Bali, the heavenly island in Indonesia, is renowned for its unique and fascinating culture richness. One cultural element that captivates attention is the “penjor.” This is a traditional Balinese ornament often encountered during the celebrations of Galungan and Kuningan. Behind its beauty, the penjor carries profound meanings as a symbol of grandeur and majesty in the lives of Balinese people.
What is Penjor?
People make Penjor from bamboo, and they create a gracefully curved decorative pole. Typically several meters in length, penjors adorn the streets and yards of Bali during various occasions. It is a form of swadharma for Hindu devotees to express their devotion and gratitude to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (the Supreme God) for the bestowed prosperity. People usually install Penjors a day before Galungan, also known as Penampahan Galungan.
Penjor as Balinese Culture
Penjor symbolizes safety and welfare. The materials used to craft penjor consist of a tall bamboo pole with a curved tip, representing a mountain. Additionally, making penjor requires skill and patience. The process begins by carefully selecting a sturdy bamboo as the base pole. Then, the bamboo is artfully curved to form a beautiful arch. The decorations on the penjor, such as janur (young coconut leaves), coconuts, bananas, sugarcane, snacks, and fabric, represent all vegetation and daily necessities granted by Hyang Widhi Wasa (God).
The installation of penjor becomes a meaningful and communal moment for the people of Bali. Each home or place of business typically sets up penjor in front of it during the celebrations of Galungan and Kuningan. The installation of penjor is a form of reverence and expression of gratitude for the presence of God and as a symbol to honor the ancestors who have passed away.
Besides being a symbol of grandeur and magnificence of Balinese culture, penjor also holds profound religious significance. The Balinese people believe that penjor symbolizes the presence of God’s strength in their lives. It becomes a spiritual bridge connecting the human world with the universe and the world of spirits.
Symbolism in Penjor
- Human Connection with Nature: this is a symbolizes of relationship between humans and nature. Bamboo, being the main material, represents the earth or nature as the source of life. By creating and displaying penjor in their homes, Balinese people express gratitude for all the blessings bestowed by the Creator.
- Strength and Grandeur: The towering and curving shape of penjor reflects strength, grandeur, and majesty. Through penjor, the Balinese people express their desire to achieve greatness and magnificence in their lives.
- Symbol of Lord Vishnu: The arch shape of penjor often associates with Lord Vishnu, one of the major deities in Balinese Hinduism. It signifies the presence of His magnificence during the celebrations of Galungan and Kuningan.
- Ancestral Reverence: Penjor serves as a means to honor ancestors and their spirits, which return to the universe during Galungan and Kuningan. It considers a bridge between the human and spirit realms.
- Creativity and Artistry: Crafting penjor is an art that demands high creativity. Skilled artisans preserve Bali’s cultural heritage through their craftsmanship in carving, decorating, and adorning penjors with various flowers, fruits, and janur.
Penjor holds profound meanings that teach about the human-nature connection, ancestral reverence, and the strength to attain greatness in life. Additionally, during the celebrations of Galungan and Kuningan, penjor becomes an integral part of Bali’s rich and invaluable cultural identity.