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Bali Democracy Forum III 2010

2010-12-10T02:36:00.000-08:00

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono opened the second Bali Democracy Forum on Thursday with a call for more equitable growth after the global financial crisis.

Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and senior officials from more than 20 countries attended the start of the two-day gathering at a luxury beachside resort on the tourist island of Bali.

Under the broad theme of “promoting synergy between democracy and development in Asia”, the two-day forum is the second in an initiative launched last year by the Indonesian government.

In his keynote address, Yudhoyono said that as the world clawed its way out of financial turmoil, economies had to restructure in a way that protected the “poor and weak”.

“The crisis has forced the world to conduct restructuring that is more democratic. One of the consequences (of the crisis) is the surge in demand for more inclusive growth,” he said.

He said representative, accountable government would be “hollow” without development.

“Many have the opinion that democracy is not the ultimate objective. The ultimate objective of democracy as well as development is creating prosperity for the people,” he said.

Hatoyama said elections this year in India, Indonesia and Japan testified to the health of democracy in the region.

But he said challenges remained in countries like China, Myanmar and North Korea.

On China, he said there were “great expectations” that Beijing would “continue to make progress as a responsible power on the issues of democracy and human rights”.

He said Japan would “continue to encourage rather than impose” democratic change in Myanmar, and called for the junta to ensure elections scheduled for next year are free and fair.

Japan would also continue to work through the six-party talks -- which also group the two Koreas, Russia, China and the US -- to encourage Pyongyang to “join the trend in Asia and elsewhere” for greater openness and democracy.
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ACTION FOR WORLD SILENT DAY

2008-05-29T06:19:00.002-07:00

Bali Collaboration on Climate Change takes you into a journey of Silence

BALI APPEALS FOR SILENT DAY 21 March 2008

Bali Non Government Organization (NGO) Collaboration for Climate Change appeals to community all over the world to switch off electronic appliances for four hours on Friday March 21, 2008. This is as an to individually contribute to tackling global warming with the impacts of climate change. This movement is called as the Silent Day.

“We appeal to people to switch off from 10.00 am to 14.00 pm, ie four hours on that day” said Hira Jhamtani, a representative of the NGO Collaboration to reporters in Denpansar, on Monday, March 17, 2008.

The date 21 March was selected to also commemorate the Water Day and to mark the spring equinox, the movement of the sun from the equator to the north, marking the beginning of sprin in the northern hemisphere.

The rough calculation of of the Collaboration showed one day of Silence in Bali could reduce CO2 by about 30.000 tons, based on the non operation of motor vehicles and the closure of the airport.

In response, the Head of Legal Affairs of Agency for Environmental Impact Control in Bali, Gede Suarjana said his agency appreciated the effort of the Silent Day Campaign. Bali is experiencing the impact of global issues such as climate change as well as local issues of environmental management. “So we support this effort to reduce green house gas” he asserted.

Similar support was provided by the Bali Hotel Association through its executive Director, Djinaldi Gozana. “We support this in principle. But it should have been campaigned earlier, one year ago for us to prepare” he said. According to him, hotel operators cannot switch off appliances if they are hosting conferences etc.

The collaboration then proceeded to distribute campaign fliers to communities in the Caturmuka area, the junction between Sanur, Kuta and the airport in Bali.

We ask you to SWITCH OFF ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES FOR FOUR HOURS on 21st March 2008 at 10.00 — 14.00 hours

As a first step towards WORLD SILENT DAY 21 March 2008

You don’t have to be a superhero to tackle climate change. We can reduce green house gas emission by doing nothing!!! Through Silence. This is inspired by the Nyepi or Silent day practiced by people in Bali for many centuries, even now. For 24 hours people do not travel, work or light the lamps at night.

One Silent Day in Bali is estimated to reduce at least 20,000 tons of CO2, the largest contributor of green house gas.

We invite you to contribute to green house gas reduction by reducing energy consumption on 21 March. SWITCH OFF YOUR ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES (computer, AC, TV, radio, cell phone, some lamps, etc) FOR 4 HOURS ONLY!!

REMEMBER 21 MARCH!!!
GIVE THE EARTH SPACE AND TIME TO BREATHE!!

