Rat infestation has become worldwide problem that happen in all parts of the world and no wonder every civilization has their own way in dealing with rat. If Germans have their Pied Piper of Hamelin, Balinese have their own way in dealing with rat infestation.

In Bali, rat is given an honorable title “Jero Ketut”. The word “jero” is a title for honorable man” while “ketut” is a name for the youngest of four siblings. This title is given to the rat since Balinese believe that rat is a sensitive animal that does not like to be treated disrespectfully. The older generation of Balinese usually forbade their juniors to swear or used dirty word to rat lest it will become more and more troublesome.

In dealing with rat infestation Balinese usually make a small offering (segehan) which is presented to the rat so and request it to go away from their house compound. In Tabanan regency, when thousands of rats attack the rice fields, the farmers of Tabanan will hold a Nangluk Merana ceremony.

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April 1, 2006

Here’s the run down on Agung Rai’s wedding marathon.

The invitation showed up days in advance…way earlier than the prescribed three days. Agung Rai and his father delivered it resplendent in Balinese costumes. The invitation was very simple and all pink and white with hearts…very valentine’s dayish. The bride is marrying ‘up’. She is Sudra (lowest caste, as I am) and of course the groom is an Agung, from the royal caste and second highest of the four castes, so she will be called jero after marriage. Her family lives in Karangasem, not very far from Tirta Ganga, the gorgeous water palace we visited, so it’s one heck of a distance away from Selat in Payangan.

Normally the bride is brought to the groom’s house before the religious ceremony, but because of the distance between the two homes and the extra costs of transportation, the families negotiated to bring her early and change much of the routine. Thank heavens for that! Two trips to Karangasem would be more than I could handle.

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