Birthdays are usually celebrated every year in the corner of the world. However, in Bali, there are other kind of celebrations that takes place earlier than the expected date of birth, precisely every 6 months. This celebration is named Otonan Ceremony in Bali. This ceremony also has a meaning that is no less important than a birthday celebration.
Otonan is a birthday ceremony held by the people of Bal, Indonesia. The ceremony is based on birth on the Wuku Balinese calendar. The implementation is in conjunction with Sapta Wara and Panca Wara. The purpose of Otonan Ceremony life could rach a more perfect life.
Inn fact, literally, the ceremony can be interpreted as a birthday celebration ceremony. However, the meaning of birthdays in their beliefs is different from birthdays in the understanding of the general public. If for babies, the ceremony is first performed when they are 105 days old, because the body’s organs are considered to be fully developed and all five senses are active, where the child’s five senses can have a positive and negative impact on the purity of the soul, so the ceremony must be done within three months. If it hasn’t been done, the child will still be in a state of “Cuntaka”, or not purified.
In the procession, there will be a symbolic installation of a white bracelet in hands made out of thread. Why thread? Because yarn has the connotation of “beneng” in Balinese language, which can be interpreted as 2 things, namely; because the thread is often used as an assisting toll to make something straight, which means the yarn would lead the heart of the purified soul always be on the right path. Second would be because yarn has a supple nature and it does not break easily, which symbolizes the flexibility of the heart that is nit easily discouraged.
The ceremony can be done in a simple way or lively, and can be adapted to the conditions of each family. It’s just for the first time, the Otonan ceremony was usually held on large scale. Moreover, the existence of the first ceremony wa an important effort to welcome new family members.
in addition, hair cutting stage is only carried out in this ceremony aswell. The stage is only done once in a lifetime. This stage of the event was carried out when Otonan was held for the first time. There are important things that must be considered. Otonan ceremonies are usually held lively when are held together with the full moon ceremony (Purnama).
The implementation of this ceremony does seem so burdensome, because it has to be done for a lifetime. However, for the people of Bali, this is considered with a different view. The Otonan ceremony is a form of gratitude for all the blessigs they get. Therefore, the existence of this ceremony is actually far more important than a birthday celebration in the eyes of Hindus in Bali.
So, if you find there are ceremonies like this in Bali, be sure to pay respects. Try to not disturb the procession of the event while withnessing the ceremony.