Ngaben: Facts about The Cremation Ceremony in Bali
- ANTARA FOTO/Nyoman Budhiana
The Balinese shake the ox, twist it, throw things at it with a throw that is not deep in a straight line, this is meant only to confuse the spirit.
3. Scatter Ash in the Sea
Next, the family follows some rituals that are done by a priest. After completing the ritual, the wooden ox is burned, sending the deceased to the "next" life. The family took the ashes and scattered them in the sea.
In religion and belief, especially Hindus in Bali, those who have died, their ashes are thrown into sea water because life will return to its origin, which is water.
4. A Long and Rousing Death Procession
Unlike the other death ceremony, the ceremony of Ngaben is celebrated with great fanfare by Balinese people because this ceremony shows that family members have completed their duties. There should be no tears of sadness because the Balinese believe that it will hinder the spirit of reaching their next life.
This ceremony is usually not performed immediately after a person dies. It must happen on a certain day calculated by the Balinese calendar or recommended by the priest.
It also takes a lot of time to prepare, it can take from weeks to months for the larger Ngaben ceremonies because of the many costs that are required to pay all costs incurred.
5. Bulk Ngaben
Each year, Ngaben ceremony can be collective, it is known as Bulk Ngaben or Ngaben process which is carried out together. In Bulk Ngaben, some people were cremated at once. One of the goals is reducing the cost. However, Hindu priests or religious leaders will usually be cremated immediately.
In the other side, a kingdom family will need some months for prepare for a general cremation ceremony. This is because the procession takes up to 3 days for individuals with higher castes.
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