In Reply to: why is that? posted by Maggs on Tuesday, 8. March 2005 at 08:17 Bali Time:
The daily offerings placed outside and around Balinese compounds are a means of maintaing a balanced relationship between Humanity and the non material world. Depending on the calender day, they are offered either to Ancestors, Gods, or Demons (or sometimes to all 3). After placing them, a bit of Sacred Water is sprinkled, a Mantra is quietly recited, and incense is lit as a symbolic "stairway". These acts bring the offers to "Life", and the beings to whom thet are directed then "eat" the essence. What remains over is considered "dead", and thus no longer appropriate for offering. Imagine being invited for a nice meal and you see your host has dug out leftovers from the rubbish to give to you!! This is more or less the rationale. I hope this clears it up a bit for you. An excellent book with wonderful illustrations (called, strangely enough, "Offerings") has been written by Francine Brinkgreve, a friend of mine. I believe it's available in bookshops in Ubud. Try Ganesha on the Jalan Raya.