha Angga : from below the navel to toe

Based on the composition of the clothing worn, there are three types of traditional Balinese clothing: Payas Agung (Luxury Clothing); Payas Jangkep / Madya ( full dress ); and Payas Alit (modest dress). Each item in the customary fashion worn by men or women philosophical meaning. How do Balinese people use their traditional clothes?

For Men:

The first item that should be worn is kemben. Kemben is a long cloth that covers the waist to toe. Worn circle from left to right as a symbol of the Dharma (the teachings of the truth). The Lower limit of kemben is above the ankle. It is intended that men should be able to proceed with long strides, as they have a greater responsibility than women. Front of kemben made ​​pointy end facing down, as a symbol of masculinity and honor the earth goddess. After wearing kemben, then wear Saputan (shawl). Saputan worn to cover 3/4 of the kemben. Saputan cloth meant as a cover aura of masculinity. That bond kemben and saputan become stronger, they should be assisted with small shawl, called Umpal. Umpal knot at the waist should be in the right, as a symbol of truth holds. After that, we use a shirt. White shirt worn to the temple as a symbol of purity, and black shirt worn to attend the ceremony of Ngaben (death ceremony) as a symbol of mourning. The last item of clothing is Udeng (bonding in the head). There are three types of udeng: Udeng Jejateran (worn to the temple and social events), Udeng Kepak Dara (worn by the king), and Udeng Beblatukan (worn by religious leaders). Udeng is a symbol of mind control.

For Women:

The first item of clothing to be worn by women is Kamben with creases from right to left (as opposed to men) as a symbol of Sakti (balancer male strength). The concept of the Sakti strength means that women have a duty to keep the men in order not to deviate from the truth. After wearing Kamben, then wear a Bulang/Stagen as a symbol of the womb and maintain emotional control. Then wear clothes, known as Kebaya. After that, they wear scarves. Women do not wear Udeng. They have to show the beauty of their hair. There are three types of hair style that known by the people of Bali. Pusung Gonjer is a hair style for women who are not married. Hair partially folded, and partially loose. Pusung Tegel is a hair style for women who have been married. Hair should be rolled up and not be loose. The third mode of hairstyle is Pusung Podgala. This hairstyle is shaped like a butterfly with flower decoration, among others white champaca, yellow champaca, and Sandat flower as a symbol of Tri Murti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). This hairstyle worn on certain ceremonial event.

Source:

http://www.tnol.asia/arts-culture/13698-udeng-bali-traditional-headband.html

http://www.balitriad.com/2013/10/philosophy-of-bali-traditional-dress.html

http://setiaonebudhi.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/gue-mau-udeng/

http://balicantik-ewikq.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html

http://intanshafirra.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-dedication-for-indonesia-my-thankful.html