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.

Brief Answer to Your Question: Canang Sari in Bali

Canang Sari refers to the little offering you would see quite often in Bali, made from palm leaves, flowers, incense, and other special objects. It is usually placed at various locations, such as temples, homes, stores, sidewalks, and even cars, by Balinese Hindus as an offering to maintain harmony.

For tourists, this is one of the easiest aspects of Balinese culture to spot; however, this is also the aspect that requires the most respect. You may observe it or photograph it; however, do not step on it or disturb it in any way, especially if 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 Sacred of gratitude

Canang Sari is an attractive and significant offering in Balinese Hinduism. The canang sari is a symbol to express gratitude. The word “sari” means flowers, essence, and extracts that constitute its main constituents. Balinese Hinduism holds the idea that canang sari is a method of giving respect to gods in Svarga. Even though the Balinese believe that there is equilibrium among everything, the canang sari is performed as a method to appease the wants of the demons so that they will not enter the world of man. Through this rite, Balinese Hinduism tries to ensure equilibrium between the good and evil. This idea is based on the notion that good and bad exist in the world where we live.

All special days or events have their own Canang offering type. Balinese offer canang sari for daily prayers, taking into account all sides of life. On the other hand, the purpose of Canang Pengengkeb and Canang Genten is unique. People use the Canang Pengengkeb during sacred performances like Gong, Gambang, Gender, Angklung, Wayang, Barong, and Mask dances in piodalan ritual. However, people use the Canang Genten as a blessing or kayowanan request.

 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!