Ritual Mesatia dalam Pelebon Raja Gianyar Bali Tahun 1847 (Part 1)

Summary

The video script explores the fascinating and intricate traditions of Balinese royal death ceremonies, particularly focusing on the Ngaben or Pelebon, a ritual funeral process involving cremation. The ceremony is described through a vivid historical account from 1847, where 40,000 to 50,000 people attended the royal funeral of Raja Gianyar. Central to the ritual is the use of a 'bade' – a ceremonial platform for the royal body, and the sacrifice of three women, symbolizing loyalty to the king. The narrative blends ritualistic detail with a sense of cultural awe and sacrifice, offering a glimpse into Bali's complex heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bali's royal cremation ceremony, Ngaben, is a significant ritual to mark the death of a king, involving elaborate rites and public participation.
• 😀 The Ngaben ceremony involves burning the king's body and scattering the ashes into the sea, with variations across regions, villages, and royal families.
• 😀 The account highlights the public attendance at the cremation of the King of Gianyar in 1847, estimated at 40,000-50,000 people, roughly 5% of Bali's population at the time.
• 😀 The ceremony is not just a funeral but a display of rich cultural traditions, including grand processions and offerings, meant to send the deceased to meet the gods.
• 😀 The royal procession includes a ceremonial platform called 'bade,' which is used to carry the deceased's body. The king is the only one permitted to use a specific form of 'bade' known as Tumpang Solas.
• 😀 Various forms of ceremonial platforms, such as 'bale-balean,' 'pepage,' and 'Padma,' symbolize different aspects of life and death, with 'bade' representing a sacred mountain journey.
• 😀 A key part of the ceremony includes the presence of the king's family, nobility, priests, and thousands of citizens, all partaking in the ritual's sacredness.
• 😀 Women sacrificed in the ceremony are depicted wearing white, with long, flowing hair, and are treated with an almost celebratory air by their families and the community.
• 😀 The presence of mythological creatures, like the Naga Bandel, a giant serpent sculpture, symbolizes the sacred nature of the ritual and the connection between the living and the divine.
• 😀 The unique and terrifying nature of this sacrificial ritual is presented as a stark contrast to the festive attire and celebratory mood of the attending crowd, underscoring the cultural paradox.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Ngaben or Pelebon ceremony in Bali?

The Ngaben or Pelebon ceremony is a traditional Balinese cremation ritual that involves the burning of the deceased's body, followed by the scattering of the ashes into the sea. It is an essential part of Balinese culture and marks the transition of the deceased to the afterlife.

What is the role of the 'Bade' in the Ngaben ceremony?

The 'Bade' is a ceremonial structure used to carry the deceased to the cremation site. It is symbolic of a mountain and is seen as the means by which the deceased ascends to meet the gods, particularly Lord Shiva. The 'Bade' is a focal point of the funeral procession.

How does the Ngaben ceremony vary across different regions in Bali?

The Ngaben ceremony varies depending on the village, clan, and the individual royal families. Each region has its own unique way of conducting the ritual, with specific variations in rituals, ceremonies, and the structures used.

How does Hans describe the scene of the Ngaben ceremony in his 1882 account?

Hans, in his account, describes the ceremony as a grand and colorful event with around 40,000 to 50,000 attendees. The people were dressed in vibrant clothing, resembling a festive crowd rather than mourners. The procession included warriors, musicians, and various religious figures.

What role do the 'Bali warriors' play in the Ngaben ceremony?

The Bali warriors are part of the procession that accompanies the deceased. They carry ceremonial weapons and march along with musicians, offering protection and adding a symbolic martial element to the ritual.

What is the symbolic meaning of the 'Naga Bandel' in the Ngaben ceremony?

The 'Naga Bandel' is a ceremonial figure in the shape of a dragon, made of wood and bamboo. It symbolizes the sacred journey of the deceased to the afterlife. The Naga Bandel represents the power and protection of the gods, and its enormous size conveys the importance of the ritual.

What is the significance of the three women mentioned in the script during the ceremony?

The three women are chosen to be sacrificed during the Ngaben ceremony, symbolizing loyalty to the king. They are dressed in white, and their roles are part of a ritualistic sacrifice where they are sacrificed to honor the king, despite not having committed any wrongdoing.

What did Hans find particularly striking about the participation of the local population in the ceremony?

Hans was struck by the contrast between the festive mood of the crowd and the horrific fate awaiting the three sacrificial women. Despite the gruesome nature of the sacrifice, the crowd appeared joyful, and the mood was celebratory, which left Hans in awe of the cultural practices.

What role does the Pedanda Agung play in the Ngaben ceremony?

The Pedanda Agung is a high-ranking priest in Balinese Hinduism who leads the religious rituals during the Ngaben ceremony. The Pedanda Agung is carried on a ceremonial palanquin, symbolizing the importance of the spiritual leader in guiding the deceased's soul to the afterlife.

What were the physical dimensions of the Naga Bandel according to the script?

The Naga Bandel mentioned in the script was described as a massive structure measuring 2.4 kilometers long. This differs from the usual size of the Naga Bandel and emphasizes the grandeur and sacred nature of the ceremony.