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| Pagerwesi |
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Balinese people will commemorate
Pagerwesi Day. The word Pagerwesi is derived from
two Javanese words, pager (fence)
and wesi (iron). Pagerwesi
literally means the day of "iron
fence".
Pagerwesi is dedicated to honour Siva, the God manifestation
as Sanghyang Pramesi Guru, guardian of the universe,
which is meant to ask for protection and prosperity.
Pagerwesi has a very close relationship with Saraswati
which falls four days after Saraswati Day. After
people received knowledge on Saraswati Day, Pagerwesi
is the day to show our respect to the teacher and
the main Guru (God or Siva).
Another correlation between Saraswati and Pagerwesi
is that the knowledge must be protected from bad
influences and misuse.
Pagerwesi is the day when Balinese fortify the space
around themselves to ward off evil spirits, a day
of offerings for the protection of the village and
families and the world around them. On this day,
villagers take offerings to cemeteries for the un-cremated
dead. Celebrated in every home compound and temple
throughout Bali, Pagerwesi is a popular time for
large and colorful temple ceremonies, notably at
Payogan Agung Temple in Ketewel.
As on the day Galungan, on the day of Pagerwesi,
“penjors”
(a tall decorated bamboo poles)
are raised which makes it a day as almost as important
as Galungan. This ceremony is almost strictly observed
in Buleleng regency.
Pagerwesi Day will be preceded by the celebration
of Soma Ribek, which falls on Monday, 18 September
2006, during which time a series of ritual ceremonies
are held. The word Soma Ribek is derived from Soma
which means Monday and Ribek which means full. On
this day, Balinese people bring offerings to the
rice box. They thank God for food and beverage in
their lives and pray to Dewi Sri (Goddess
of Prosperity) for prosperity. The philosophy
of Soma Ribek Day is food and beverage, which is
the third most important thing for human life.
Following Soma Ribek celebration, Balinese people
will carry on to celebrate Sabuh Emas Day, which
falls on Tuesday, 19 September 2006 when colorful
offerings especially gold jewelries and Chinese
coins are made and dedicated to the Lord of Jewelries.
The philosophy of Saraswati and Pagerwesi celebrations
are that people must keep knowledge, health, food,
cloth and gold high in their lives to keep the universe
in balance. |
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