Monday, April 18, 2011

Bali's Full Moon Celebration: Purnama

If you're lucky enough to visit Bali at the time of the full moon celebration you are in for a treat.

Purnama, the day of the full moon, is a special day for the Balinese.  Every month on this day, extra offerings are made around the family compound and some offerings are placed on the ground at the entrance to the house compound.   

The towering offerings called sesajen are also taken to the village temple.  Depending on the time of the year, many temples usually will hold various forms of entertainment for the village such as dancing, wayang performances, or arja plays to coincide with the special prayers for Purnama.
 
Purnama is considered a good day for planting, especially for plants that bear fruit.  It is common for Balinese to delay planting until the day of the full moon, when they are more assured of a successful harvest.  Some people believe that bathing in water perfumed by fragrant petals of the frangipani flower, under the light of the full moon will wash away your sins, while ensuring that you will remain youthfully attractive. 

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