Rituals for Bali Mix Marriage
April 9, 2008 – 9:53 pmThis article is not intended to offend somebody/certain group of people. Just for informational purpose only.
A friend asked me an interesting question, how to become a Balinese. I was little bit surprised as the question has a universal meaning plus I was wondering why the h*ll would somebody wants to become a Balinese. Becoming a Balinese could be (mostly) interpreted to be a Balinese Hindu. Finally she told me that she is gonna married to a Balinese man (soon) and she re-phrase her question again by focusing on what rituals she will undergo when ‘becoming’ a Balinese wife. Now I got the points 
These days there are plenty of mix marriage in Bali (which is fine). When a non-Balinese Hindu woman married to a Balinese man, she will undergo so damn many Hindu rituals ala Balinese which will be considered as a ‘formal confirmation’ that she is entering the Balinese Hindu world. Please do not ask me why but I believe certain group of people/religion has its own way to ‘welcome’ a new comer. Here are some basic rituals a woman should undergo prior to married a Balinese man :
1. Nelu Bulanin Ceremony. Literally, it means the ceremony of 3 months old. Yeah I know you’re a lady and mature but from Balinese point of view, since you’re a non Hindu before, you’re still considered as a baby of 3 months old. Therefore you need to undergo this ceremony in order to welcoming you officially to the Balinese Hindu world.
2. Otonan Ceremony. Otonan derived from the word oton meaning six months. This is the official first birthday for a Balinese. You see, Balinese people celebrate their birthday every six months not every year. Cool huh? Not really too much singing and cakes, well modern Balinese family seems to ignore this 6 months birthday though.
3. Menek Bajang Ceremony. It is similar like a sweet seventeen birthday. Usually it is held when a Balinese reach 16 or 17 years old.
4. Metatah Ceremony. This is called a tooth filing ceremony. Are you familiar with nail file board? Yes the same technique will be used in this ceremony. They will file your tooth as Balinese believe that by filing your teeth all the bad influences will be removed from your body and soul. Do not expect you will get treatment like when you are going to a dentist. Not at all, just using a traditional filing board and a special hammer.
Are you ready?
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7 Responses to “Rituals for Bali Mix Marriage”
5. Sudi Wadani
A process of change religion, from non-Hindu to Hindu religion (if she/he wants to change their religion).
By Dek Didi
on Apr 11, 2008
didi, agh thanks for the update
By devari
on Apr 11, 2008
ah, i thought they gonna pull your tooth. hehe
By dian
on Apr 13, 2008
dian, hahahah,no they just file it slightly
By devari
on Apr 14, 2008
@ devari
“You see, Balinese people celebrate their birthday every six months not every year.”
Me: Sure would be nice to be a Balinese for every 6th month in a year. LOL!
I said it at another Post here, that you should collate all these articles, edit them a couple of times, sort them, reclassify them and have it in print as a book.
As I see it from your Blog, you have displayed various facets of Bali which would make easy reading for many. In fact, Bali hardly needs any introduction to the world. Someone once said to me that people know where Bali is but they do not know where Indonesia is.
So, going by that description, your book would not be difficult to find its market.
Do consider, what have you to lose?
By Wind Mill
on Jun 6, 2008
hi Wind Mill, thanks for support. I will consider it. maybe you can help with the grammar.
Many thanks again
By devari
on Jun 6, 2008
Hi devari,
“…maybe you can help with the grammar.”
I am a mere mouse click away from you. Send me the file by email and I will do my utmost to assist you.
email address: windmillofmymind@gmail.com
thats great..keep in touch. am thinking to propose you as my editor for my upcoming still in the dream book
By Wind Mill
on Jun 7, 2008