Holiday Ayo - Mangulosi is a traditional ritual of Batak ethnic group in Indonesia that is usually done during important events. The name is taken from Ulos, which is the name for the traditional woven fabric of Batak people that has existed from a long time ago. Unlike most of other traditional fabrics from other cultures in Indonesia, Ulos has ceremonial or ritualistic purposes in addition to aesthetic purposes.

As cited from pariwisatasumut.net, there are more than 20 different kinds of Ulos fabric, each with different function. Because of its uniqueness, the experts of Batak culture have advocated it to be one of the national heritages.

source: wikimedia.org

Batak people love holding an event and in a week, a Batak family can attend 2 to 3 parties. For them, a party does not only for the happy occasions but also for the sad occasions.

One of the things that they wear to a party is Ulos, and they also bring another Ulos to give to the host of the party. This act of giving the fabric to the host is what called Mangulosi.

source: orami.co.id

During the happy occasions, such as weddings, they give the Ulos fabric to the host by putting it around their shoulders. During the sad occasions, such as funerals, they put the fabric on top of the corpse of the deceased.

Mangulosi ritual has several meanings for Batak people. First, as a sign of sympathy for the host. It means that you are being happy for them during the happy occasion or being sad or sorry for them during the sad occasion. Second, it is a sign of gratitude for certain people that are involved in holding the party.

source: bonapasogithutaki.blogspot.com

The third meaning to Mangulosi ritual is giving blessing to the hosts. For example, during weddings, the act of giving Ulos fabric is a prayer and blessing for the bride and groom’s relationship.

The fourth meaning to Mangulosi ritual is as a sign of respect for the custom and tradition. Often times, the guests who do not give Ulos to the host will get a social sanction from the community, especially if the guests still have close familial ties to the host. They will be called Dang Maradat which means “not well-mannered”. It is possibly one of the most hurtful terms in Batak culture.