Kuningan Day
Celebration (Balinese Thanksgiving)
Ekarini
Kuningan is a holiday celebrated by Hindu Dharma in Bali.
This celebration falls on the day of Saniscara (Saturday), Kliwon, wuku
Kuningan. This holiday is held every 210 days, using the Balinese calendar (1
month in the Balinese calendar = 35 days). Ten days after Galungan
Kuningan day, that marks the closing of
the Gaungan holiday, is celebrated every 210 days, ten days after Galungan.
Photo: Selanggi offering byNanoe-Biroe
The Balinese people believe that Kuningan day is the day
when their ancestors return to heaven after visiting the earth
during Galungan celebration. They make offerings to be given to the ancestors
on their farewell day.
The offerings include yellowed rice (Kuningan is derived
from the word kuning which means yellow) which is
placed in a small “bowl” made of coconut leaves (“Banten Selanggi Kuningan” Or
Selanggi offering for Kuningan). Other common offerings with beans, fish and
fruit like papaya carved of puppet shaped and some cook vegetables. The yellow
rice is the symbol of human’s gratitude towards God for all the life, joy,
wealth, health and prosperity given. The bowls are decorated with a small figure
of shadow puppets which represents angels that bring joy and wealth to earth.
Balinese believe that Kuningan day Ida Sang Hyang Widhi (Mighty
God) is a blessing and giving prosperity to the whole world Bhuana Alit and
Bhuana Agung (microcosm and macrocosm). Many people believe that the
celebration should be done before noon, before gods, ancestors, and goddess’
return to the heavens to continue their asceticism.
On Kuningan day you will see tamiang and endongan decorations
hanging outside homes and temples.
“Tamiang means – and is formed as a round
– shield and represents protection, defense, and the cycle of
the globe. It functions as a reminder to humans of karma and that they should
protect themselves from bad behavior.”
Photo: Tamiang Endongan by Wisata Bali
“Endongan means a bag of provisions. It is made
of coconut leaves and shaped like a bag or a pocket. The Balinese put different
things like seeds, fruits, tuber inside the endongan. For some
people believe it is a symbol of food supply for the journey of the ancestors
from earth to heaven. From a spiritual view, endongan represents
the essential provisions that every human should carry-knowledge and homage.”
Asking for blessing from Barongs (The guardian of the jungle)
Photo: Barong Bangkung by visitbali.id
In some villages, especially inDenpasar and Gianyar
region, Barongs or ngelawangs – lion like creatures –
are going from house to house followed by kids playing traditional Balinese
music instruments. If a barong arrives in front of your house, you should give
an offering called canang with sesari (money)
on it, after receiving the offering; the barong will dance and bless your house
and your family.
Thanks to Vilondo
Happy Travels!
