August 9, 2009
Balinese Belief: Canang Sari
Everywhere you go in Bali you will see these pretty flowers in square baskets made from coconut leaves. They’re scattered all over the pavements, outside every shop and building. I’m always trying to avoid stepping on them in the street!
These are small offering baskets called ‘canang sari ‘ that Balinese Hindus offer to their Gods three times a day. “Canang” refers to the tray, while “sari” refers to the “essence” of the offering which may be a small amount of money placed on top.
It is basically a ritual of giving back what has been given to you by the Gods. Offering appeases the spirits and brings prosperity and good health to the family. These baskets take some effort to create which makes them even more special.
Balinese believe in the forces of the invisible worlds dictates that offerings be created with a spirit of thankfulness and loving attention to detail.