PLEASE SEND THIS CAMPAIGN SHEET TO OTHERS!!
OR YOU CAN FIND YOUR OWN WAY OF SILENCE

PLEASE LET US KNOW THE SILENT HOURS THAT YOU UNDERTAKE ON 21 MARCH

For more information, please contact:
www.worldsilentday.org
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Nyepi (Silent Day)

2008-05-29T06:19:00.001-07:00

Determined by the Lunar (Saka) Calendar if Bali, Nyepi (Balinese New Year) falls on the day after the new moon that occurs somewhere between mid-March & mid-April each year. Nyepi is perhaps the most unique of all festivals celebrated in Bali, as the whole island comes to a standstill on this particular day. Visitors to Bali at this time of the year definitely need to be aware of the day of Nyepi, as they will not be able to go anywhere on this day, but rather spend time relaxing around their place of accommodation.

The most interesting part of Nyepi for visitors is the visual spectacles of ogoh-ogoh (monsters) created by many of the villages throughout Bali to be used as a part of a huge island-wide exorcism on the eve of Nyepi. The youth of the various village banjar (local council areas) take great delight in competing with the neighbouring villages to create the most gruesome and terrifying-looking ogoh-ogoh in the month preceding Nyepi.

This year the youth of our village of Bangkiang Sidem banded together in their spare time to create a fine ogoh-ogoh, complete with barong mask. They could all be seen proudly displaying their handiwork on the eve of Nyepi as other members of the family brought special offerings to the banjar meeting area in the centre of the village.

Our nephew, Agung, also spent many hours with his neighbours in the nearby village of Bunutan to create their ogoh-ogoh, which he took great delight in unveiling for the camera.
In Ubud all the different banjar youth excitedly gathered by each of their creations in the late afternoon on the eve of Nyepi to proudly lead their ogoh-ogoh through the central intersection down to the soccer field on Monkey Forest Road. With all the noise & commotion of a cremation ceremony these were lead one by one into this open area, where the rest of the community & visitors to the area could wander between them all to marvel at the ferociousness achieved by their creators.

As well as each group escorting their creation being decked out in fine new uniforms, many of the ogoh-ogoh were accompanied by their local gamelan players for greater impact, & these groups put on a further demonstration of their music one by one on the soccer field for the crowds of people who had come to watch.

One of our staff, Alit, was involved with the creation of one of the ogoh-ogoh - from the Taman area.

About 20 different ogoh-ogoh of all different shapes & sizes were presented in this year's parade in Ubud. At dusk, after a group of village elders had assessed each creation & given a speech praising the skills of those involved, the ogoh-ogoh began to move out one by one once more towards the village centre, before branching off to each of their individual areas of Ubud.

Hundreds of people gathered at the central crossroads of Ubud, where each of the ogoh-ogoh lurched crazily through the crowd. Officials guiding them along their path were careful to make sure that no two ogoh-ogoh made any sort of physical contact during this time, as with the Balinese spirits running high, this might lead to friction between the two groups.

Once the ogoh-ogoh have returned to their area of the village, parading down all the side streets, it is eventually either consumed by a huge bonfire in the central crossroads of the village, or nowadays more often 'defrocked', i.e. stripped of its finery so that some of the materials may then be reused in the following year.

All over Bali, on the eve of Nyepi all the effigies of the gods from the village temples are also taken in long & colourful processions to the river to be ritually bathed. Then after sunset the exorcism of the island starts, firstly within the house compound, where special offerings accompanied by fire & holy water are delivered to every corner of the compound, accompanied by loud banging & clanging, & also as much noise as the vocal chords can handle. Once the exorcism of evil has been accomplished within the home, people then move out onto the streets, many accompanying the terrifying ogoh-ogoh as they roam the neighbourhood with as much revelry as they can muster. The final meeting place in the central crossroads of the village sees huge offerings being burnt after the special prayers by the village priest for the cleansing of the whole village. For weeks before the eve of Nyepi, you can hear fire crackers & the loud retorts of exploding bamboo 'cannons' being set off at night, & this will continue this evening well into the wee hours, before all gradually settles into an all-pervading peace to greet the dawn of Nyepi.

