A Balinese Birthday Ceremony
Over the weekend, little Bodhi marked a major milestone in his young life. He had his first, and most important, Otonan. The Otonan ceremony is similar to a Balinese birthday. Unlike the Gregorian or Christian Calendar, the Balinese calendar, Pawukon, has only 210 days.
The day begins with prayers and a brief ceremony in Bodhi’s room as he sleeps.
Sekala, Niskala and Balinese Rituals
Of the hundreds of rituals a Balinese Hindu experiences during the course of his or her life, a baby’s first Otonan is the most important. The next most important is the cremation ceremony. Spiritually speaking, Balinese Hindus believe there are two crucial aspects, Sekala (What can be seen and experienced conventionally) and Niskala (The unseen. The sacred rites, magic and unexplained phenomena).
Bodhi receives well wishes from friends and family prior to the main ceremony.
The Otonan ceremony links Sekala and Niskala with the child to protect them against evil forces. Just as daily offerings are given to both the benevolent spirits as well as the evil spirits, duality is at the core of the spiritual structure. It is the humans duty to maintain the balance between good and evil because without each other, neither can exist.
The Pemangku, Balinese Hindu High Priest, blesses the abundant offerings with prayers, incense and holy water.
We consulted with a Pemangku, a Balinese Hindu High Priest, as to when the most auspicious day might be to hold the ceremony and which offerings needed to be prepared. Once the day is chosen, friends and family come with offerings for the special event.
More well wishes for Bodhi on his special day.
Bodhi’s propitious day happened to coincide with Tumpek Bubuh, a holy day where the Balinese give thanks and celebrate nature, and trees in particular. A perfect concurrence not only because of Floating Leaf, but Bodhi has exhibited a discernible predilection for leaves and plants since he was just a month old. To solidify this further, when presented with an urn filled with gold rings and various animals woven from coconut leaves, Bodhi selected the shrimp symbolizing his predilection for nature and the environment. Selecting a gold ring symbolizes the desire for wealth and a strong business acumen. The proverbial apple is not falling far from the aforementioned celebrated tree.
Bodhi is presented with an urn filled holy water containing gold rings and various animals sculpted from coconut leaves. He selected the shrimp symbolizing he gravitates toward nature and the environment rather than riches and material possessions. (Thats our boy!)
We had so many offerings of all kinds (fruits, cakes, chickens, bamboo sculptures, flowers, more flowers), we had to bring in additional tables. A feast is served and it is a joyous occasion.
The Family sits amongst the offerings. Prayers are recited, incense is wafted over the baby and a multitude of rituals are undertaken.
Touching Ground Ceremony
The Balinese believe that a baby has come directly from God and is closer to being a God than a human. Because of this purity a baby cannot touch the ground (the floor inside the house is OK). One aspect of the Otonan ceremony is the baby touching the ground for the first time, completing the transformation from God to human.
Please enjoy the video below and then click on to page 2 for the stunning conclusion!
9 Comments. Leave new
Such a beautiful family with such beautiful traditions. Bodhi is one lucky baby with many blessings.
Hello Audrey and thank you so much.
Its a wonderful experience for all of us and we are so excited to watch Bodhi grow up. Certainly a long way from Cleveland, Ohio. I have to admit I am a bit jealous of his upbringing but so thankful that we can do this, together.
much love to you and your family as well.
Health and happiness to you.
Warmest regards,
Mikaku
That was beautiful! What a lucky little boy! Evertime we see him, he is getting cuter and cuter! Miss you guys! Much love to you three!
Thank you so much.
We dearly miss you and so glad you got to go to Seattle. Tell Darrel flying isnt so bad, right? Was that a test run for Bali? We hope so!
Happy birthday beautiful boy and proud parents from your Tinet and Uncle Chip!
Thanks so much Tinet! Bodhi told me he misses you guys. All our best to you and Chip!
What a fabulous ceremony. Now Bodhi has celebrated a birthday and can now touch the ground. What a magnificent day. Blessings to Bodhi. Hope all is well with all of you.
Hugs, Marj
Thank you Marj
We hope you can come se us in Bali soon. All the best to you guys and thank you for thinking of us.