Bali has a very interesting cultural product. This area that is very famous for its tourism has several unique cultural products. One of the unique cultural products of balidan which is a characteristic of Bali is Udeng.
Udeng is not just a head covering for Balinese people. In a udeng, we can actually learn about many things. Udeng is used by Balinese men and not only used by adults. Boys are also often seen wearing Balinese headbands. Udeng is used not only by those from the rich, but also by those from the lower middle class.
Shrimp is made of cloth measuring 50 centimeters in length and the method of making it cannot be done carelessly. Not everyone can make udeng. It takes special skills to make it look neat and in accordance with the meaning of udeng itself. Udeng in Bali can be found in various styles and shapes. There is udeng in white, black, or with a batik motif.
Each color of udeng turns out to have its own meaning for the Balinese people. Parisadha Hindu Darma Indonesia (PHDI) Bali has determined that udeng for the temple must be white as a meaning of returning to nature, clarity and peace of mind, and self-purity. For mourning in black, and for other social activities in batik color or other than black and white.
The headband from the Island of the Gods is a symbol of cricket manah or concentration of mind. The curves in Balinese udeng also have their own meaning. Shrimp has an asymmetrical shape. Usually, the shape of udeng is intentionally elevated on the right side. This form has its own purpose, which encourages the wearer to always try to do good as a representation of the right direction.
In addition, udeng Bali has a tie that is deliberately placed in the middle of the forehead. This bond means to concentrate the mind. Furthermore, there is also a bond which is intentionally aimed at pointing upwards, which is a representation of straight upward thinking as a form of worship to God. The concept of Trimurti as a unity in Hinduism is also reflected in udeng. The tug of the cloth on the right is a representation of Vishnu. Meanwhile, the pull on the left is the symbol of Brahma. For the pull at the end of the cloth downwards is represented as Shiva.
Apart from the various profound meanings, udeng also has several types. Like the jejateran udeng which is usually used for worship activities. This plain white shrimp has a knot at the front, which is placed between the eyes which is the symbol of the third eye or cundamani. The color of udeng for worship is generally plain white or white with a yellow pattern on the edges. The white color symbolizes purity, sincerity and self-purity.
Another shrimp is kepak virgin. This shrimp is usually used by traditional leaders. Its trademark is the cover on the head which symbolizes the leader’s ability to protect the people. Then there is the free udeng. This shrimp is specifically used by the stakeholders and is not accompanied by any bebidakan. The beblatukan shrimp is characterized by a back knot tied downward. This is intended so that the wearer puts the public interest first.
Seeing the various meanings of an udeng earlier, we can no longer consider it just an accessory. Udeng tries to bring people together today with the pieces of history and culture they have. Udeng also teaches about the meaning of togetherness, harmony, purity, patience, politeness in appreciating differences.
Times may change, but udeng still ties tightly on the head as a knot that signifies the diversity of cultures and identities of the Balinese people. This shrimp is very easy to find and buy when you spend your best vacation in Bali. Come on, visit Indonesia and get interesting information from Indonesiar.com.