On the day of Nyepi (literally meaning 'silence') the whole of Bali lies still. There is no one out on the streets, nothing opens in the way of shops or offices, the sound of traffic is nonexistent. This Day of Silence is where the world has been cleansed & everything starts anew. With the religious prohibitions of

mati lelangon (no pleasure)
mati lelungan (no traffic)
mati geni (no fire) and
mati pekaryan (no work)

beginning at sunrise & continuing for the next 24 hours, all you will hear is the occasional barking of dogs or the shrill of insects. You will not be allowed to go anywhere on this day, but rather relax at your place of accommodation, enjoying the peace & quiet of an otherwise bustling island.
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Bali Conference to Strengthen Integrity and Fight Corruption

2008-05-29T06:18:00.001-07:00

Bali Conference to Strengthen Integrity and Fight Corruption

VIENNA, 15 January 2008 (UNODC) - Senior officials from the more than 100 States that are Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) will meet in Bali, Indonesia, from 28 January to 1 February 2008. They will be joined by parliamentarians, business leaders, crime fighters from anti-corruption agencies, representatives of international organizations and development banks, civil society, the media, and the entertainment industry. Over 1,000 participants are expected.

The meeting will be opened by Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of Indonesia.

Replacing a culture of corruption with an environment of integrity

Looking ahead to the Conference, Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said "in Bali I urge Member States to demonstrate that they are living up to their commitment to fight corruption, and to identify what more needs to be done".

Mr. Costa, whose office is custodian of the UN anti-corruption Convention, said "this is more than an inter-governmental conference: it is a chance to replace a culture of corruption with an environment of integrity. Since corruption hurts us all, we have a shared responsibility to stop it".

A global anti-corruption instrument

The United Nations Convention against Corruption is the first and only global legally binding anti-corruption instrument. The Convention was adopted by the General Assembly in October 2003. It came into force on 14 December 2005. So far, 140 States have signed it and 107 have ratified it to become full-fledged States Parties.

The anti-corruption Convention requires States to:

prevent corruption (by establishing anti-corruption bodies, enhance transparency in the financing of election campaigns and political parties, strengthen integrity in the public service, transparency and accountability in public finance, public procurement and the judiciary);
make corruption a criminal offence - not only bribery and the embezzlement of public funds, but also trading in influence and the concealment and laundering of the proceeds of corruption. The Convention also covers private sector corruption;
cooperate to fight corruption . Countries are bound by the Convention to render specific forms of mutual legal assistance, facilitate extradition, and support the tracing, freezing, seizure and confiscation of the proceeds of corruption;
return stolen assets . Asset recovery is a fundamental principle of the Convention. The Convention contains innovative measures that oblige countries to return stolen assets to their rightful owners. Bank secrecy laws should no longer be an impediment to justice. Mutual legal assistance can cut through red tape to collect the evidence needed to catch the guilty and recover stolen assets.

To achieve the objectives set forth in the Convention and to promote and review its implementation, a Conference of the States Parties to the Convention was established. This year's meeting in Indonesia is the second time States Parties will meet, following the inaugural session in Jordan in December 2006.

Peer pressure

A main item on the Bali agenda is to establish a mechanism to review implementation of the Convention. "The UN anti-corruption Convention provides benchmarks to plug holes in domestic legislation and strengthen national capacity to fight corruption", said Mr. Costa. "An effective review mechanism will ensure that this powerful piece of international law lives up to its potential".

Warning to kleptocrats

The Bali conference will also focus on asset recovery. In September, the World Bank and UNODC launched the Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative to help States take advantage of the landmark asset recovery measures of the UN anti-corruption Convention. "This Initiative should dissuade kleptocrats from robbing their own people, and will help countries that have been plundered by corrupt leaders to get their money back", said the head of UNODC. A Ministerial Roundtable on asset recovery will be held in Bali.

Appealing to corporate responsibility

There will also be a strong focus on the role of the private sector in fighting corruption. "Fighting corruption and building integrity are part of good governance as well as good business", said Mr. Costa. The UN anti-corruption Convention includes measures for the private sector: "the challenge is to get companies to implement them by showing that it makes business sense", he said. Mr. Costa will therefore propose a Blue Emblem to recognize companies that align their rules and regulations to the universal principles of the UNCAC. A number of business leaders will meet in Bali to discuss what further steps the private sector can take to fight corruption in all its forms.

Don't forget the bureaucrats

The head of UNODC also urged international organizations to lead by example. "To practice what we preach, international organizations should align their integrity rules to the principles of the Convention", said Mr. Costa. He has proposed an Institutional Integrity Initiative that will be discussed at the Bali meeting by a number of UN agencies.

