There is a recognition that one cannot exist without the other, but for the sake of harmony, the two need to be kept in balance. It represents duality, which is a central tenet of Balinese Hinduism – yin and yang, darkness and light, good and evil. A symbol of mindfulness, kain poleng (two-coloured cloth), is most commonly seen wrapped around trees and shrines. You will see this black and white chequered cloth at every corner in Bali. You may also hear the greeting Om Swastiastu, which is also derived from swastika and means ‘May you attain prosperity and peace’. Like a lucky charm, it is used to ward off negative forces, which is why you find it carved into doorways and thresholds. In Balinese Hinduism, it represents good fortune. While a version of the symbol is now infamous as the Nazi symbol, the original swastika is the oldest religious symbol in existence and is found in many cultures and religions.
The curved part represents holy Mount Agung – an abode of the gods, the straight pole depicts the rivers that run from the mountain to the sea, while the fruit and vegetables tied to the pole symbolise earth’s bounty.Įuropean visitors are often surprised to see the swastika adorning temple walls and sacred objects in Bali. Essentially a shrine, each penjor is highly symbolic. If you are lucky enough to be in Bali during big festivals such as Galungan, which celebrates the victory of good over evil, you will see streets lined with elaborate penjor – tall ornamental bamboo poles covered in palm leaf decorations and holy drawings that flutter in the breeze. From the flower offerings made to the smallest of shrines each morning, to extravagant temple ceremonies and colourful processions that fill the streets with vibrant pageantry, each sacred ritual and every place of worship is rich in symbolism. It is no secret that Bali is imbued with a deep-rooted Hindu spirituality.
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