This is my first time come to Bali, I am very interested with Balinese culture. Bali has different culture then other place in Bali, Bali also famous by the name of paradise island, I’m sure you’ll be amazed by its beauty and maybe wonder about their unique culture. During your visit, you can see small baskets filled with well decorated colorful flowers, rice and an incense at the top in the temple, family temple, shop, house, sacrets statue, even on the sidewalk! They are simply everywhere. What are these baskets for, and why do people place them on the sidewalks?
It is called ‘canang sari’, one of the daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus for Sang Hyang Widi Wasa (Supreme God) in praise and pray. It is basically a ritual of giving back what has been given to you by the Gods, a sharing that is based on gratitude to the richness of life. The word ‘canang’ consists of two syllables Kawi language (ancient Javanese) of ‘can’ (beautiful) and ‘nang’ (purpose) while the word ‘sari’ means essence. So, canang sari is the essence of mind, the pure purpose as a symbol of faithfulness and respect to the Gods.
Philosophy of Canang Sari
As many Balinese believe, the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu are all manifestations of one and the same supreme spirit, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. It is a common misconception that Balinese Hinduism subscribes to a multitude of Gods, that all have to be worshipped and offered upon. It is a duty and an honour at the same time. In reality, Balinese Hinduism is strongly influenced by animism and naturalism, where all elements of nature are manifestations of the supreme spirit.
Good spirits are believed to reside in the mountains, whereas the seas are home to demons and ogres. As a practice of Balinese Hinduism, these offerings are put out as an offering to the good and bad spirits. They are meant to thank the good spirits, and ask for further health and prosperity. For the bad spirits, they serve as a bribe to keep them from interfering with the peace. Balinese believe that the key to balance in life is obtained through a harmonious relationship between the spirits, other human beings, and the nature that surrounds us.
In Hinduism, the medium to worship and pray can be flowers, water, fruits, leaves and fire. This offering concept was implemented in Balinese culture, in the form of art. The ornate canang sari requires a bit of effort to create, which adds meaning to the sacrifice being made. This is not a mere decoration, each part contains a deep meaning.
Canang sari has some parts, there are peporosan, ceper, raka-raka, andsampian urasari. Peporosan or the core material is made from betel leaf, lime, gambier, prestige, tobacco, and betel nuts. Material of peporosan is symbolize the three major God in Hinduism. Shiva symbolized by lime, Vishnusymbolized by betel nut, and Brahma symbolized by gambier. Canang sari are covered by ceper (a tray made from palm leaf) as a symbol of Ardha Candra.Raka-raka is topped with sampian urasari, which are in turn overlaid by flowers placed in a specific direction. Each direction symbolizes a Hindu God (deva) :
- White-colored flowers that point to the east as a symbol of Iswara
- Red-colored flowers that point to the south as a symbol of Brahma
- Yellow-colored flowers that point to the west as a symbol of Mahadeva
- Blue or green colored flowers that point to the north as a symbol of Vishnu
A canang sari is completed by placing on top of the canang an amount of kepeng (the coin money) or paper money, which is said to make up the essence (the ‘sari’) of the offering.
Canang sari is offered three times a day to Sang Hyang Widi Wasa, except when there is a death in the community or family. Since you can find them everywhere and even on the ground, to step on one unintentionally is not a terrible offense, so don’t sweat it. Canang sari is not expensive and easy to get in Bali traditional markets. It is popular and well needed in Bali society.
Don’ts
If you see canang sari on the ground when you are walking around street, do not step over or step on it because it is considered as not respecting the culture and the religion. Especially the ones with incense that is still burning.
For a traditional Balinese woman, it is an obligation to know how to make Canang Sari and other offerings (called “mejejaitan”) because offering the Canang Sari is one of the important daily activities other than cooking, taking care of the children or cleaning the house. However, this term is not common in these modern days. Now, people can buy Canang Sari from traditional markets.
If you see canang sari on the ground when you are walking around street, do not step over or step on it because it is considered as not respecting the culture and the religion. Especially the ones with incense that is still burning.
