Canang Sari Offering: Learn Meaning Behind the Daily Balinese

Bali has numerous traditions that the Balinese community practices daily. These traditions are popular among both local and international visitors. One such tradition is the offering of canang sari by the Hindu community. if you happen to be visiting Bali, you will see Canang Sari all over Bali. You may be wondering why the Balinese offer flowers with lit incense sticks on the ground everywhere in Bali.

Quick Answer for You: What Is Canang Sari in Bali?

Canang Sari is the small offering you’ll often see around Bali, made with palm leaves, flowers, incense, and other meaningful items. Balinese Hindus place it at temples, homes, shops, sidewalks, and even on vehicles as a daily way to give thanks and keep life in balance.

For visitors, it is one of the easiest parts of Balinese culture to notice, but also one to respect. You can take a closer look or photograph it politely, but avoid stepping on it, moving it, or disturbing it, especially when the incense is still burning.

Philosophy of Canang Sari Offering on Balinese

Based on Thesis “Banten Canang Sari sebagai Identitas Budaya Bali dalam Pewarisan Pendidikan Estetika dan Ecoart di Sulawesi Tengah” written by Kadek Hariana. The Ancient Javanese used the term “canang” to refer to the betel nut, which people traditionally served to esteemed guests. Ancient customs highly regarded the consumption of betel nut. The kekawin Nitisastra reflects this esteem in the phrase “Masepi tikang waktra tan amucung Wang,” which means “our mouths feel lonely without eating betel nut.” This highlights the cultural significance and habitual nature of betel nut consumption in historical contexts. The ancient tradition of betel is a symbol of respect. After Hinduism developed in Bali, betel became an important element in religious ceremonies and other religious activities.

Canang Sari: A symbol of gratitude

Canang Sari is a beautiful and meaningful offering in Balinese Hinduism. The canang sari represents a symbol to demonstrate gratitude. The term “sari” means flowers, essence, and extracts, which make up its main components. Balinese Hinduism believes that canang sari is a way to give honor to the gods in Svarga. While the Balinese believe there is a balance among everything, the canang sari is used to appease the needs of the demons so they won’t go into the realm of the man. With this ritual, Balinese Hinduism strives to maintain the balance between good and bad. Rooted in this belief is an understanding that both positive and negative energies exist in the world where we live.

Every important day or event has its own specific type of Canang offering. Balinese use canang sari for daily devotions, reflecting various aspects of life. Conversely, the Canang Pengengkeb and Canang Genten serve specific roles. People utilize the Canang Pengengkeb in sacred performances such as Gong, Gambang, Gender, Angklung, Wayang, Barong, and Mask dances during piodalan ceremonies. Meanwhile, they employ the Canang Genten to request blessings or kayowanan.

 Source: Unsplash

Elements & Symbolism of Canang Sari Offering

Although it may look like a random composition of colorful flower petals, this is not at all the case. Every little thing in the canang sari has its specific meaning and function and honors a certain Hindu God. Some of the elements contained in the canang sari are as follows:

Ceper

Ceper is the canang sari’s base and it’s made from young palm leaves. It has a rectangular shape and symbolizes the angga-sarira (body). The four sides of the ceper symbolize the formation of angga-sarira, namely Panca Maha Bhuta, Panca Tan Mantra, Panca Buddhindriya, and Panca Karmendriya.

Porosan

Porosan is made of betel leaves, lime, and jambe (gambier) which symbolizes the Tri-Premana(Thoughts, Speech, Action). Additionally, it also symbolizes the Trimurti, namely Shiva (lime), Vishnu (betel), and Brahma (gambier).

Rice (wija)

Wija is a symbol of Sang Hyang Atma which makes the body come alive. 

Fragrant oil

Fragrant Oil symbolizes peace of mind and control of body. 

Sampian urasari

Crafters create Sampian from a series of janur (young coconut leaves) arranged in a round shape, consists of eight segments or strands. It epitomizes the wheel of life. 

Flower petals

Symbolize peace and sincerity. Flowers must be arranged according to the Panca Dewata direction.

• White flowers are placed on the east, to ask for blessings from Widyadari.
• Red flowers are set facing south, as a gesture of requesting favor from Widyadari Saraswati
• Yellow flowers are arranged facing west, to seek goodwill from Widyadari Ken Sulasih.
• Black flowers are placed facing north, as a way of asking for guidance from Widyadari Nilotama and the influence of Sang Hyang Wisnu.
• In the center, Kembang Rampai (Sliced Pandan Arum) symbolize asking for support from Widyadari Supraba within the power of Sang Hyang Siwa.

Steps to Making Canang Sari

The creation of a canang sari is called metanding, and it’s not as easy as it seems. Metading is the activity of arranging various offering materials so that they become the integrity of a banten (offering). In Balinese Hinduism, women are usually in charge of making the Balinese offerings, or canang and men assist in preparing the ingredients. Every day it is compulsory to make canang sari for morning or evening offerings. It is part of their daily task, and a good Balinese wife is supposed to know how to make a canang sari. 

Usually, they will sit together to assemble and make canang sari; they will create around 50-70 pieces of canang and use around 15-17 for their daily offerings. Currently, more Balinese women have jobs outside of their daily tasks. The pre-made canang sari is available at the market.

Source: Unsplash

Visitor Etiquette: How to Respect Canang Sari Culture in Bali?

If you’re visiting Bali, here are a few ways to engage respectfully with this tradition:

• Don’t step on them: Especially while incense is still burning.
• Observe quietly: If you see someone placing offerings, give them space.
• Dress modestly: When visiting temples, cover your shoulders and knees; wear a sarong if required.
• Ask before taking close-up photos: Always get permission, especially during a ritual.

 Source: Pexels

The Morning Offering Ritual in Bali

Even though they are buying the canang, women are still in charge of the daily offerings, and people believe that the sacred meaning and purpose of the regular morning offering remains the same. 

After completing the canang sari, Balinese Hindus usually lit the incense. They also sprinkle some holy water on the canang sari. This holy water was not random tap water with flowers. Usually, the creation ritual of holy water took days. 

It’s pretty common for people to ask for some free holy water to take home after visiting big temples in Bali. They also believe that every temple has holy water for a different function. Prayer is also spoken when offering the canang sari. This ritual represents the elements of the earth that give life to humans: water, wind, fire, and earth.

In the morning offering ritual, the women will wear a sash or a sarong to pay respect to the Gods. Likewise, when they make the canang sari.

 Source: Pexels

Ready to experience Balinese Canang Sari Culture?

Balinese Hindu people often show gratitude wherever they live. While the ritual might be different in each region when you visit Bali, the canang sari meaning is more or less the same. The next time you see a canang sari offering on the ground or at the temple, you might feel the sincere heart that most Balinese people have.

You will find some canang sari-making classes in Ubud. If you stay with us in Villa Rumah Lotus or one of our Luxury villas in Ubud or Best rent villas for families, you can ask our villa butler or our reservation team at Ubud Villas Rental, and they will be happy to serve you. The next time you visit Bali, don’t forget to experience the local culture while enjoying your holiday in Bali!