Artists for integrity

To shine the spotlight on corruption and to demonstrate that strengthening integrity is everybody's business, a number of well-known artists and journalists will take part in special events at the Bali Conference.

On the opening day, actress Famke Janssen ( Goldeneye, X-men Trilogy), director, writer and producer Terry George ( Hotel Rwanda, In the Name of the Father), author David Liss ( A Spectacle of Corruption, the Coffee Trader), musician Eric Wainaina ('Kenya Only', 'Nchi ya Kitu Kidogo'), CNN's Jim Clancy and singer Cesar Lopez (inventor of the 'Escopetarra' - a machine gun converted into a guitar), will take part in a public forum on corruption and what can be done to fight it.

What the media can do

A peer-to-peer media forum will enable journalists from developing countries to discuss with colleagues from international broadcasters like the BBC and CNN, as well as the International Press Institute, the challenges of covering corruption and ways of strengthening integrity in the media.

All plenary meetings and special events will be open to the media.
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Galungan and Kuningan Day

2008-05-29T06:17:00.002-07:00

Galungan and Kuningan Day (on 23 January 2008 and 2 Pebruary 2008)

Galungan Day is celebrated every Budha Kliwon Dungulan. Galungan Day has a meaning "Pawedalan Jagat" or the earth's celebration. On this day the Hindus thank the God for the creation of the earth and its content. On this day the Hindus feel grateful for His blessings.

The Relation between Mayadenawa and Galungan Day
Once upon a time, there was a powerful King called Mayadenawa. Mayadenawa was a descendant of daitya (powerful giant), the son of Dewi Danu. Because of his power he can transformed himself into many kinds of creatures and forms.

This King ruled the area of Makasar, Sumbawa, Bugis, Lombok, and Blambangan. Because of his great power, Mayadenawa became snobbish and cruel. In this period a priest with divine power, called Mpu Kulputih. Mayadenawa did not allow the Balinese to worship the God, and he destroyed all the temples.

Because of this the people of Bali became desperate, the plants were destroyed, plaque was everywhere. The people did not dare to fight back or argue the order of Mayadenawa because of his magical power.

Mpu Kulputih was so sad to see this condition. Then he meditated at Pura Besakih to ask for the God's guidance to handle the chaos of Bali society caused by the King's behavior. Then he got guidance from the God Mahadewa to go to Jambu Dwipa (India) and ask for help.

It is not clear about who was finally sent to India, and how was it until a platoon of troops from heaven came to attack Mayadenawa. It was said that the God Indra led the troops from heaven, with complete weapons to Bali. In that attack Citrasena and Citragada led the platoon in the right wing.

Sang Jayantaka led the left wing, whereas Gandarwa led the main platoon. Bhagawan Narada was sent to investigate Mayadenawa's palace. Mayadenawa has known the attack from the troop of Bhatara Indra, because he had many spies.

Therefore, he prepared his troop to face the attack from the troops of heaven. A war cannot be avoided, a dreadful war that caused many victims from the both side.

But, because the troop of Bhatara indra was stronger, finally Mayadenawa's troops fled and left the King and his assistance, who is called Si Kala Wong. Good luck was with Mayadenawa and his assistance because the war had to be stopped, because the night has come.

At night, when the troops from heaven were still asleep, Mayadenawa came and created water with poison in it near the beds of the troops from heaven. Then, he left that place, and in order not left any trail, he walked with the sides of his feet.

That place later is called Tampak Siring. The next day the troop from heaven woke up from their sleep and drank the water that has been created by Mayadenawa. All of the members of the troops became sick.

Bhatara Indra found out about this, then he created another source of water called 'Tirta Empul'. Because of this source of water, the sick troops became well. The flow of the water from Tirta Empul became a river called Tukad Pakerisan.

Bhatara Indra and his troop chased Mayadenawa who had run away with his assistance. In his flight Mayadenawa transformed himself into 'manuk raya' (a big bird). This place later is known as Manukaya village.

Mayadenawa could not trick the powerful Bhatara Indra. Mayadenawa transformed himself several times into 'buah timbul', 'busung', 'susuh', 'bidadari' and finally turned himself into a stone called Si Kala Wong. Bhatara Indra shoots it with an arrow till he died.

His blood kept on flowing and became a river called Petanu. This river is cursed. If it used to water the rice field, the rice paddies would grow rapidly, but when harvested blood would came out of it and smell bad. This cursed will end in 1000 years.

