In Reply to: morena/meaning of umbul umbul posted by stormy on Wednesday, 28. December 2005 at 12:07 Bali Time:
The tall, slim, colourful flags on bamboo poles are common. They are called ‘Lelontek' or ‘Umble umble'. You can buy them on the very top floor of the Denpasar markets. AppRp.60,000. These are secular decorations with their origins in ancient China. They signify the presence of a god at an event. The tapering top that droops over towards the ground symbolises the belief that even the mightiest of gods or beings must have humility and respect for the earth that nourishes them. ‘Man must be like the stalk of rice, the more bountiful the head of grain the more the stalk bows to its source.'
Similar in style but made from a bamboo stalk with highly decorative cut fronds are the ceremonial village street decorations called ‘Penjor'.
The temple umbrellas, usually in crimson or gold colour and on long poles, are called ‘Payung'. They are associated wit religious ceremonies and therefore not seen as decorations by the Balinese. They serve to shade the gods and indicate their importance, thus pleasing the deities.
A great source of Umble Umbles is Ud Sri Rejeki at Jl Raya Kuta No 97, Ph 753 477 or 765 739. Not only flags and decorations but all sorts of bits and pieces for ceremonies. Flags are about Rp40-50,000 depending on how many you want and how well you can bargain.