Rites of passage are an important aspect of every Balinese Hindu’s life and invariably coincide with a physical event such as birth, puberty and marriage. Each rite is marked by a ceremony and elaborate offerings. The main aim of these rites of passage as a collective is to purify and provide the individual with spiritual energy for a peaceful, healthy and successful existence.

The first Balinese rite of passage begins when a fetus is approximately six months of age and has a definite human form. A small ceremony is performed in the hope that the child has a long and productive life. Another ceremony at birth involving the burial of the placenta is the next rite of passage. At this stage of a newborn’s life everything is done to protect the baby as he/she is considered weak and easy prey for negative influences. The baby’s umbilical cord dropping off is the next rite, followed by 12 days and then 42 days of age.

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An Ogoh Ogoh is made from a wood frame with bamboo strips intricately weaved to form the body which is then covered with papier mache.

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An offering is something tangible, presented to appease the Gods in times of prayer. Philosophically, an offering is a sort of self sacrifice. One spends a significant amount of time and money in making an offering, putting something of oneself into it.

The most common form of offering that is seen everywhere in Bali on a daily basis is known as canang. It placed in temples, shrines and strategic locations of importance with a waft from a stick of incense and sprinkle of holy water. Shop keepers place this kind of flower offering in front of their stall upon opening up for trade and taxi drivers invariably have one on the dashboard of their vehicle.

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Nusa (Island) Lembongan is a friendly, peaceful island only 14 miles south east of Benoa Harbour, Bali. Just 4.5 km long and 2.5 km wide and 50 m high at its highest point. Life is very relaxing on Nusa Lembongan there are spectacular views, crystal clear water, the sound of the surf, gentle breezes, little traffic, no hawkers and no stress on this island. It is one of three islands in the group, the others being Nusa Penida and Ceningan. more…