Bali Culture & Art

Barong is probably the most well known dance. It is also another story telling dance, narrating the fight between good and evil. This dance is the classic example of Balinese way of acting out mythology, resulting in myth and history being blended into one reality. The barong is a strange creature, half shaggy dog, half lion, propelled by two men …

Balinese dance usually identifies sacred characters because most dances are performed in connection with religious rituals. However, there are also many secular types of dance that are done purely for entertainment and fun and there are others that are performed with the tourists in mind. One of the most irreverent of Balinese dances is joged, which is also known as …

Banjar” is a social unit based on territory unity. This social unity is strengthened by custom unity and sacred religious ceremonies. In the mountain range area, the characteristic of banjar membership is limited only to those who were born in the banjar territory. Whereas in the plain area the banjar membership is open to the public and not limited only …

Ngaben or the Cremation Ceremony is the ritual performed to send the dead through the transition to his next life. The village Kul Kul, hanging in the tower of the village temple, will sound a certain beat to announce the departure of the deceased. The body of the deceased will be placed at Bale Delod, as if he were sleeping, …

Called Pis Bolong in Balinese and uang kepeng in Bahasa Indonesia, these living relics render a ceremony celebration incomplete without their presence. Ancient Chinese coins with square holes in the center and Chinese characters on the sides are all over in Bali. Ancient Chinese coins with square holes in the center and Chinese characters on the sides are all over …

If you spend your days with Balinese, you will probably get a story about Leak or Balinese magic. And sometimes it is hard to believe it, but often it will make you very curious. To get someone that can show you about this magic is not as easier as you get someone who can tell you about Leak. In Bali, …

The chain of ceremonies that follow a cremation, the memukur — best translated as escorting one’s soul to heaven — is actually a much more delicate and costly ritual than the grand cremation ceremony itself. The cremation ceremony on this island has always been very fascinating for visitors to Bali. So grand is every cremation ceremony that only a family …

The world knows Shakespeare’s tragic romance Romeo & Juliet as the everlasting tale of “star-crossed lovers”. Valentines Day comes around every February 14 and is recognized worldwide as a special day for love… and everything that comes with it. The famous play and this day of the West well surpass time. But as all humans feel affection, each part of …

Canang Sari is one of Daily Balinese hindus people offerings made to thank the gods in praise and pray. You will see these offerings in the temples, on small shrines in houses, and on the ground or as a part of a large offering. The phrase canang sari is derived from the words “sari” (essence) and “canang” (a small square …

Unexpected rainfall is one of the oldest traditions in Balinese cultural practices, which can also be found in most societies in Java. This tradition is still practiced by the Balinese, because of its significance and function, not only within traditional, but also within a modern context, such as tourism activities. These beliefs and practices are not aimed against the will …