The offerings are intended for both either the gods or malevolent spirits. Those placed at a higher altitude on a small altar are offered to the gods and ancestors, while those laid on the ground are meant for dark forces, as they are the most polluted places on earth.
In the past, each family handcrafted the offering baskets, but nowadays, with women working outside, they can purchase them ready-made in the market.
Each offering basket is accompanied by a lit incense stick to allow the smoke to reach the gods and demons.
Each element holds its own symbolism: flowers represent beauty and life, rice symbolizes prosperity, and incense purifies the atmosphere.
Offerings often include flowers, each carrying a specific meaning:
White flowers facing East symbolize Ishvara.
Red flowers facing South symbolize Brahma.
Yellow flowers facing West symbolize Mahadeva.
Blue and green flowers facing North symbolize Vishnu.
The food laid on the ground may be of mediocre quality, as demons do not discern, unlike offerings intended for the gods, where it is preferable to use quality dishes as they can be retrieved and consumed.
Offerings are made daily, as well as on important occasions such as weddings, births, funerals, and religious festivals.
Balinese people consider these moments as privileged opportunities to strengthen their bonds with the deities and ancestors, and to obtain their protection and blessings. If an offering is trampled, it matters little, as what counts is the act of offering. Offerings will be collected the next morning and replaced with new ones. The demons will not pursue you.
However, it is impossible to make demons disappear, as they are an integral part of the universe, but it is possible to appease them so that they exert a positive influence. According to the Balinese, the universe is divided into three parts: a negative one where malevolent spirits reside, one for humans, and a very positive and sacred one, the domain of the deities.
Feel free to check out our latest article on the best season to visit Bali =>