The village where Mayadenawa transformed himself into 'timbul' fruit, later is known as Timbul village, the place where he transformed into 'busung' (young coconut leaf) is called Blusung village, the place where he transformed himself into susuh is called Penyusuhan village, and the place where he transformed into a fairy, later is called Kedewatan village (Ubud).

The death of the King Mayadenawa is the victory of the good (dharma) upon evil (adharma). This victory day is celebrated every six months (6x35 days=210 days), which is called Galungan Day. It is called Galungan, probably because it is celebrated on wuku Galungan (based on the Balinese calendar), and so does Kuningan Day that falls on wuku Kuningan.

The celebration of Galungan dan Kuningan is started on Tumpek Wariga or Tumpek Pengarah, the preparation for Galungan and Kuningan, until Budha Keliwon Pahang or also called as Budha Keliwon Pegat Wakan.

Penjor
Penjor is the symbol of Mount Agung and also the symbol of the presence of the God. It is made from a long bamboo pole with its curved end, and decorated with rice paddies, corn on the cob, coconut, cakes, a piece of white or yellow cloth, etc. This as a sign for reminding the human that everything we enjoy in this world is from the God. Penjor is usually made on Penampahan Galungan (a day before the Galungan Day). It is the symbol of Mount Agung, and also as gratitude for the agricultural produce. Mount Agung is the symbol of holiness as a connection to Mount Semeru, Mount Himalaya, or Mahameru, which is believed as the place where Bhatara Putra Jaya stays.

We can be happy and celebrate for everything that we enjoy. But, the celebration must be based on dharma or holy bible. Happiness must always tend to the limits of ethics, such as holding art performance, literature night, or sport activities, etc.

We must leave the old ways, which is not based on 'susila' teachings (rules of good conduct). And the realization of those activities must be based on desa (place), 'kala' (time), and 'patra' (situation).

Description of Galungan and Kuningan Day

1. Wrespathi Wage Sungsang, is called Sugimanek Jawa, the day of the arrival of the Gods accompanied by the ancestors on earth. On this day Pengerebon offering and puspa wewangian (fragance flowers) are dedicated to the Gods and ancestors in the family shrine.

2. Sukra Keliwon Sungsang, is called Sugimanek Bali, a special day to purify ourselves. Purifying us from the influence of worldly things. On this day it is suggested to visit temples (matirtha yatra) for praying and learning more deeply about the holy teachings of the bible.

3. Saniscara Umanis Sungsang, is a preparation day for the next day. Preparing one to face the 'test' mentally and physically in peace, patience, alertness and devotion.

4. Panyekeban/Panapean, Redite Pahing Dungulan is a day when the Hindus started to do a meditation (yoga semadhi), because on this day Sang Kala Tiga Wisesa came as Bhuta Galungan, to tempt the human's mind. Starts from Redite, Soma, and Anggara Wuku Dungulan as the coming of Bhuta Galungan, Bhuta Dungulan, and Bhuta Amangkurat. On this day people is also start to make cakes and keep the materials for Galungan day such as tape (a kind of Balinese snack) to ripen.

5. Penampahan, Anggara Wage Dungulan, is a day when temptation comes from Bhuta Amangkurat. If we were not in alert and weak, it would succeed in tempting us. On this day Bhuta Yadnya is held in Catuspata, caru in the houseyard, segehan offering based on urip and direction, dedicated to Sang Bhuta Galungan.

6. Galungan, Budha Keliwon Dungulan is the day to have fun, the victory day after facing the 'test' mentally and physically from Sang Bhuta Galungan or the victory of the Good (Dharma) upon Evil (Adharma). On this day offerings are dedicated to the God and the ancestors who come down to earth.

7. Umanis Galungan, Wrespathi Umanis Galungan is the celebration day, and the Hindus can enjoy His blessings. The offerings are replaced with new ones and art performance is usually held and can be enjoyed by everyone.

8. Pahing Galungan, Sukra Pahing Dungulan, the day when we are still in alert with pure heart.

9. Pamaridan Guru, Saniscara Pon Dungulan, is the day when the God gives us prosperity. On this day, the Hindus usually visit the temples (tirthayatra).

