Thursday, December 9, 2010

Tradition of Bali

Tradition of Bali

Cockfights
One of the traditions I found that I still ongoing in Bali in cockfighting. This is not only a tradition but sports for the locals. Cock fights begin as a ceremonial purpose of ritually spilling blood. A cockfight is required in the Balinese temples as the blood form the roosters are an offering to the demons, the butas and kalas.



Credits to lujogre

The cocks used are fed with a mixture of corn, rice, egg, and strength-building ingredients. Unlike normal chickens, they are treated like kings as they get massages and baths. The ceremony usually begins in the afternoon but in the morning for larger temples. Stands selling food, drinks, toys and good will be set up as well.

The ceremony begins when the cocks are lined up and placed at the edge of the arena with their owners behind them. A white clad priest would walk towards the middle of the arena and present the butas and kalas offerings while simultaneously chanting and ringing a bell over them. Next he will pour rice wine on the ground. He then does the same with the gods in a shrine built up off the ground at a corner of the arena. The cockfight ends after three rounds. Cockfights still exist today however they can only be found in villages that continue to hold these ceremonies.

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