Balinese Culture Options for Wedding at Royal Pita Maha
2 Balinese Flower Girls
The “march” of the flower girls is one of the most widespread traditions in weddings around the world and the meanings and duties of the flower girl have remained stable throughout the passing ages.
Preceding the bride on her on her walk to the aisle welcoming the good spirits to the celebrations about to unfold.
During ancient times the young girls would scatter herbs and grains as a sign of prosperity and good luck. Today, petals are used but the symbolism remains the same.
A beautiful cultural addition to your ceremony, 2 young Balinese girls in traditional costume precede your walk to the ceremony pavilion scattering prosperity and luck before you as they go.
2 Balinese Umbrella Boys:
For auspicious occasions and holy Hindu ceremonies, the Balinese decorate their temple compounds with colourful umbrellas.
In the Balinese dialect these umbrellas are known as ‘tedung’, which literally means ‘to guard’. The umbrellas are entirely handmade decorated with beading, tassels and eye-catching accessories.
Two Balinese boys dressed in temple wear, head up the bridal procession bearing traditional umbrellas. They act as guardians, warding off evil spirits who might otherwise try and interrupt the ceremony.
Balinese Procession including Gamelan:
A Balinese procession is a traditional ceremony or ritual in Bali, Indonesia, where people carry sacred objects, statues, or offerings through the streets or temples, often accompanied by music, dance, and other performances. These processions are an integral part of Balinese Hinduism and are often held to honor the gods, celebrate special occasions, or mark important life events.
Gamelan is a traditional Indonesian musical ensemble, typically featuring percussion instruments like gongs, drums, and metallophones. In Balinese processions, gamelan music is often used to:
1. Create a festive atmosphere
2. Accompany rituals and ceremonies
3. Ward off evil spirits
4. Signal important events or transitions
The combination of gamelan music, dance, and colorful processions creates a vibrant and spiritual experience, showcasing Balinese culture and tradition.
Kecak and Fire Dance:
The Kecak Fire Dance is a traditional Balinese dance that combines music, chanting, and dance to tell the story of Ramayana, a Hindu epic. Here's a breakdown:
Kecak:
- A group of men sit in a circle, chanting "cak-cak" and raising their hands
- The chant creates a mesmerizing rhythm, simulating the sounds of monkeys
- The dance tells the story of Ramayana, with the monkey army helping Rama fight against Ravana
Fire Dance:
- A solo dancer, often dressed as Hanuman, performs amidst a fire pit or with flames surrounding them
- The dance is a dramatic representation of the battle between good and evil
- The fire dance adds an element of danger and spirituality to the performance
The Kecak Fire Dance is a spectacular and captivating performance that showcases Balinese culture, mythology, and artistry.
Balinese Performance - Welcome Dance & Legong Dance:
Welcome Dance (Tari Penyambutan):
- A traditional dance performed to welcome guests, dignitaries, or special occasions
- Characterized by gentle, elegant movements and beautiful gestures
- Often performed by young dancers in traditional Balinese attire
- The dance aims to create a warm and respectful atmosphere, showcasing Balinese hospitality
Legong Dance:
- A classical Balinese dance known for its intricate hand and finger movements
- Typically performed by young girls or women, showcasing their elegance and precision
- The dance tells stories from Balinese mythology and folklore, often depicting themes of love, beauty, and spirituality
- Legong dancers wear stunning costumes and headdresses, adding to the dance's visual appeal
Both dances are an integral part of Balinese culture and are often performed during festivals, ceremonies, and special events.
