Udeng, the typical headband of the Island of the Gods

Balitraveldiary.com – Like other regions in Indonesia, Balinese people also have traditional clothing. One of them is udeng, a headband worn by Balinese men. Udeng is commonly worn by people from various walks of life. Both aristocrats and ordinary people, from children to elders, all Balinese use this headband.

Udeng is made of cloth with a length of approximately half a meter. Making udeng requires its own expertise, and therefore it is generally produced in certain areas. Udeng crafters and other handicrafts made from fabric are produced in Karangasem area. One of the villages that is famous for fabric crafts is Sidemen Village.

Visiting this village, can be found in various motifs, ranging from plain, metallic ornaments, batik patterns, and other more modern patterns.

Udeng has a bilateral asymmetrical shape with the right side higher than the left side. This asymmetrical form has a philosophical meaning that everyone must try to do good (right).

Balinese men use udeng in many of their daily activities. The community uses udeng both in informal gatherings, official events, to worship rituals and religious ceremonies. When worshiping in a temple, udeng is used to prevent hair loss and can violate the sanctity of the temple. Udeng used when worshiping is generally plain white.