What ceremonies do Balinese perform for a baby? Part III
When a Balinese baby is three months old (105 days on the
Balinese lunar calendar), a special ceremony called Tigang
Sasih is held to introduce the child to the outside world.
In theory, up until this time she has been kept safely within
the confines of the family compound and should not be taken
outside the gates, even for temple ceremonies.
More commonly known as Nelu Bulanin, the ceremony takes place
at home and is officiated by a high priest (pedanda). The
ritual witnesses the child’s separation from her four
spiritual siblings (Catur Sanak) who had previously accompanied
her through the birth and the fragile, post-natal stages of
her life.
Three different kinds of offerings are prepared for the ritual:
those placed up high for the gods; those in the middle for
the child; and those on the ground, including some placed
on the baby’s bed or crib, to appease the departure
of the four siblings.
For the human element, the priest sprinkles holy water on
the child, then drapes pieces of red, black and red cotton
on her head and affixes a headband made of leaves and flowers.
Once he has blessed her, he sticks grains of rice, known as
bija, onto her forehead. During ceremony often a gamelan orchestra
plays, and, for a child born in the Tumpek Wayang week, a
symbolic puppet show called Wayang Gedog, is staged.
Depending on the regional custom, either at this time or at
the later six-month ceremony, a unique ritual takes place.
It is this part which is so curious to foreigners because
now for the first time in the baby’s life is she allowed
to touch the ground. Customarily, the child is placed on a
mat and covered with a bamboo cage* like the one used to house
fighting cocks. The cage is then lifted up and her feet are
ceremoniously placed on the earth.
Now the baby is no longer a part of the realm of the divine
and the family can take freely take her to temples with them.
*Interestingly enough, in fishing villages, a fishing-net
may serve as the cage.
Copyright@ Kulture Kid 2006
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