Baru di Bali

It is said there is never a day in Bali without a ceremony of some kind – both religious and non-religious. In other words, ceremonies for the Balinese are important thus held frequently; and that these ceremonies have become one of the major attractions for tourists visiting the island. Adding a tourism value to these ceremonies is the traditional dress worn by the Balinese women; and out of...

Balinese treat the many unseen inhabitants of the island – gods, ancestors and even evil spirits – through the presentation of offerings as an expression of gratitude to benevolent spirits, and placating mischievous demons to prevent them from disturbing the harmony of life. Being gifts to higher beings, these offerings must be attractive; and a great deal of time and effort is expended to...

Of all the amazing, colorful and exciting rituals, it might come to our surprise that Ngaben (cremation), where the Balinese Hindus celebrate one’s death, is probably the most spectacular ceremony ever held. Ngaben is very serious and expensive business in Bali, especially since it requires at least tens of millions of rupiahs (the very cheapest) to organize the whole event. With the large...

It surely looks staggering, but the Balinese women’s temple dress is certainly not intended as a kick-ass fashion statement. The dress, which is called kebaya, is compulsory attire and worn as a symbolic gesture with a function to honor the Moon Goddess Ratih.

As nearly with everything in Bali, dress also has a divine origin. According to the Balinese Hindu manuscripts, humans were created...

Today in Bali, where many commercial buildings are constructed following traditional architectural principals, many items such as the traditional umbrellas (known as tedung) are used to add a character to represent a style considered truly Balinese. However, not many know that the different colors of the umbrellas actually represent the different manifestations of the gods. Therefore these...

Besek is a bamboo woven basket/ box produced everywhere in Bali. Certain typical, colorful Balinese motives are usually painted on the sides. The main purposes of besek are both religious and cultural. In temples, besek is used as a donation basket (for the maintenance of village temples and even cemeteries).

For religious purposes, besek is used to place banten (offering). This kind of besek...