The Balinese and the Sea
I took this picture in Nusa Dua beach, Bali (Indonesia). While the Balinese society could no longer being called as traditional society due to tourism and Indonesian central government influence to unify islands as one archipelago nation, Balinese Hinduism is still the center of their life. Balinese has strong connection with their surrounding environment; the good spirits live on the mountains while divine and evil forces are on the sea.
The Balinese in their daily life try to create balance between the good and the evil. This picture captures a moment when a small group of Balinese prepared some offerings for a small ceremony on the beach. I assume it was aimed to throw ashes of the deceased to the sea in order to purify the souls. The sea is believed having forces to purifying anything that comes from the island. I may be wrong in interpreting the ceremony, but let the picture speaks for itself and I hope Balinese bloggers, A Simple Note and Wisata Bali would correct my interpretation.
This post also to respond The Daily Post Weekly Challenge: Split-Second Story.
indahs: dive, travel & photography 
Beautiful story , my dear friend have nice day With love maxima
Thank you so much Maxima, and you too ♥
I don’t have to correct anything, Indah. You have explained our culture and religion properly. Thank you for indirectly promoting my island internationally :).
Terimakasih Kak..thank you so much and it is my pleasure. Bali feels like home for me 🙂
Indah, I’m sure that you’re growing tired of my adulation, but I must profess that I’m enthralled by your posts. Your representations through photography of your subjects are articulate, respectful and beautiful!
:)) Thank you so much Rob! Today I need it badly – can’t believe Monday could be this busy and bitchy 😦
I’m sorry that you’re having a bad day, Indahs. If I’m having a bad day, I can look at your blog and feel better. 🙂
Ooohh you are too sweet! I will come by to your blog soon, reading yours always cheers me up too 😉
Thanks, Indah! ❤
I am so close to Bali here in HK, and still cannot believe I have not visited…this post (and this great photo) is going to be my inspiration to take a trip there ASAP. Cheers to a good week!
I wonder myself 😉 Best timing to visit Bali is around Sept-Oct (not too crowded and not super warm)..I think you will like Bali and Bali will be lucky to be visited by you – your photos and writings are always amazing to read..Have a good week too!
Thanks for the info ~ October/November would work very well for me. Will plan on a photo-trek at that time 🙂 Already feeling electric about the planning/possibilities. Cheers.
November is perfect timing too as December will be too crowded again. Hope you will make it – sounds exciting! Please don’t hesitate to contact me for tips of places if you are going to visit Bali in the end 🙂 cheers and have an awesome day!
well before I read the little story to go with this spilt-sceond shot – I was just soaking up all the artsy composition of this shot. For example, the guy second from the right – he is tall and slender – and the bow of the thing plant he is carrying is in sync with his body frame – and then the man to the far left – with the black stick – and the man (looking out) with the lowered and closed umbrella seem to frame the group – pulls them in amidst the water and landscape you give us too – and then the items on the head lead the eye to the center – well just off center enough to not have that bull’s eye bounce – well we get the opened umbrella in balance with the green leaves – and even the lady bent over to the lower left adds to the artsy feel – well it also adds to the split-second feel – and then we have natural elements adding to the mood – like the gentle wind blowing (noticed in a a few clothing articles) and scraps of seaweed washed up on the beach…
okay, enough from moi – but great shot for the challenge – 🙂
Peace out.
~y.
Beautiful exploration Yvette! You describe it very well! I am so glad you enjoy viewing the photo. This is my favorite photo from Bali 🙂 Have a great week ahead Yvette!!
Lovely shot. The cultural connection with the sea is very strong in these island areas.
Thank you Draco!!
Reblogged this on mihran Kalaydjian and commented:
The Balinese and the Sea
Beautiful picture wonderful post! The sea has always captivated my heart and my soul and I love this explanation of how others feel about it to. Wonderful 🙂
Thank you! I love the sea too, so glad to read your comment. Hope you have a wonderful week ahead!
I loved you post’s thank you for sharing 🙂