Balinese Offerings



We're in Bali again, only briefly, but I don't think I've ever written about this wonderful part of Bali. The Balinese have maintained a very strong culture, even in the face of a great degree of western exposure (or maybe, especially because of such intense tourism). One of the interesting traditions that strikes me every time we come to Bali, and something that is still going strong in Balinese Hinduism is the thrice-daily offering to the gods. These colourful, aromatic offerings are found on every street corner, in front of every shop, and home, and in every temple around the entire island.

Although Balinese Hinduism is a very complicated religion, complete with several gods and demons, deified ancestors, etc, I have noticed, that, with small exceptions, the offerings are usually quite similar (or so I thought!), and everyone is involved in making them, and offering them. Usually, in small tourist shops, when the women aren't busy, they can be seen making the small offering baskets and adornments from palm leaves. Banten (offerings) are gifts to bring pleasure to, or appease, the gods (or demons), and they also provide good karma for all those involved in making them.

The offerings vary according to the nature of the ceremony, and the god for whom they are intended! When I thought I was asking a simple question for an explanation of the meaning of the components of these offerings... I realized NOTHING is simple! Right down to the colour of the components hold strong symbology. Red, green and white are the colours associated with Brahma, Wisnu and Siwa, three of the 'high' Hindu gods. Usually offerings consist of a combination of incense, flowers, lemongrass, fabric, betel nuts, arak (liquor), holy water, palm-leaf decoration, and food. Rice seems to always be present as well, appropriate I guess, since it is said to symbolize life itself. The only other part of the explanation I understood was that the water is a symbol for power and purity... and imagine... I speak pretty darn good Indonesian after a year and a half living here!

I think it's these offerings, along with the frangipani, of course, that give Bali that unique smell that always tells me I'm in Bali, and automatically makes me breathe easier.