People and Culture

Culture

The only province in Indonesia with a Hindu majority, Bali citizens hold tight to their customs and beliefs, a variant of the Indian Hindu religion with slightly different religious rituals.

The Balinese high regard for their ancestors stem from the belief that their ancestors protect the family from evil forces and solve family problems. Neglecting them would bring bad luck. Of equal importance are family ties, as in most Asian cultures, and the prime value of bearing a son who will carry the family line and continue sailing the ancestral ship. The son performs all necessary rituals, becomes a member of the Banjar, which comprises a number of households linked in one community area, and later conducts religious rituals. After marriage, the daughter faithfully follows her husband and becomes a part of her husband’s family, relieved of duties of her own family.

Their daily rituals serve to bring happiness and prosperity, and banish negative influences. As they believe that the world is shared by manifested humans and unmanifested spirit, it is common to see offerings of flowers and fruits everywhere, within and out of their homes and shops.

Each temple is dedicated to a specific deity and ancestor, to which a family must pay homage to. Hence temples are not one-size-fits-all. Only one temple opens its doors to all Hindus, the Pura Jagatnatha, under specified conditions.

People

Apart from their ever-present smile, the Balinese are characterized by their extreme curiosity about cultures outside their own, thus they ask many questions of the tourists. Oh, and children. How Balinese LOVE them! Woman and man alike just naturally pour their affection upon visiting children with cuddles or fuss or both. It is said that Balinese adore children as spirits freshly returned from the after-life. Perhaps this is why, wherever you go in Bali, it is never a problem to find a nanny to care for your children while mum and dad are away.