People who know little about Bali, at the least know that there are dances in which men in a state of trance attack themselves with their krisses, that there are other dances in which little girls who are put into a state of trance by incense smoke and singing, perform feats of acrobatics of which they would not be capable in a normal condition. Of all the forms of Balinese dance, the dances that involve trance or possession in them are the most fascinating to the visitors.

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In a ceremony to celebrate temple anniversary, one will likely has a chance to witness a singular and very striking form of Balinese religious expression which is known as Onying, in which the temple congregation, usually young men and elderly women, sometimes a few male priests are ‘visited’ by the gods and dance in a ecstatic ‘trance’ state, while carrying heirloom kris daggers, and spears. The entranced dancers often inhale quantities of incense before becoming possessed.

There is no exact pattern or movements in this dancing but the men dance orderly enough at the beginning with the steps and gestures somewhat resembling ceremonial war dance (Baris dance). Suddenly one of the dancers starts crying, then several, and then all the dancers shout; their bodies taut and shaking with tension. Their daggers or spears are extended high in their right hand and brandished. Then the dancers press the daggers into their chests; use all their might to stab themselves. Some dancers hurl themselves to the ground as they try, uselessly, to pierce their throats with their spears.

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