Bali is Hindu, making it unusual among the mostly Muslim population of Indonesia and giving the island a strong and unique religious feeling. One of the ways a visitor can witness this is through these little offerings. The Balinese prepare offerings to the gods every morning or at times throughout the day. They consist of fresh flowers, incense, and little treats like Ritz crackers, all sitting inside neatly folded leaves of some kind.
You can see these offerings everywhere, and I mean everywhere! In the middle of intersections, in doorways of shops, on the dashboards of passing cars, in the offering boxes outside people’s houses, and even on the sidewalks, where I accidentally stepped on one or two. These were on a beach in Sanur frequented by locals, just sitting there in the middle of the sand, sending out hopes for good fortune, the incense still freshly lit.
Love this! Perfect photo – very evocative – and what a great story. Reading it was a nice way to start my day. Thanks!
Thank you! Those things really are all over the place, and when I saw these just (and a few others) sitting there in the sand, I had to take a picture.
Imagine how much more pleasant life would be if we all were surrounded by such simple reminders of beauty.
These little guys really struck me. I love how the people take the time and care to prepare them every day and to place them where they think it’s important.