The name Bali
evokes mystical images which has lured travelers for centuries.
Warm and hospitable islanders with quick, shy smiles, the Balinese
remains unfazed by continued waves of intruders. Bali
status as living cultural museum
is as much lures visitors as are its exquisite arts, stunning landscape,
beautiful beaches and literally thousands of temples. Balinese
culture has survived intact, despite colonial domination, war time
occupation and unrelenting tourism. The temples and the unique Hindu
Dharma religion have endured earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and
the wave of Islam; not to mention divergent cultures and practices
brought by foreign tourists. The Balinese accept and ignore it all
with a smile, continuing their spirit-filled life, undaunted.
The Balinese social cohesion traditionally centers
on agriculture. Rice cultivation defines the collection of communities
that make up Bali.
The social structure is cooperative, in everything from preparation
for elaborate festivals, to political, economic and social decisions,
even solving problems for individual members. The banjar, an aggregate
of family units,
extended family members and neighbours, executes most life activities.
The critical important communal rice collectives, subak, coordinate
shared irrigation water and farming tasks, while banjar organizes
everything else. Rice, water and religion are the foundations of
Balinese life. |
