The Meaning Behind The Sarong, Other Traditional Balinese Accessories

Piodalan ceremony at Tanah Lot Temple (Photo via Plesiryuk)

Little did we know these items are loaded with so much local values and wisdom

Brilio.net/en - For those planning a Bali adventure, you probably have visits to some of its beautiful temples listed in your itinerary, or are simply looking forward to participating in some of the spiritual ceremonies that take place on a regular basis. But before you get all excited, why not take a moment to talk about the attire you might be requiredto wear on the grounds from the beautifulsarongs at temples to the more intricate headdress and kebaya you may have already seen worn by locals in the many colorful pictures of Balinese ceremonies.

Here, we fill you in on the meaning behind each item and why, when it comes to local cultures anywhere in the world, there is always much more than what meets the eye.

1. The Kamben

A.k.a. thesarongvisitors are required to wear prior to entering temples. Kamben is a cloth worn to cover the lower part of our bodies; it is tied around the waist and falls just right below the knees. For men, it is customary for the kamben tobe wrapped from left to right, representingthe good (dharma). Their kambenscover the legs down tothe ankle, which suggests that men should cover more ground in supportingtheir family. As for women, the kamben is worn from right to left, a sign that the women are saktis, keeping the men balanced.

Men and women wearing traditional attire during a holy ceremony.
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari

2. Kebaya

When attending a ceremony, both localsand visitors are required to put on awhite kebaya(for women)and a white shirt (for men). While other colors may be acceptable, the white that is typically seen in such events is meant to representclarity and peace.It has become the color oftraditional ceremonies, with ngaben the Balinese cremation ceremony being anexception, asparticipants typically switchthe white for a black attire instead.

Women with Balinese traditional attire during Kuningan celebration. (Photo via Shutterstock)

3. Bulang pasang

Bulang pasang is a girdle worn under the womens kebaya, representinggood self-control.

4. Saputan

Over a kamben, men are required to put on what is called asaputan. Its a three-quarter-long sarongthatextends from the waist to the thigh, encouraging men to properly cover their private area.

Man wearing saputan over his kamben, and woman wearing bulang pasang under her kebaya.
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari

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(brl/red)