Cremation Yesterday

Cremation in Bali is known as the Ngaben ceremony, a joyful and festive ritual that releases the soul of the deceased to its next life. This elaborate process involves processions with ornate cremation towers called wadah or animal-shaped lembu coffins, lively music, and dance. Families often delay the cremation to save money, sometimes waiting for community-organized mass cremations to spread the cost. The ritual concludes with scattering the ashes into the ocean, symbolizing the return of the physical body to the elements and the spirit's journey to the afterlife.
The Ritual of Ngaben
Purpose: The primary goal of the Ngaben ceremony is to free the soul (atma) from its earthly bonds so it can enter the spiritual realm and eventually be reborn or achieve liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.
Festive Atmosphere: In contrast to Western mourning practices, Ngaben is a celebration of life and a joyous send-off. Music, dancing, and community participation are central to the event.
The Body's Transformation: The Balinese Hindu belief is that the physical body is a temporary vessel made of earth, air, fire, water, and space. The ceremony helps to release the immortal soul from this physical shell.
Key Components of the Ceremony
Bade (Cremation Tower): A towering, intricately crafted structure designed to carry the body. The number of roof tiers on a bade can signify the deceased's social status, with more tiers indicating a higher rank.
Lembu (Ox-Shaped Coffin): For those of high caste, the body is placed within a coffin shaped like an ox or other mythical creature, which is then used in the cremation.
Rituals: The ceremony involves various rituals, including cleansing the body, symbolic offerings, prayers, and the communal carrying of the bade or lembu in a grand procession.Read more