| |
The amazing choice of different activities available in Bali means that there is indeed something for everyone. Whether
you want to throw yourself from high altitudes, hurtle down frothing rapids, explore the wonders of the deep or just lie back
and take it easy. Bali has perfected the art of keeping its guests happy.
However you plan to spend your time in Bali, it is virtually guaranteed that you will find what you are looking for, the only
question is whether you have enough time.
She is waiting for the tooth-filing ceremony to start.
This ceremony grind down the pointed canines of the tees, considered hallmarks of demons.
It means: take away the animal behaviour in a human being. |
|
|
|
 |
 |
Our visit Spring 2006. |
 |
| Time/weather Amsterdam |
|
Time/weather
Denpasar - Bali |
Balinese have a long history of contrasting themselves profitably with outsiders.
Although Hinduism had already established a foothold on Bali, the contemporary distinctive Hindu religious practices of the
Balinese date back at least to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, when Javanese princes from Majapahit fled the advances
of Islam and sought refuge in Bali, where they were absorbed into the local culture. Since that time, Balinese, with the
exception of a minority of Muslims in the north, have maintained a generally anti-Islamic political stance, preserving a
great pride in their own culture. Indeed, segregation between themselves and outsiders has been an organizing factor in
Balinese culture. Like the Javanese, Balinese society is stratified. It possesses the small hereditary Brahman class, as well
as small groups of Vaishya and Kshatriya classes that draw on Indian caste terminology. However, the Balinese caste system
involves no occupational specializations or idea about ritual contaminations between the ranks. It does not prohibit marriage
between ranks, but does forbid women to marry beneath their class. The vast majority of Balinese, including many wealthy
entrepreneurs and prominent politicians, belong to the Shudra class (servants of the king). |
 |
| See also Buddhism and Hinduism.
Explaining those religions because of a visit to Borobudur and Prambanan Temple at Yogyakarta on Java - Indonesia.
on Java. |
In addition, Balinese are members of a Banjar, or village compound, which overlaps with, but is not identical to, the Dadia.
The social groups share responsibility for security, economic cooperation in the tourist trade, and the formation of
intervillage alliances. The Banjar is a council of household heads and is responsible for marriage, divorce, and inheritance
transactions.
In addition, it is the unit for mobilizing resources and labor for the spectacular cremations for which Bali has become
increasingly well known. Each Banjar may have his own temple, individual orchestra, dance clubs etc. For a cremation ceremony
see RITUALS OF BALI.
By washing in fire, ash, or holy water can the spirit be cleansed, so it can be reborn as a god.
|
Us at the full-moon
ceremony in Ubud, where
the Barong is waiting. |
There is probably no group in Indonesia more
aware of its own ethnic identity than the nearly 2.5 million Balinese.
They are often portrayed as a graceful, poised, and aesthetically inclined people. Although such descriptions date back six
centuries or more and are at least partially based on legend, this characterization is also partly based on events in
contemporary Indonesia. Virtually no part of Bali escaped the watchful gaze of tourists who come each year to enjoy the
island's beautiful beaches and stately temples and to seek out an "authentic" experience of this perceived
"traditional" culture.
The market for traditional carvings, dance performances, and paintings boomed, and many Balinese successfully reinvested
their earnings in further development of these highly profitable art forms.
The Barong is a mythic figure, looks like a lion-dragon and has the power to expel evil. He represent the
power of the good above evil.
The Barong dance is a story of the ever lasting struggle between good and evil. Barongs opponent is Rangda, the queen of the
under-world.
Rangda never loose the battle with Barong, because there must be a balance between good and evil, according the Balinese. |
The Barong ready to be transported to Tampaksiring after the ceremony. |
|
| A good place to stay is Risata
A 4-star resort, ideal situated in South Kuta, within walking distance of shopping malls and lively Kuta.
Bali Resort & Spa, a 3-star hotel in South Kuta.
|
Me with Ananda between the ricefields. In the background the house of the family in Bukit-Tampaksiring. |
 |
The new born boy, JusDex,
on his older brothers lap.
Picture taken when JusDex was almost 3 month old. |
Us with the family at the Family Temple in Bangli on Kuningan day.
The Family Temple is situated in the town where the man is born.
|
| See a renovation
Renovation of a bedroom into a western style kitchen, Bali way.
of a Bali-house at Tampaksiring.
|
For more pictures of our Bali visits, see albums at:
timsnl.shutterfly.com
Six photo albums of our Bali visits, from 2003 till 2009.
>>
|
| << earlier visit |
|
next visit
>> |
|
|
|
