Balinese Culture

History records that Bali has a small world with a wealth of traditions, customs, legends, and arts that are special epitomes. All that is not spared from the existence of Hinduism on the island of the gods. All of them are interrelated, influence, and develop the Balinese culture. So, what cultures exist on the island of Bali? Let's find out here!

1. Ngaben ceremony

The Ngaben ceremony is part of Hinduism. This tradition aims to purify the spirits of the dead. The form is in the form of burning the body which is placed in a container. After becoming ashes, the family throws it into the sea or river as a sign of releasing the soul to unite with the Creator.

There are five forms of Ngaben ceremony, namely Ngaben Sawa Wedana, Ngaben Asti Wedana, Private, Ngelungah, and Warak Krunon. For the cremation procession of the bodies that are still intact, the family performs Ngaben Sawa Wedana. 

If you have done this before, it is called Ngaben Sawa Wedana. Meanwhile, Private is applied if the body is not found. Especially for children and babies, a Ngelungah or Warak Krunon ceremony is held.

2. Gebug Ende Seraya

When you were a child, have you ever been beaten with rattan? It must hurt, right? However, for practitioners of the Gebug Ende Seraya tradition, that feeling must be ignored. The reason is, this culture must be practiced so that it rains.

Usually, Gebug Ende Seraya is held during the dry season in Seraya Village. The local people believe that this tradition is able to stop the drought in their village. Moreover, seen from its geographical location, Seraya Village is classified as a barren and dry area. 

Gebug Ende is done by fighting two people. Each of them carried a weapon in the form of rattan and a protector. Uniquely, the referee never announces the winner at the end of the event.

3. Ritual Pengerebongan

Ngerebong or pengerebong is held every Pon Sunday at Wuku Medangsia according to the Balinese calendar. The purpose of this tradition is that humans always maintain a harmonious relationship with God, each other, and also nature. The ritual performers are Hindus at Pangrebongan Temple. Tourists are allowed to watch the event as long as they want to wear traditional Balinese clothes. Meanwhile, for women, it must be in a pure state (not menstruating).

The event began with traditional music beats, flower offerings, and penjor-penjor. Furthermore, the ritual performers pray at the temple. Then, the customary police secured the road so that the Mangku and Bhatara left the temple. Then, they surround the wantilan (cockfighting place). This ritual is performed three times.

 Usually, at that time, some Mangku and Bhatara experienced possession of spirits. They scream, sometimes cry, and dance to the music. The most terrible thing was when one of these people slashed a sword into his body. Even so, not a single part was injured or bleeding.

4. The Trunyan tradition

There is a unique tradition in Trunyan Village, Bali, which is called Mepasah. In Mepasah, the body is not buried, but is left lying on the ground. Uniquely, the corpse was only limited by a bamboo fence so that it could be seen clearly.

Even though the place was full of corpses, it didn't smell at all. The reason is, there is a taru mengan tree that can absorb odors. This tree is thousands of years old so its roots are very strong.

It is said that before the Mepasah tradition was implemented, the taru menyan tree often emitted a strong odor. After the residents put the corpse underneath, the scent suddenly disappeared. Believe it or not, the number of bodies placed must not exceed 11 people, have been married, and the process of death is normal.

5. The Mekotek tradition

Hinduism and Mekotek customs are two things that are interrelated. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation by Hindu ancestors in Bali. The ritual is held after the Kuningan Day in Munggu Village. The purpose of implementing this tradition is to reject reinforcements, neutralize negative auras, and unite the people.

The ritual begins with a walk around Munggu Village. Each participant brings a stick made from bamboo. After that, they arranged the sticks to form a pyramid. When the array seemed strong, someone climbed onto it. Meanwhile, the people holding the sticks had to hold back so that the array didn't collapse.

This is a review of 5 unique traditions in Bali.