|
Saraswati
Day
Knowledge is very important for Balinese. Every Saniscara,
Umanis, Wuku Watugunung, they celebrate Saraswati Day, the
knowledge day. It is based on the Pawukon (Balinese calendar)
system and the Saniscara (seven day cycle).
The name Saraswati came from "Saras" meaning flow
and "wati" meaning a women. So, Saraswati is symbol
of knowledge, its flow (or growth) is like a river and knowledge
is very interesting, like a beautiful women.
Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge, symbolized by a beautiful
woman with four hands, riding on a white swan among water
lilies to tell humanity that science is like a beautiful woman.
Her hands hold a palm leaf; a lontar, (a Balinese traditional
book which is the source of science or knowledge); a chain
(genitri with 108 pieces) symbolising that knowledge is never
ending and has an everlasting life cycle; and a musical instrument
(guitar or wina) symbolising that science develops through
the growth of culture. The swans symbolise prudence, so that
one's knowledge may distinguish between good and evil and
the water lilies (Lotus) are symbols of holiness. The Lotus
flower is the holiest for Balinese.
In the afternoon of Saraswati day we are not permitted to
read or write the book because all the books are offered.
In the evening, called Malam Sastra, people read books (especially
religious books) in their houses or in the temple.
Pangredanan (the day before Saraswati)
This is the day of preparation. All the books and lontar are
collected together, cleaned and dusted.
Saraswati Day
Saraswati day itself is celebrated by the Balinese people
bringing offerings to their holy books and scrolls in their
houses, while students celebrate it at school, usually in
the morning, and the office-workers in their office. The philosophy
of Saraswati day is that the most important thing for human
life is knowledge.
Banyu Pinaruh
The day after Saraswati Day is Banyu Pinaruh day. "Banyu"
means water and "Pinaruh" mean wisdom. In other
words, we must have wisdom which always flows like water and
which is useful for human kind. We pray for Dewi Saraswati
(manifestation of God) to give us cleverness and wisdom. The
people usually take a bath in the sea or a lake or river and
drink traditional medicine which is made from many various
leaves which is very good for our health. The philosophy of
Banyu Pinaruh day is the second most important thing for human
life is good health.
Soma Ribek
Two days after Saraswati Day, on Soma (or Monday), Pon, Wuku
Sinta, is Soma Ribek day. "Soma" meaning Monday,
and "Ribek" meaning full. On this day, Balinese
bring offerings to the rice box. They thank God for food and
beverage in their lives and pray to Dewi Sri (Goddess of prosperity,
manifestation of God) to give prosperity. This celebration
remind them to be selective when choosing food and not to
over eat to improve their health. The philosophy of Soma Ribek
day is the third most important thing for human life is food
and drink.
Sabuh Mas
Three days after Saraswati Day, on Anggara (or Tuesday), Wage,
Wuku Sinta, is Sabuh Mas day. "Sabuh" means belt,
and "Mas" mean gold. On this day, Balinese bring
offerings to the deposit box or the place where they keep
their jewelry. They thank Mahadewa (manifestation of God)
for cloth, money, gold, etc in our lives. This celebration
remind them to be selective when spending money. The philosophy
of Sabuh Mas day is the fourth most important thing for human
life is cloth and gold, etc.
Pagerwesi
Four days after Saraswati Day, on Buda (or Wednesday), Kliwon,
Wuku Sinta, is Pagerwesi day. "Pager" meaning fence
and "Wesi" meaning iron. On this day, Balinese pray
to Sang Hyang Pramesti Guru (manifestation of God). All Balinese
have offerings to their Sanggah (temple in their home) and
at all of their temples. This is the second biggest holiday
after Galungan day for the Balinese. The philosophy of this
celebration is that they must keep knowledge, health, food,
cloth and gold high in their lives to keep the universe in
balance.
|
