A Balinese Ghost Story
According to this Balinese legend, if you witness a white sheet flying towards you, it’s time to run! We’re all familiar with ghost stories. The haunted tales exchanged by the fire after midnight. The one about the creak of floorboards, the mystery of displaced furniture, the distressed ululations of a woman far in the distance.
Madiksa: A Priest’s Second Birth
To become a Balinese Hindu high priest, or sulinggih, prospective priests must first go through the madiksa ritual. Some refer to it as a ‘death ritual’, as for the priest to be reborn as a new, cleansed man or woman, he or she must first “die”. A prerequisite to become a Catholic priest is being
How Do the Balinese Choose Their ‘Auspicious’ Days?
Here in Bali, a joyous occasion will turn to misery if not celebrated at the right time. It is of utmost important, therefore, that an auspicious day is chosen very carefully for ceremonies and rituals. Never will a Balinese person hold a ceremony without consulting a specialist (in most cases, a priest) to determine the
The Law Enforcement Deities of Belega Village
The villagers of Belega in Blahbatuh, Gianyar, have an interesting story to tell to the visitors to the area. It’s about the deities inhabiting Belega’s village temple, Pura Dalem. The Pura Dalem in Belega village may seem like a regular temple found in other villages throughout Bali, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the
Atlas is a Giant Turtle and Two Snakes
Greek mythology acknowledges Atlas as a titan condemned to bear the weight of the heavens – often portrayed as a celestial globe – on his shoulders. Balinese mythology, however, begs to differ. Atlas is said to be the one who knows the depths of the whole sea and keeps the tall pillars that hold the
Pawang Hujan : Bali’s Mystic Rain Stoppers
With climate change taking effect around the planet, we can now expect to have downpours as early as September here in Bali, when the days are supposed to be sunny. So, in case you’re throwing an outdoor, cliff-edge party this month, you may have to consider involving a little bit of ‘magic’ to make sure
Keris: Bali’s Mystical Dagger
The widespread tales that a Keris traditional dagger possesses magical powers that allow it to fly or move by itself, even inside a locked cupboard have fascinated many. When making one, the empu (spiritual person who makes Keris) can infuse into the dagger any spiritual qualities and powers the owner desires. Many superstitious Keris owners
The Sacred ‘Medal Agung’ Gate
The most famous attraction in Klungkung, Kerta Gosa was built in 1686 inside the complex of the Semarapura palace. Today, Klungkung is mostly known for its Hall of Justice known as Taman Gili Kerta Gosa, a historical site located in the heart of Semarapura, the regency’s capital. Kerta Gosa’s court room is an elevated
No Baby, No Honey : Bali’s Pregnancy Myth
As a society that still strongly holds traditional practices and culture, the Balinese people see themselves as an infinite entity; one that is powered by ‘regeneration’. This is why having children is a huge deal for Balinese society, for children allow the continuation of a family cycle, which allows the continued function of larger entities
Poo Means Luck Here in Bali
First of all, we highly recommend that you not to read this story while having a meal – especially those with vivid imaginations. It is already common knowledge that the droppings of cows helps to make soil fertile. This is of course the very reason a visit to the Bali countryside has us holding our
Gecko the Home God
Gecko may be small, but he had a giant-sized problem; at least according to an interesting Balinese folktale about this lizard. Every night he was awakened by the fireflies outside his window. And when Gecko didn’t get his rest, he got a little grumpy. So he went to Elephant as the head of the village
The Myth About Balinese Dreadlocks
Please don’t get fooled by the title, for this is no article on upbeat fashion and style. Rather, this is a story about how one’s path in life – a Balinese man in this case – is determined by his hair. We are talking about dreadlocks, the kind of hairstyle celebrated by the Rastafarians. In
Bali’s Jero Gede Mecaling, The Spreader of Death and Disease
These hot and humid days are the most difficult times in Bali. But make no mistake. It is not because of the rainy season. It is because the guardians of hell are cleaning their cauldron. Yes, they do a little housekeeping at this time of year. Suratma, who judges all souls at the gates of