The Religious Meaning of Balinese Kebaya

Visiting Bali during a specific traditional ceremony will be memorable. Imagine that you will see a different atmosphere around the street where people put on some traditional accessories based on the ceremony. One thing you must see is when Balinese people go to the worship place to celebrate the ceremony. 

You will see people wearing Balinese traditional clothes, including Balinese kebaya for the women. So, why Balinese girls and women wear Kebaya during conventional ceremonies?

About Balinese Kebaya 

Balinese kebaya is one of the traditional clothes for women in Bali. Women in Bali must wear it in traditional ceremonies, such as Galungan, Ngaben, and many more. One of the characteristics of Balinese kebaya is the color. 

Unlike other kebaya in Indonesia, Balinese kebaya uses brighter colors, such as white, gold, yellow, and red. The bright colors are not only to make this kebaya different from others, but it also has a philosophy. Balinese kebaya uses bright colors to show cheerfulness, happiness, and elegance. 

Sometimes, they also wear kebaya with darker colors, especially on the sad traditional ceremonies. We can also say that kebaya is also their religious uniform since Balinese women will wear it anytime they go to the temple. Lace and corset are the other elements that make Balinese kebaya different from other kebaya in Indonesia. Women who are wearing kebaya with a corset show that they are older than women who wear kebaya without a corset in Bali.

The Religious Symbol in Balinese Kebaya   

Balinese kebaya is not only an ordinary traditional cloth in Bali. Each part of the cloth has a religious symbol.

Corset 

The main function of the corset is to shape your body to be more attractive. Yet, Balinese people believe that the corset that women wear while wearing kebaya also symbolizes self-control.

Women in Bali must control their negative emotions once they wear a corset and Kebaya. It is also the reason why corset is only used by older women. It seems that older women are often wiser than the young ones.

Kebaya and Kemben 

Kebaya is at the top, whereas Kemben is at the bottom. These two-parts show elegance, simplicity, firmness, and gentleness. Watch the way Balinese women walk when they are wearing a kebaya. 

They will walk slowly and elegantly due to the shape of the member. The way they walk will be different if they wear daily clothes. 

Kebaya is also a symbol of dignity. In the past, only the royal family members wore kebaya. Indeed, they must keep their dignity as the royal family members. 

Stagen 

Stagen is the belt in Balinese kebaya. Balinese women believe that Stagen symbolizes patience. Women must have a high level of patience to face everything that comes into their life. It is the reason why Stagen is long and tight in the waist or stomach. 

Bright Color 

In some traditional ceremonies, Balinese women will use a brighter kebaya. They wear bright kebaya, especially to celebrate ceremonies that represent happiness, such as Galungan. They wear it to show how happy they are to celebrate the ceremonies. 

Indeed, it is also to expect goodness from the Gods. They often use more accessories and makeup, such as a bun on their hair and other accessories. One thing is for sure they must be more attractive than the ordinary days. 

Dark Color 

You will also see Balinese women wear a darker kebaya. They often wear it to celebrate sadness or loss, such as the death of one of their family members. 

You will not see them as attractive as when they are using a bright kebaya. For example, Balinese women often don’t use various accessories when wearing a dark kebaya.

A Place to See Women Wear Traditional Balinese Kebaya in Ubud 

Interestingly, you can see women wearing traditional kebaya in Ubud every day. All you must do is visit Shrida Taste of Ubud Restaurant. Shrida Taste of Ubud Restaurant is one of the restaurants in Bali that keep the authenticity of Bali.

That’s why this restaurant is hiring a local Balinese chef, serving authentic Balinese dishes and drinks, and managing the surroundings with Balinese theme and style. Best of all, you can also see the women staff wear a traditional Balinese kebaya during their working hours. You will see how elegant they are and examine the kebaya closer. 

The complete information about Shrida Taste of Ubud Restaurant is available on www.shridaubud.com. You can check the authentic Balinese dishes and drinks you must order, daily events with the Balinese atmosphere, the overview of the restaurant, and many more. You can also book a table with a special request, such as adding Balinese ornaments in this restaurant. As a result, you are sure to book a table and feel the sensation yourself immediately. In the end, you will understand why Balinese people keep their culture and traditions a lot after visiting Shrida Taste of Ubud Restaurant.