Photos and Philosophical Meanings of Balinese Tradition

Kapanlagi.com - Bali is one of the tourist destinations in Indonesia known for its natural beauty and rich culture. This can be seen directly when visiting Bali, where many native people wear Balinese traditional clothing in their daily activities.

Interestingly, Balinese traditional clothing has various types. This can indicate differences in age and social status, according to the Balinese traditional clothing worn.

Here are various types of Balinese traditional clothing summarized on Monday (12/2/2024)

1. Bali Kebaya

Portrait of Mahalini wearing Bali Kebaya (Source: Instagram/mahaliniraharja)

Bali traditional clothing is worn by Balinese women in traditional ceremonies and religious activities. The bottom part of Bali Kebaya usually has a corset commonly worn by older Balinese women.

Bright-colored Bali Kebaya represents the cheerfulness and elegance of Balinese women, making it more suitable for joyful traditional ceremonies. On the other hand, dark-colored Bali Kebaya is used for traditional ceremonies that have a mournful nature as it is associated with sadness.

Bali Kebaya is also worn by Hindu-Balinese women when they go to the temple for religious activities.

2. Payas Agung

Portrait of traditional Balinese clothing Payas Agung (Source: romadecade.org)

Payas Agung is a traditional Balinese clothing that gives a luxurious and special impression, often used for wedding ceremonies or tooth filing. Payas Agung is worn by female brides with adornments such as towering crowns and long tapih that wraps from the chest to the toes.

This Balinese traditional clothing also uses a cloth covered by kemben and kamen prada that covers up to the ankles.

3. Payas Madya

Portrait of traditional Balinese clothing Payas Madya (Source: Instagram/sarikayana_wedding)

Payas Madya is more casual and commonly used for daily activities and does not use too many accessories like Payas Agung.

This traditional Balinese clothing is usually worn for religious rituals and traditional ceremonies. Madya itself means intermediate, which means not too luxurious and not too simple.

4. Payas Alit

Portrait of traditional Balinese clothing Payas Alit (Source: Instagram/happysalma)

Payas Alit is a simpler traditional Balinese clothing compared to Payas Agung and Payas Madya.

For men, Payas Alit is commonly worn with safari shirts or koko shirts with a head covering called udeng. Usually, Payas Alit is worn when the Balinese Hindu community worships at the temple.

5. Prada Belt and Selendang

Portrait of traditional Balinese clothing Prada Belt and Selendang (Source: gramedia.com)

The Prada belt is one part of traditional Balinese clothing that is paired with a kebaya and kamen fabric.

The Prada belt is commonly worn by women with Balinese motifs and bright colors, which symbolize protecting the womb as a form of respect for God's gift and self-control to avoid doing bad things.

The Prada belt also functions to hold the kamen fabric in place and prevent it from falling.

6. What is the name of traditional clothing from Bali?

Payas alit or payas nista is the simplest traditional Balinese clothing that can be worn daily, including for daily traditional ceremonies at the temple. Usually, it is worn with only a kebaya and songket. Men usually wear only a white shirt and complete it with a kamen and udeng.

7. What is the Name of Balinese Traditional Clothing for Women?

Sanggul or pusung gonjer is worn by teenage girls, while adult women wear pusung tagel. Busana Agung is the most luxurious traditional Balinese clothing. It is usually worn during tooth filing ceremonies or weddings. Busana Agung has many variations depending on the place, time, and situation.

8. When to Wear Balinese Traditional Clothing?

Starting from that date, Balinese language and traditional clothing are used every Thursday, on the full moon day, on the dark moon day, and on the anniversary of Bali Province and the anniversary of the regency/city.

9. What is the Language in Bali?

Balinese language consists of two dialects, namely (1) Bali Aga or Bali Mula dialect spoken by the people in the highlands of Bali and (2) Bali Dataran dialect spoken by the people who generally reside in the lowland areas of Bali.

10. What are the Characteristics of Traditional Balinese Clothing?

Balinese traditional clothing called Payas Agung worn by women has the distinctive luxurious colors and patterns of Bali. This clothing consists of a top called angkin prada, accompanied by a shawl draped over the shoulder, and the bottom part is a traditional Balinese songket that reaches ankle length.

(kpl/dva)