Story of Bali, Indonesia

The basic elements of the Balinese Hindu religion are (a) the five principles of Hindu-Dharma beliet, and (b) the concepts of the three factors of microcosms, macrocosms, and God, and the 'sibling' spirits. It was also noted that the family, ancestors, and community are tightly enmeshed and interdependent. No one,, except a vagrant or schizophrenic, can function without being a part of all three. Every Balinese is imbued with this trilateral system from birth, and this early imprinting of an individual (to use an analogy from the field of ethology), coupled with regular and frequent reinforcement, lasts throughout this life and the lives thereafter. These two systems are regarded not only as the basic forces that shape Balinese character but also as the main factors accounting for its stability and durability. In interrelated functions, associated rituals, and ceremonies. The two system account for much of the uniqueness of the culture, the distinctive characteristics that are clearly Balinese.

All foreigners who have visited Bali know that ceremonies are a striking aspect of the every Balinese. They are manifestations of the family community ancestors system and the religious system, which in function are inseparable. Ceremonies (B and I upakara ) and offerings (B mebanten I mempersembahkan) are part and parcel of the elaborate and colourful customs borne by the two system. A number of examples showing how ceremonies and offering generally go together have been presented. These do not refer to discrete behaviours or patterns but to complexes of behaviours, sometime involving numerous individuals that are oriented towards identified goals and performed with clear purpose.


Ritual and ceremonies range from the individual and the private to the masses and the public. Individuals make offerings of freshly woven small palm leaf baskets (banten) filled with flower blossoms, incense, etc.., at home shrines and gates, crossroad , at a stream crossing , near their business, and neighbourhood. Public buses may stop briefly along the way to make small offering at shrines erected along the roads.

Please access this web site for more Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Surabaya and all Indonesia Hotels bali lombok yogyakarta jakartahotels- and Indonesian Holidays Information, hotels and travel reservation indonesia hotels travel holidays