Bali My World

5 taboo things in Bali

As we all aware, every culture has its own standard. So does for Balinese people, they have their own standard which leave the outsiders no choices but to follow it, or at least aware about it so it will help them to have a better interaction with Balinese people. Seriously, do not sweat these taboo things below, but it is always good to know the local culture.

1. Touching the head. Never ever touch the head of Balinese people. No matter how close your relationship with them (but I am not sure for mix marriage between Balinese and outsider/Western people). Head is considered the holiest part of body in Balinese religious/culture. No body supposed to touch it for whatever reasons unless he/she is a priest who is conducting a Hindu ritual. If you do it, not only it is impolite but it is considered as an insult.

2. Pointing with left hand. Balinese are right handed people. So pointing with left hand is considered a very bad gesture. It is still okay though, let say, you point something using your left hand to your Balinese guide/driver in Bali but if you did it so many times I am afraid you ended up with a not so happy ending trip, if you know what I mean. I don’t know how to explain, it is just the culture. When you pointing out something to Balinese with your left hand, it is like asking your dog to do something. I hope you get my point. I have an experience in which a visitor pointed something to me using their feet. Oh my gosh, I am speechless.

3. Step on the offerings. No matter wherever you are in Bali, in the city or in the village, you will find so many offerings in every places every corner. If you walk down pedestrian path/sidewalk and there is offerings, just try your best not to step on it. Those offerings are something holy which is addressed to supernatural power. By stepping on it you will ‘destroy’ its holy aspect and make it ‘dirty’ and not worth to be sacrificed anymore.

4 . Gentlemen First. I know the most common sense rule is ladies first which is accepted world wide. Slightly opposite for Balinese people whose rule is gentlemen first especially for certain occasion such as eating related occasions. Let say you are gathering in a restaurant or local food court with some Balinese man, so the oldest must be served first. There is no such ladies first. This is something to do with the values of respecting the oldest (male) based on Balinese local culture.

5. Joke on mother-related topics. Do not make any joke with Balinese using any mother-related topics. Your joke would not funny at all, in fact somebody will get hurt. Balinese can not stand any joke on mother-related things.

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