| LIFE Each stage of Balinese life is marked
by a series of ceremonies and rituals known as Manusia Yadnya.
They contribute to the rich, varied and active life the average
Balinese leads.
BIRTH The first ceremony of Balinese life takes place even
before birth. Another ceremony takes place soon after the birth,
during which the afterbirth is buried with appropriate offerings.
The first major ceremony takes place halfway through the baby's
first Balinese year of 210 days.
NAMING The Balinese only have four first names. The first
child is Wayan or Putu, the second child is Made or Kadek, the third
is Nyoman or Komang and the fourth is Ketut. The fifth, sixth,
seventh, eighth and ninth will be another Wayan, Made, Nyoman,
Ketut and Wayan again.
COMMUNITY LIFE Balinese have an amazingly active and organized
village life. You simply cannot be a faceless nonentity in Bali.
You can't help but get to know your neighbors as your life is so
entwined and interrelated with theirs. |