Decoding the Pawukon Calendar: Cycles and Symbolism
The Balinese Pawukon calendar is one of two calendar systems used on the island, but by far the Pawukon calendar dictates much of ritual life on Bali. The pawukon cycle consists of 210 days (30 seven-day weeks), whilst the Saka Calendar follows 12 cycles of the moon (roughly 355 days) The Pawukon calendar is incredibly
What is Nyepi? Understanding Bali’s Day of Silence
Many have heard of Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence, and understand that for 24 hours the entire island undergoes a strict period of no work, no activity and no sound. But exactly what is Nyepi? It is the first day of a new year, specifically that of the Saka Calendar, which is traditionally observed through
Nyungsung Betara: The Balinese and Their Gods
The Balinese have a very special relationship with the gods and the unseen world. To truly understand it, put aside for a while all the fantasies you have heard about the One and Only, and be ready for other fantasies—fantasies that, for the Balinese, have the allure of reality. The Hindu Gods In their “system”—which,
Segehan: Offerings for the Bhuta Kala
The Balinese people, most of whom follow the Hindu religion, are never separated from yadnya ceremonies in their daily lives, which occur continuously for various purposes and functions. Each yadnya requires a specific banten or offering, and one of the simplest and smallest offerings—contrary to the misconception that Balinese ceremonies involve excessive use of materials—is segehan, which
Bali’s Culture of Adaptation
What has been Bali’s secret to upholding its culture? How have traditions remained relevant in the modern era? Whilst some may credit strict customary laws and guidelines, it may in fact be thanks to the opposite: an inherent adaptability and tolerance to change that has helped the culture to gradually evolve and ultimately thrive. As
Kassian Cephas: The First Indonesian Photographer
Often recognised as Indonesia’s first photographer, Kassian Cephas has played an important role in capturing the essence of Indonesian culture, landscape, and society through his lens.Born in 1845 in Yogyakarta, Java, Cephas’s impact on Indonesian photography extends beyond his individual work. He was the first Indonesian to become a professional photographer, laying a foundation for
Gayah: Bali’s Intricate Meat Offerings
Simultaneously unsightly and visually impressive, gayah are intricately-prepared offerings fashioned out of the meat, skin and parts of butchered pigs. Bali’s humid and tropical heat is certainly not the ideal condition for animal remains to be sweltering under the sun, but during major ceremonies, like funerals or odalan temple anniversaries, these gayah are necessary among the eclectic
The Philosophy of Day and Night in Bali
For most ordinary people, which is in the world out there, it goes without saying that there are 24 hours a day and sixty minutes in an hour. To them, thus, time is a tool, repetitive and familiar. However, that is a far cry from how traditional Balinese circles perceive the same period of time.
The Spice Route’s Legacy: How Trade Shaped Traditions in Padang Bai and Tenganan
“Look, that’s the ship from Lombok unloading its cargo at the dock,” said Bu Kadek, pointing to the vessel slowly approaching Padang Bai Harbour in Karangasem, East Bali. The ship gently reversed into the dock where the unloading process began. Nearby, several other cargo and passenger ships were also moored. The sight of the bustling
Indies Gallery: Aviation History in Indonesia
Spanning over 17 thousand islands, Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, relies heavily on air travel for connectivity. With 683 airports facilitating over 500 thousand domestic flights annually and millions of travellers from abroad, aviation plays a vital role. Astonishingly, it’s just been exactly a century since the first European flight touched down in Indonesia. In
Want to Get Rich in Bali? Buy a Bererong
Westerners and modern people have a bad habit when it comes to making money: they have a rational approach to economics. You work, save and invest, and then you will earn X% or more, if lucky, in one or five years. There is little pleasure to be had, and no fear. Many people think that
Dodit Artawan’s Colorful Balinese Pop Art Creations
The avant-garde imagery of the Pop Art movement had a global impact and first emerged in the United Kingdom and the United States in the mid-1950s. Claes Oldenburg, a Swedish-born American Pop artist in 1961, penned a compelling manifesto, part of which reads, “I am for an art that is political-erotical-mystical, that does something other
Ulap-Ulap: The Protector of Balinese Buildings
Found hanging at the front of almost every Balinese building is a rerajahan (a form of religious art) known as an ulap-ulap. These ink drawings on white cloth serve to ward off misfortune from Balinese buildings. Ulap-ulap derives from the word ‘ulap’, meaning to wave or beckon. This refers to calling a particular positive force from
