It is known as a cremation tower. Cremation is the most important rite of passage a family performs for the beloved family member that has passed away.
A body is packed on ice or buried until the most auspicious date established by the Balinese calendar is figured out. On that date the body is place on top of the cremation tower to be burnt.
I also found out if you were not a good person in this life it is common for your family while they are walking you and the tower to the temple, to place it on the ground and leave you for a while, they will go and have tea or a nap and will come back later to get you.
After you are burnt they gather the ashes to be offered to the sea. In a final ceremony that can happen years later the soul is called back from the sea and after several rituals taken to a mountain temple and released to return to its heavenly abode. At this time you are now a deified ancestor and are worshiped at a special shrine.
This looks like a beautiful way to be burnt.
I found most Balinese to be very friendly and happy.
Flying kites are an important activity that occurs on the island.
No comments:
Post a Comment