Brilio.net/en - Whenyou travel to Bali during and after Galungan, a Balinese Hindu holiday, you will see the most beautiful version of the island, with pole-like traditional Balinese decorations seen in every single corner. The decoration, called penjor, is made from bamboo pole intricately adorned with ornaments made ofcoconut leaves and colorful flowers. Every Hindu in Bali and other places in Indonesia have to make and put this in front of their houses during Galungan.
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Lempuyang Temple decorated with penjor
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
More than just a decoration, having a penjor in front of your house is an expression of gratitude for the bliss and prosperity granted by Sang Hyang Widhi (God). The tall, soaring bamboo pole represents the high mountain peak, a place that the Balinese considered sacred. The ornament consists of janur (young coconut leaves), palabungkah (tubers), palagantung (banana, coconut, pineapple, and cucumber), palawa (leaves other than janur), sugarcane, rice with straw, and clothes represents crops and food granted by the Gods.
A penjor is also equipped with lamak, a long knitwork made of enau leaves and bamboo sticks, as well as sanggah, a knitted bamboo leaf box with a small, half-dome cover. Both are made for ceremonial purposes to place offerings and more.
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Lamak and sanggah
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
Every single material representsa Hindu deity. Bamboo represents the power of Brahma, the Creator and ruler of the south (Dakshina). Coconut represents Rudra, the ruler of the southwest (Nariti). Yellow clothes and janur represents Mahadewa, the ruler of the west (Pascima). Palawa represents Sangkara, the ruler of the northwest (Wayabhya). Palabungkah and palagantung represent Wishnu, the Caretaker and ruler of the north (Uttara). Sugarcane represents Sambhu, the ruler of the northeast (Ersanya). Rice represents Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice and fertility. White clothes represent Iswara, the ruler of the east (Purwa). Sanggah represents Siwa, the Destroyer and ruler of the center (Madhya).
Setting and installing a penjor (Image via mustangcorps)
Penjor in front of a silversmith's house in Batuan Village
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
Rice and straws are used to ornate the penjor
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
Penjors lining the roads in Bali
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
There are two kinds of penjor. The ones you see during Galungan are sacred penjors, made and used during ceremonies and have to consist all of the required materials. The other is decorative penjor, which is used for aesthetic purpose only. For this kind of penjor, the usage of sacred penjors materials and ornaments is prohibited.
If you want to see beautifully adorned Bali, check the calendar to find out the next Galungan celebration. Penjors will be lining the road about five weeks after the holiday. If you come three days prior Galungan, you will have a good chance to see the celebration and ceremonies at some picturesque Balinese temples!
Penjor in front of a traditional Balinese house
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari