In Reply to: stolen passports posted by maurjohn on Tuesday, 3. April 2007 at 13:40 Bali Time:
What is a Bale?
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In essence, a bale is a Balinese pavilion based on ancient Asian architectural concepts and philosophy. The structure represents a miniature version of the Hindu-Balinese concept of the universe, with the roof symbolizing the gods; the posts the humans; and the base the demons of the underworld. A bale is normally square and has open sides but sometimes it may have one or more walls enclosed, normally for privacy. The pavilion is characteristically built on a concrete or brick base and has a thatched or tiled roof supported by at least four wooden posts. Bale may be anything from half a metre or more off the ground and some have central steps running up the front of them. Each bale is afforded its own wooden shrine (plangkiran) and are ritually purified during large ceremonies.
Bale serve a range of functions and often have specific purposes. In a traditional household compound many of the buildings are called bale: bale daja (north pavilion or bedroom of the head of the family), bale dangin (east pavilion or place where offerings are made and stored; also where ceremonies such as tooth filing, bathing of a corpse etc: normally you will find one or two platform beds here as well), bale dauh (west pavilion or another sleeping quarters, working, and sometimes used for gamelan at large ceremonies), and bale pesarean/meten (pavilion for sleeping or naps). On large premises you may find a bale bengong - a charming pavilion where people just sit by themselves doing nothing or simply chat with friends - the laziest bale! Bale banjar is the name of the main pavilion in the banjar where meetings are held. In front of the banjar is the bale kulkul where the slit drum (kulkul) is housed. The most archaic form of bale is the bale agung, the largest pavilion found in temples throughout the island.
These days due to the scarcity of land, few Balinese houses in built-up areas have the complete number of bale, as in former times. If you are interested in seeing impressive bale, it's best you visit a traditional palace or temple.