10. Ulihan, Redithe Wage Kuningan, is the day when we commemorate the ancestors who has left us and continue their duty to fight for the truth (dharma)

11. Pamacekan Agung, Soma Keliwon Kuningan, is the day to pray for good will and the purity of the heart, because pemacekan day comes from the word 'pacek', which means the middle, i.e. the day between Galungan and Kuningan (5 days after Galungan and 5 days before Kuningan). The Philosophy is we are in the middle of the purity of the heart. On this day Segehan Agung offering is placed in front of the main gate.

12. Anggara Umanis Kuningan, is the preparation of Kuningan Day.

13. Pujawali Bhatara Wisnu, Budha Pahing Kuningan is the day when the protector of the world, God Wisnu comes to the earth. The Hindus on this day should pray for the maintenance of the universe.

14. Wrespathi Pon Kuningan, is a preparation day for Kuningan.

15. Penampahan Kuningan, Sukra Wage Kuningan is a day to prepare everything, especially the offering for Kuningan Day.

16. Tumpek Kuningan, Saniscara Keliwon Kuningan, is the day when the Gods accompanied by the ancestors come to visit the earth, but only until noon (12.00). On this day the Hindus are suggested to do self-introspection by doing a meditation for human's prosperity. The offerings on this day are selanggi, tebog, endongan, that decorates the house. Segehan Agung is placed on the house yard, and offerings for the family members are also served such as prayascita lewih, sesayut segan kuning, iwak itik putih, and penyeneng.

17. Pegat Wakan, Budha Keliwon Pahang, is the end of meditation that has been done for 42 days (from Sugimanek Jawa until Budha Keliwon Pahang). On this day the Hindus are dedicating sesayut dirghayusa and penyeneng offerings to the Supreme God, Hyang Widhi Wasa.
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Saraswati Day

2008-05-29T06:17:00.001-07:00

Knowledge is very important for Balinese. Every Saniscara, Umanis, Wuku Watugunung, they celebrate Saraswati Day, the knowledge day. It is based on the Pawukon (Balinese calendar) system and the Saniscara (seven day cycle).

The name Saraswati came from "Saras" meaning flow and "wati" meaning a women. So, Saraswati is symbol of knowledge, its flow (or growth) is like a river and knowledge is very interesting, like a beautiful women.

Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge, symbolized by a beautiful woman with four hands, riding on a white swan among water lilies to tell humanity that science is like a beautiful woman. Her hands hold a palm leaf; a lontar, (a Balinese traditional book which is the source of science or knowledge); a chain (genitri with 108 pieces) symbolising that knowledge is never ending and has an everlasting life cycle; and a musical instrument (guitar or wina) symbolising that science develops through the growth of culture. The swans symbolise prudence, so that one's knowledge may distinguish between good and evil and the water lilies (Lotus) are symbols of holiness. The Lotus flower is the holiest for Balinese.

In the afternoon of Saraswati day we are not permitted to read or write the book because all the books are offered. In the evening, called Malam Sastra, people read books (especially religious books) in their houses or in the temple.

Pangredanan (the day before Saraswati)
This is the day of preparation. All the books and lontar are collected together, cleaned and dusted.

Saraswati Day
Saraswati day itself is celebrated by the Balinese people bringing offerings to their holy books and scrolls in their houses, while students celebrate it at school, usually in the morning, and the office-workers in their office. The philosophy of Saraswati day is that the most important thing for human life is knowledge.

Banyu Pinaruh
The day after Saraswati Day is Banyu Pinaruh day. "Banyu" means water and "Pinaruh" mean wisdom. In other words, we must have wisdom which always flows like water and which is useful for human kind. We pray for Dewi Saraswati (manifestation of God) to give us cleverness and wisdom. The people usually take a bath in the sea or a lake or river and drink traditional medicine which is made from many various leaves which is very good for our health. The philosophy of Banyu Pinaruh day is the second most important thing for human life is good health.

Soma Ribek
Two days after Saraswati Day, on Soma (or Monday), Pon, Wuku Sinta, is Soma Ribek day. "Soma" meaning Monday, and "Ribek" meaning full. On this day, Balinese bring offerings to the rice box. They thank God for food and beverage in their lives and pray to Dewi Sri (Goddess of prosperity, manifestation of God) to give prosperity. This celebration remind them to be selective when choosing food and not to over eat to improve their health. The philosophy of Soma Ribek day is the third most important thing for human life is food and drink.

