Bali Life

Getting to know Balinese culture

Ever wonder why some trees in Bali are covered in black and white blankets? Or why a lot of people in Bali share the same first names?  There are heaps of fascinating and unique facts about Balinese culture, and here are some of them.

 

Which Wayan?

In Bali, you will find a lot of people called Wayan, Made, Nyoman, or Ketut. Most Balinese people are given these names which simply means, the first, second, third and fourth child in the family. If there’s a fifth child, the order goes back to Wayan.

 

Lost in translation

Bahasa Indonesia is the national language of Indonesia. But in every island, we have a different language and dialect. In Bali alone, they have a system of politeness levels in their language; for when they speak to the highly respected people, to the people of high social status and older people, and to the ones they consider equal.

 

Black and white blankets

It is common in Bali to have black and white blankets covering trees and statues. As Balinese people are very spiritual, this is used as a sign that spirits reside within them. Some drivers will dim their lights when driving past them as a way of acknowledging the spirits’ existence.

 

Balance is the key of life

Ever seen Balinese women carrying mountain-shaped offerings on their heads? They are called Gebogan; fruit and flower offerings that are arranged from bigger to smaller. It is made that way as a symbol that when building our goals, we should start from the bottom, to the top.

 

Have some more Bali fun facts from your own experience? Share it with us in the comment section below.

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