Pagerwesi day - ‘Iron Fence’ Against the Evil
On September 20, 2006, the Balinese Hindus celebrated Pagerwesi, a very special day devoted to our ancestors. During this day, we ask for protection and prosperity.
Pagerwesi is literally translated as ‘iron fence’. Pagerwesi is celebrated every 210 days based on the Balinese lunar calendar. The length of the Balinese year differs from the western calendar and is 210 days long. Philosophically, the name ‘iron fence’ refers to the strong barrier against evil.
On this day, offerings are made to the Almighty and the holy spirit of each family’s ancestors. Prayers are held at family compounds and family temple shrines as well as at village temples throughout the island.
The four days after Pagerwesi are very important to Balinese Hindus. This sequence of holy days starts on Saraswati day, a ceremonial day that honors knowledge, followed by a day that marks the beginning of the four day cycle. People go to the sea to bathe and be purified. The day is also a special day for fishermen, who make offerings for their boats and nets.
On the third day, offerings are made at rice barns, devoted to Bhatari Sri, the Goddess of Rice and Fertility. At the close of the cycle, on the fourth day, prayers and offerings are made for jewelry, gold and also the Chinese coins, which are used in many kinds of offerings in temple ceremonies.
Editor’s Note:
View our Pagerwesi Photo News.
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