Sabuh Mas
Three days after Saraswati Day, on Anggara (or Tuesday), Wage, Wuku Sinta, is Sabuh Mas day. "Sabuh" means belt, and "Mas" mean gold. On this day, Balinese bring offerings to the deposit box or the place where they keep their jewelry. They thank Mahadewa (manifestation of God) for cloth, money, gold, etc in our lives. This celebration remind them to be selective when spending money. The philosophy of Sabuh Mas day is the fourth most important thing for human life is cloth and gold, etc.

Pagerwesi
Four days after Saraswati Day, on Buda (or Wednesday), Kliwon, Wuku Sinta, is Pagerwesi day. "Pager" meaning fence and "Wesi" meaning iron. On this day, Balinese pray to Sang Hyang Pramesti Guru (manifestation of God). All Balinese have offerings to their Sanggah (temple in their home) and at all of their temples. This is the second biggest holiday after Galungan day for the Balinese. The philosophy of this celebration is that they must keep knowledge, health, food, cloth and gold high in their lives to keep the universe in balance.
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HALLOWEEN

2008-05-29T06:16:00.001-07:00

(31st October 2007)

Its Halloween. Welcome to the happy Halloween celebrations at TheHolidaySpot, the favorite holidays and festivals destination on the net. We have a storehouse of Halloween decorations for you.Wish you a very Happy Halloween!

History of Halloween, like any other festival's history is inspired through traditions that have transpired through ages from one generation to another. We follow them mostly as did our dads and grandpas. And as this process goes on, much of their originality get distorted with newer additions and alterations. It happens so gradually, spanning over so many ages, that we hardly come to know about these distortions. At one point of time it leaves us puzzled, with its multicolored faces.

Digging into its history helps sieve out the facts from the fantasies which caught us unaware. Yet, doubts still lurk deep in our soul, especially when the reality differs from what has taken a deep seated root into our beliefs. The history of Halloween Day, as culled from the net, is being depicted here in this light. This is to help out those who are interested in washing off the superficial hues to reach the core and know things as they truly are. 'Trick or treat' may be an innocent fun to relish on the Halloween Day.

But just think about a bunch of frightening fantasies and the scary stories featuring ghosts, witches, monsters, evils, elves and animal sacrifices associated with it. They are no more innocent. Are these stories a myth or there is a blend of some reality? Come and plunge into the halloween history to unfurl yourself the age-old veil of mysticism draped around it.

Behind the name... Halloween, or the Hallow E'en as they call it in Ireland , means All Hallows Eve, or the night before the 'All Hallows', also called 'All Hallowmas', or 'All Saints', or 'All Souls' Day, observed on November 1. In old English the word 'Hallow' meant 'sanctify'. Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherians used to observe All Hallows Day to honor all Saints in heaven, known or unknown.

They used to consider it with all solemnity as one of the most significant observances of the Church year. And Catholics, all and sundry, was obliged to attend Mass. The Romans observed the holiday of Feralia, intended to give rest and peace to the departed. Participants made sacrifices in honor of the dead, offered up prayers for them, and made oblations to them. The festival was celebrated on February 21, the end of the Roman year. In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV introduced All Saints' Day to replace the pagan festival of the dead. It was observed on May 13. Later, Gregory III changed the date to November 1.

The Greek Orthodox Church observes it on the first Sunday after Pentecost. Despite this connection with the Roman Church, the American version of Halloween Day celebration owes its origin to the ancient (pre-Christian) Druidic fire festival called "Samhain", celebrated by the Celts in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Samhain is pronounced "sow-in", with "sow" rhyming with cow. In Ireland the festival was known as Samhein, or La Samon, the Feast of the Sun. In Scotland, the celebration was known as Hallowe'en. In Welsh it's Nos Galen-gaeof (that is, the Night of the Winter Calends.

According to the Irish English dictionary published by the Irish Texts Society: "Samhain, All Hallowtide, the feast of the dead in Pagan and Christian times, signalizing the close of harvest and the initiation of the winter season, lasting till May, during which troops (esp. the Fiann) were quartered. Faeries were imagined as particularly active at this season. From it the half year is reckoned. also called Feile Moingfinne (Snow Goddess).(1) The Scottish Gaelis Dictionary defines it as "Hallowtide. The Feast of All Soula. Sam + Fuin = end of summer."(2) Contrary to the information published by many organizations, there is no archaeological or literary evidence to indicate that Samhain was a deity.

