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Chinese Legacies in Bali Part 2

Published 2 months, 4 weeks ago in Destination and Resort by Rina-Editor | 387 Views

As a result, from Chinese immigration to Bali there are some numbers of assimilation products (for the former explanation see on the previous posting). “Uang kepeng” or Chinese coin and ceramics have been discussed in previous article; the others product of the assimilation between Chinese and Balinese culture are Chinese Baris Dance and Pelinggih Ratu Subandar.

Baris Cina / Chinese Baris dance.

One of famous Balinese dance is Baris or warrior dance. There are many kinds of Baris and Chinese Baris is one of them. This dance appeared for the first time in Semawang and Blanjong (Sanur) and it still exists there until now. Semawang and Blanjong were known as harbor where Chinese and other traders hang down.

Its fashion, movements, and functions are different with the other Baris. The dance performed by two groups of dancer. One group wear white cloth and the other wear black one. The difference in the cloth they wear shows there are always two sides in this word, (Balinese called it rwa-bhineda) black-white, north and south, up and down. Both of them use hat that is similar to the hat that was used by Chinese.

A large shrine dedicated to Ida Ratu Ayu Subandar located in the extreme northeast corner of the outer courtyard of Pura Dalem Balingkang.

The movements of the Baris Cina are similar to the Chinese kung-fu movements. It is very different from other Baris kind of Baris. Do you want to see it? Unfortunately, you cannot see this Baris as an art performance in the hotel or restaurant. You can only see it in Blanjong or Semawang when people there performed this dance on a temple ceremony. On the other words, this dance is not a secular dance. People of Semawang and Blanjong usually hold it when they have given their promised that they will hold the dance for the Ratu Tuan (goddess) if the goddess grants their wish.

A large shrine dedicated to Jero Gede Subandar at Batur Temple.

Pelinggih (a building that is a part of temple) Ratu Subandar stands at ancient Batur Temple, Besakih temple, etc. This shrine is divided into three parts. The bottom and the top are similar to the shrine in general. Yet, the middle part it is different, a Buddha statue or symbols of Buddha occupy this middle place.

A large shrine dedicated to Jero Gede Subandar at Batur Temple.

The name of Ratu Subandar is derived from the word “Ratu” (queen) that means Queen and the word “Bandar” refers to the port. Pelinggih Ratu Subandar is a place to thank to the ruler of the port. Well, Chinese had given their influences to the Balinese. So what is Balinese influence to the Chinese who lived in Bali?

A large shrine dedicated to Jero Gede Subandar at Batur Temple.

Editor’s Note:
The sources of this article were taken from all of papers on the seminar of “Integrasi Budaya Tionghoa Ke Dalam Budaya Bali” Januari 19th 2008.

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