Tedung Umbrellas

The ornate and colourful tedung umbrellas are iconic elements that frequently adorn the compounds of Balinese temples.

The ceremonial importance of the umbrella has its roots in the Hindu religion, with some academics speculating that umbrellas were first introduced in the 13th century, when they were brought to Java on a Chinese merchant ship and, subsequently, appropriated in the shrines of the Hindu kingdom.

Different colours of umbrellas reflect the nature of the ceremony that is taking place at a temple. Each colour has a special meaning, with black and white symbolising harmony, yellow symbolising glory and other colours alluding to religious manifestations, transforming the umbrellas from everyday items to sacred ceremonial instruments.Læs mere