Kebaya has become Indonesia’s most pride national attire for women. Each province and area has its own distinct Kebaya style. Kebaya Bali is especially unique and distinctive compared to other areas in Indonesia. Its uniqueness lies in the colours of Kebaya used for different religious ceremonies, even though there are no strict rules and it evolves out of custom.

Image Source: Bridestory

The kebaya itself consists of a fitting top, worn over a kamen or long cloth as the bottom – usually mistaken as a sarong, worn mostly for informal dressings. And it’s quite easy to spot Kebaya Bali from other styles of Kebaya in Indonesia, as they would usually wrap a sash around the waist.

Balinese Hindu people are known for their wonderful culture of religious ceremonies that are still strongly present until today. There are ceremonies for the Gods or Dewa Yadnya, humans or Manusia Yadnya, higher spirits or Pitra Yadnya, and evil spirits Bhuta Yadnya. It is then required for the women to wear Kebaya during all sorts of ceremonies. And it has also become a custom for the women to match their Kebaya colours with the theme of the ceremonies, although it’s not mandatory.

White, Yellow and Bright Coloured Kebaya

White or yellow coloured Kebaya is usually worn during ceremonies for the Gods, such as Odalan or temple anniversary ritual. The women usually wear colourful Kebaya for ceremonies that celebrate other human-beings, such as tooth-filing and wedding. The same also goes for Melaspas or purification of recently built buildings or buildings that are about to be occupied, which is somewhat similar to a modern-day housewarming concept.

Darker Coloured Kebaya

While for cremation (Pitra Yadnya) called Ngaben in Balinese, the Kebaya tends to be darker coloured, fresh casino. The same also goes for Bhuta Yadnya ceremony of Taur Kasanga or purification ritual against evil spirits.

Image Source: The Culture Trip

Hence, whenever you’re passing the Balinese streets or temples, you’ll be able to get an idea of what kind of ceremony that might be happening by the Kebaya colours the ladies are wearing. Who would like to own a piece of Kebaya Bali now?