Interesting Things in Bali ~ Cultural Insight into Bali

Interesting Things in Bali

A Cultural Insight for Curious Travelers

Spiritual Beliefs & Religious Practices

• Swastika Symbol: One of the oldest religious symbols in the world, found on Balinese temples and sacred objects. In Balinese Hinduism, it represents good fortune and protection against negative forces.

• Reincarnation: Balinese believe that the soul reincarnates until one becomes a truly good person. Then, the soul reunites with God and no longer returns to Earth.

• Religion in Indonesia: Every citizen must have an official religion listed on their ID card. Interfaith marriage usually requires one partner to convert.

• Teeth Filing Ceremony (Metatah): A rite of passage for many Balinese, symbolizing the removal of six negative traits: lust, greed, anger, drunkenness, confusion, and jealousy. Filing the canine teeth also softens aggressive characteristics.

• Spirit Trees & Cloths: Trees wrapped in black and white cloth represent the duality of life—good and evil, darkness and light. These “Spirit Trees” are sacred, kept cool for the spirits to reside in. Offerings and horn toots (twice when driving by) are used to show respect and avoid disturbance.

• Daily Offerings (Canang Sari):

  • Placed high: to honor and thank the gods.

  • Placed on the ground: to appease spirits so they won’t cause trouble.

• Gebogan Offerings: Towering arrangements of fruit and flowers carried on women’s heads during ceremonies, as an offering of gratitude to the gods.

• Gates of Heaven (Split Gateways): Symbolize a mountain split in two, marking the transition between the human world and the sacred. Carvings on these gates protect against evil spirits.

Nature, Symbols, and Rituals

• The Ocean: Balinese people view the sea with awe and respect. It is powerful, mysterious, and spiritually potent.

• Rice on the Head: After prayer, Balinese sometimes place rice on their forehead or head, symbolizing blessings, prosperity, and good fortune.

• Traditional Clothing on Thursdays: Balinese are encouraged by the government to wear traditional attire on Thursdays to preserve their cultural heritage. You might see shops promoting this practice.

Daily Customs & Manners

• Right Hand Etiquette: The left hand is considered unclean. Always give and receive items with the right hand.

• Head is Sacred: The top of the head is seen as the pathway to the soul. It’s considered disrespectful to touch anyone’s head—especially children.

• Public Affection: Kissing and hugging in public is seen as strange or inappropriate in Balinese culture.

• Rice with Every Meal: There’s a saying in Bali: “If you haven’t had rice, you haven’t eaten.”

Family, Language, and Names

• Naming Based on Birth Order (including miscarriages):

  • 1st Child – Wayan, Putu, Gede, Iluh

  • 2nd Child – Kadek, Made, Nengah

  • 3rd Child – Komang, Nyoman

  • 4th Child – Ketut
    (These names are used for both boys and girls.)

• Languages:

  • Bahasa Bali and Bahasa Indonesia are different languages.

  • Balinese script is unique and still used.

  • Many people—even those who haven’t gone to school—can speak three languages: Balinese, Indonesian, and sometimes English.

Folklore

• Memedi: A well-known ghost in Balinese mythology believed to steal children. Many Balinese believe in Memedi and use the stories as cautionary tales for kids.