An Ancient Tradition
Every full moon and new moon, my family and I follow a special tradition. In Bali, making offerings to the gods and our ancestors is a cherished practice. These small acts of devotion bring peace and connection to our household.
Preparing the Offerings
The process starts with my wife. She prepares the offerings with care. She cuts coconut leaves into small, intricate baskets. Then, she fills them with colorful flowers and pandan leaves. We buy these flowers fresh from the local Balinese traditional market. On any given day, we might prepare fifteen to twenty of these little baskets.
Though my wife usually handles the preparations, I often help her. Making these offerings is a routine for us, but it is meaningful. We present these offerings in the shrines of our family temple at home. This act symbolizes our prayers for prosperity and safety.
Presenting the Offerings
We present the offerings and say our prayers either in the morning or late afternoon. It depends on when we are available. This practice is flexible and fits our daily schedules. On auspicious days like the full moon, we gather as a family in our home temple. Sometimes it's just my wife, sometimes it’s me, or even our daughter or son who takes the lead.
Visiting the Main Family Temple
After finishing at home, we go to my parents' house. The main family temple and the ancestor shrine are located there. My wife leads the way. She presents the offerings on the shrines, lights incense, and recites mantras or prayers. These actions dedicate the offerings to the gods and our ancestors. Once she finishes, we all join in the Balinese Hindu way of praying together.
These moments, though routine, are essential in our culture and faith. They connect us to our heritage and to each other. Each full moon and new moon, through these simple offerings and prayers, we seek blessings for our family’s well-being.
