Odeck Ariawan
Observer in Balinese Tradition
The use of flowers in traditional and ritual life of the Balinese is manifested through prayer, offerings and adornment. Flowers play a part from the simplest of everyday traditions in making offerings and prayers, to the most important ritual holidays and elaborate ceremonial offerings. Offerings are made with a multitude of substances, but are never complete without fresh flowers.
Flowers are also used as adornment for people during life cycle ceremonies from birth, Balinese calendar birthdays, tooth filings, marriage and death (cremation). They are used to adorn dance and musical performing artists, mythical creatures during ceremonies, such as the Barong, and also to adorn the symbol of the deities and the gods during important ceremonies. Flowers in Balinese Hinduism are an emblem of sincerity that signifies purity, genuineness, truthfulness, authenticity and naturalness. Each type of flower symbolizes a certain specific meaning.
Different types of flowers and their meanings serve a purpose in each particular ritual in Balinese tradition. The intricate process of making offerings symbolizes permanence and longevity of the mind. These traditions continue in contemporary settings, adapting to modern establishments such as offices, modern markets and the hospitality industry. Flowers in Balinese rituals, beyond their beauty, radiantly signal the symbolism and significant meaning behind them.
(Presented in the 2014 Chulalongkorn Asian Heritage Forum: Flower Culture in Asia, 8-9 July 2014, Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok, organized by Institute of Thai Studies, Institute of Asian Studies, and Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University)