Bali is an island steeped in culture and spiritual practices. One of its most visible and significant traditions is the daily offering known as canang sari. Whether you’re walking through bustling streets or tranquil villages, you’ll find these small, colorful offerings placed everywhere – on sidewalks, temples, and even dashboards of cars. For a visitor, these offerings might just seem like beautiful decorations, but they hold deep spiritual meaning for the Balinese Hindus.
What is Canang Sari?
Canang sari is a daily offering made by the Balinese as a way to give thanks and honor the gods, spirits, and ancestors. The name itself is derived from two words: ‘canang’ which refers to the tray or the base made from coconut palm leaves, and ‘sari’ meaning essence. Together, canang sari translates roughly to “essence from the tray.”
These offerings are essential to maintaining balance and peace in the world. For the Balinese, making these offerings is not seen as a burden but as a joyful expression of gratitude and a means of connecting with the divine.
The Making of Canang Sari
Creating canang sari involves a lot of care and attention. It starts with crafting a small, square tray from leaves. Inside this tray, a mixture of flowers – each carrying its own symbolic meaning – is arranged. Typically, you’ll see:
- White flowers pointing east to symbolize purity.
- Red flowers towards the south, representing bravery.
- Yellow flowers intended for the west, which convey sincerity.
- Blue or green flowers pointing north for calmness and tranquility.
In addition to flowers, canang sari often includes a portion of rice, incense sticks, and sometimes small coins or money. Each component is thoughtfully included for its spiritual significance and its role in the offering.
Performing the Ritual
The ritual of offering canang sari is as important as the making of them. Traditionally, this is done by the women of the family early in the morning, though you might see offerings being refreshed throughout the day. Before placing the offering, a small prayer is said. This act is accompanied by burning incense, sending fragrant smoke as a purifying gift to the spirits.
You’ll notice canang sari everywhere in Bali. They’re placed on the ground as a symbol of respect to the lower spirits that dwell there, and raised high on altars to honor the deities above. Each placement is intentional, maintaining a harmonious relationship between the earthly and spiritual realms.
Read also : 5 Biggest Celebration in Bali: A Journey Through Religion, Art, and Culture
The Philosophy Behind the Offerings
While the canang sari is a simple gesture, it is deeply woven with the philosophy of balance and harmony. The Balinese Hindu belief system is largely based on maintaining harmony among three different realms: the realm of the gods (parahyangan), the realm of the humans (pawongan), and the realm of the environment (palemahan). This balance is known as Tri Hita Karana.
Canang sari offerings serve to uphold this balance, expressing gratitude and keeping the energy harmonious among these realms.
The Cultural Significance
To outsiders, the idea of making offerings might seem simple, but it’s a profound act of devotion. It collects the essence of Balinese life – spirituality woven seamlessly into the everyday. These offerings are an acknowledgment of the unseen forces present in life, and a means of expressing gratitude for the blessings received.
For the Balinese, offering canang sari is not just a ritual, it’s a lifestyle. It’s about selfless giving and finding peace and joy in simple acts.
Appreciating Canang Sari As a Visitor
As a visitor to Bali, walking past the many canang sari on the sidewalks and streets can be a mesmerizing sight. It’s a reminder of the deeply spiritual life led by the Balinese people. But remember to be respectful – try not to step on them. The offerings, though seemingly small, embody a rich tradition that is central to Balinese culture.
Participating in a canang sari making class is a great way to deepen your understanding. There are several local workshops offering tourists the chance to learn and engage with this practice. It’s more than an activity – it’s a cultural bridge allowing deeper insight into the Balinese way of life.
Canang sari is much more than a mere ritual, it is an expression of the Balinese philosophy of life. Through these offerings, they maintain a connection with the divine, ensuring balance and harmony in their lives and surroundings. As we appreciate the beauty of these offerings, let’s also embrace the values they represent: gratitude, balance, and the unseen harmony that governs us all.
Next time you see a canang sari, you’ll know that it’s not just another pretty arrangement. It’s a symbol of Bali’s soul, a compelling narrative of tradition told through flowers and leaves. And maybe, just maybe, it might inspire you to find your own way of giving thanks, no matter where you are in the world.
