The people of bali
is Bali really the island of gods ?
It looks like to me.
Bali Indonesia 2019
Bali's flair
is not only determined by the rice fields.
Faith plays a major role in the "land of 1000 temples". In Bali there is religious freedom and 90% percent of the population is into a special Hinduism, which is called "Agama Hindu Dharma". This Balinese belief shapes the tradition of the Balinese and stipulates that the believers should go to a temple several times a day.
Since this is time consuming, many Balinese people are pragmatic: like my driver Kadek, they have a small temple at home.
The friendliness,
Bliss and contentment in Bali are simply contagious.
The picture is repeated everywhere. Happy people wave friendly from the roadside, where small cookshops invite you to a short soup break or the Balinese main course the Nasi Campur. I was touched by this warm and open-minded manner in Bali, which I experienced many many times. I was warmly welcomed everywhere, cakes were served at people's homes, and I was allowed to participate in rituals that only take place every few decades.
Everyone spent me their time and a smile. Those people and the culture made a deep impression on me and left a positive lasting mark on me.
Visible every day
culture is lived in Bali.
On the island of the gods, colorful festivals, offerings and ceremonies play an important role in the life of the Balinese. The image of Bali is everywhere shaped by offerings to the gods and demons. The woven bowls made of bamboo leaves with rice, fruits and flowers are not only in the numerous temples, but also in front of shops, restaurants and crossroads. They are supposed to appease the demons and ask the good gods for goodwill.
In the most beautiful costumes, people march to the village temple, the location of which is determined according to ancient rules. Their folklore consists of the sarong (smock) Selendang (outer clothing) and the Udeng (headscarf). Both the female and the male residents wear them, not only during the ceremony, but often every day.
Clothing has a deeper meaning for the Balinese. The sarong that runs down is used for grounding with mother nature. The Selendang symbolically divides the body and is supposed to stop the anger, while the Udeng serves to concentrate and focus on the essentials.
Bali Indonesia 2019
The Humanity
of the people amazed me.
Robert Frank already said, what counts is the humanity of the moment. A giving without expecting anything in return. Acting selflessly, like the woman in the picture. She helped me to find something that I had looked for in vain all over Bali until then. She was not asking for anything in return. People like her leave me with positive emotions. Nevertheless, I can thank them with my pictures and stories.
In a short time I fell in love with Bali and their people. The way of life of the people enchanted me and will stay in my memory forever.
Images and Text © Sascha van der Werf
