North Sumatra is a province located in the islands of Sumatra, Indonesia. In addition to having outstanding natural beauty, North Sumatra is also rich in culinary as I have discussed in previous articles. Not only that, North Sumatra also has its own characteristics through customary Clothing. Custom clothing is one of the characteristics of the existence of a tribe in Indonesia, and through custom clothing is a tribe may be better known and cherished presence. The traditional costume of North Sumatra is Ulos.

Ulos is shaped woven shawl made ​​by Batak tribe. Ulos itself symbolizes blessing, love and unity Batak tribe. This expression is in accordance with the Batak proverb says "Ijuk pangihot ni hodong, Ulos pangihot ni holong" which means if the fibers are binding on the vine stem is then ulos bond of affection between people.


According ulos term itself has a functioning sense of blankets to warm the body and protect it from blowing cold air. Based on the belief that there's ancestors batak walkin sources that provide heat in the human body such as the sun, fire and ulos. Batak tribe believes that ulos provide a comfortable warmth for use in everyday life.

According to the history of their ancestors batak formerly lived in the highlands of the mountains. That's where they spent the rest of his life to farming activities and other activities. Because they live in the mountains so they have to get used to the cold weather. From here sejah ulos appear. Originally Batak tribal ancestors relied sun and fire to warm their bodies but when the evening chill began to thrust into their bodies so that the fire is not practical to use while sleeping. Finally Batak tribal ancestors looking for other alternatives to warm their bodies when night. Then be made fabric ulos as their body warmers when night. Therefore ulos cloth became the original product and pride in North Sumatra Batak tribes.