The Celtic Gods of the dead were Gwynn ap Nudd for the British, and Arawn for the Welsh. The Irish did not have a "lord of death" as such. Thus most of the customs connected with the Day are remnants of the ancient religious beliefs and rituals, first of the Druids and then transcended amongst the Roman Christians who conquered them.
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HAPPY NEW YEARS 2008

2008-05-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

Time to pray, Time to forgive, Time to think, Time to remember, Time to love, Time to share, Give us a spirit of thankfulness Lord For numberless blessings given, Blessings that daily come to me, Like dewdrops falling from heaven

"Happy New Year!" That greeting will be said and heard for at least the first couple of weeks as a new year gets under way. But the day celebrated as New Year's Day in modern America was not always January 1.

ANCIENT NEW YEARSThe celebration of the new year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon (actually the first visible cresent) after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring).

The beginning of spring is a logical time to start a new year. After all, it is the season of rebirth, of planting new crops, and of blossoming. January 1, on the other hand, has no astronomical nor agricultural significance. It is purely arbitrary.

The Babylonian new year celebration lasted for eleven days. Each day had its own particular mode of celebration, but it is safe to say that modern New Year's Eve festivities pale in comparison.

The Romans continued to observe the new year in late March, but their calendar was continually tampered with by various emperors so that the calendar soon became out of synchronization with the sun.

In order to set the calendar right, the Roman senate, in 153 BC, declared January 1 to be the beginning of the new year. But tampering continued until Julius Caesar, in 46 BC, established what has come to be known as the Julian Calendar. It again established January 1 as the new year. But in order to synchronize the calendar with the sun, Caesar had to let the previous year drag on for 445 days.

THE CHURCH'S VIEW OF NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONSAlthough in the first centuries AD the Romans continued celebrating the new year, the early Catholic Church condemned the festivities as paganism. But as Christianity became more widespread, the early church began having its own religious observances concurrently with many of the pagan celebrations, and New Year's Day was no different. New Years is still observed as the Feast of Christ's Circumcision by some denominations. During the Middle Ages, the Church remained opposed to celebrating New Years. January 1 has been celebrated as a holiday by Western nations for only about the past 400 years.

NEW YEAR TRADITIONS Other traditions of the season include the making of New Year's resolutions. That tradition also dates back to the early Babylonians. Popular modern resolutions might include the promise to lose weight or quit smoking. The early Babylonian's most popular resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment.

The Tournament of Roses Parade dates back to 1886. In that year, members of the Valley Hunt Club decorated their carriages with flowers. It celebrated the ripening of the orange crop in California.

Although the Rose Bowl football game was first played as a part of the Tournament of Roses in 1902, it was replaced by Roman chariot races the following year. In 1916, the football game returned as the sports centerpiece of the festival.

The tradition of using a baby to signify the new year was begun in Greece around 600 BC. It was their tradition at that time to celebrate their god of wine, Dionysus, by parading a baby in a basket, representing the annual rebirth of that god as the spirit of fertility. Early Egyptians also used a baby as a symbol of rebirth.

Although the early Christians denounced the practice as pagan, the popularity of the baby as a symbol of rebirth forced the Church to reevaluate its position. The Church finally allowed its members to celebrate the new year with a baby, which was to symbolize the birth of the baby Jesus.

The use of an image of a baby with a New Years banner as a symbolic representation of the new year was brought to early America by the Germans. They had used the effigy since the fourteenth century.

FOR LUCK IN THE NEW YEAR
Traditionally, it was thought that one could affect the luck they would have throughout the coming year by what they did or ate on the first day of the year. For that reason, it has become common for folks to celebrate the first few minutes of a brand new year in the company of family and friends. Parties often last into the middle of the night after the ringing in of a new year. It was once believed that the first visitor on New Year's Day would bring either good luck or bad luck the rest of the year. It was particularly lucky if that visitor happened to be a tall dark-haired man.

Traditional New Year foods are also thought to bring luck. Many cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle," completing a year's cycle. For that reason, the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune.

Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the new year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures. The hog, and thus its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year's Day.

AULD LANG SYNEThe song, "Auld Lang Syne," playing in the background, is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world to bring in the new year. At least partially written by Robert Burns in the 1700's, it was first published in 1796 after Burns' death. Early variations of the song were sung prior to 1700 and inspired Burns to produce the modern rendition. An old Scotch tune, "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days." The lyrics can be found here
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