Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Penjor - Bali Secret Majesty Symbol of God

Penjor is a bamboo pole decorated with coconut leaves and offerings on the base. It is symbolized as a mountain and the mountain itself is the symbol of universe that provides safety and welfare. Penjor is used by Hindu's in Bali as a part of important ceremonies and for celebrations on Temples. The purpose of Penjors on religious ceremonies and celebration is to show devotion to God and and also as a sign of prosperity thanks that was delegated from Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (God). There are two Penjors recognized in Bali, Sacred Penjor and decoration Penjor. Sacred Penjor is a Penjor that is used as a part of religious ceremonies and celebration while decoration Penjor is a penjor that is used as a decoration mainly on wedding parties, art festivals and village contests. Decoration penjors does not contain offerings on the base.


The main materials that is used to make a Penjor is a curved bamboo. The curved bamboo is then decorated with coconut leaves, Pala Bungkah (roots such as potatoes or cassava), Pala Gantung (fruits such as bananas and oranges), Pala Wija (cereal such as rice and corns), Balinese traditional cakes, Chinese coins and a small shrine that is also created by bamboo called Sangah Cucuk with some offerings. All materials that are used to make a Penjor constitute to peoples basic needs to indicate that we should take care of those things.

More Photos:

Process of making a Penjor

Sanggah Cucuk (Small Shrine part of Sacred Penjor)

1 comment:

Bali Travel Guide said...

Galungan day