After arriving at Bali, the first thing we learned was not to step on the offerings near the entrance of each shop.
Initially, we didn't actually realize what it is, just knowing it's something religious, and we had better respect and watch our steps. On the next day, the driver told us, it's called Canang, or "offering" in English.
An offering is something tangible, which is presented to appease the God in times of prayer. The philosophy behind the offering is self-sacrifice, where one spends a significant amount of time and money in making an offering, putting something of oneself into it.
Canang is the most common form of offering that is seen everywhere in Bali. This offering by Balinese Hindus people is made 3 times daily to thank the God in praise and pray.
These offerings, with a waft from a stick of incense and sprinkle of holy water, can be seen in the temples, crossroads, sacred statue, on small shrines in houses or strategic locations of importance, and on the ground or as a part of a large offering.
Canang consists of a coconut palm leaf square basket filled with a slice of banana or sugar cane, a betel quid, a few grains of rice, vibrant hues of flowers and shredded leaf on top. Only the flowers that are picked from its twig intentionally should be used. The flowers that are withering, or the flowers that are picked from the ground because it falls off from its twig, are forbidden to use.
Canang comprises of three basic elements based on its form: circle, triangle, and square. These 3 forms represent moon, star, and sun. These 3 things radiate light so it is expected that through Canang, Balinese can capture God’s divine light so that their life will be better and peaceful.
A Canang is completed by placing an amount of money on top of the Canang. The money is said to make up the essence of the offering. Balinese believe in the forces of the invisible world dictates that offerings be created with a spirit of thankfulness and loving attention to detail.
In the rural villages around Bali, Canang offerings are still made by obtaining the raw components within the family compound. However, in the urban areas nowadays, Canang can be easily bought from vendors at a traditional marketplace. This is a thriving home industry, especially for the Balinese women who recognize that some households are too busy to make their own daily offerings.
Even the Bali inhabitants succumb to a modern way of life, the art of making the most common form of offerings is still something that most of the young Balinese girls are able to do.
This is an inherited practice, along with the duty to take care of the family shrine, which has been passed down through the generations.
Anyway, the important thing when making and offering Canang is sincerity. No matter how fancy that Canang is, but if it is offered unwillingly, it is deemed inappropriate.
Initially, we didn't actually realize what it is, just knowing it's something religious, and we had better respect and watch our steps. On the next day, the driver told us, it's called Canang, or "offering" in English.
An offering is something tangible, which is presented to appease the God in times of prayer. The philosophy behind the offering is self-sacrifice, where one spends a significant amount of time and money in making an offering, putting something of oneself into it.
The daily Balinese Hindus offerings.
Canang is the most common form of offering that is seen everywhere in Bali. This offering by Balinese Hindus people is made 3 times daily to thank the God in praise and pray.
These offerings, with a waft from a stick of incense and sprinkle of holy water, can be seen in the temples, crossroads, sacred statue, on small shrines in houses or strategic locations of importance, and on the ground or as a part of a large offering.
Shop keepers place the offering in front of their stall upon opening up for trade. 
Drivers invariably have one on the dashboard of their vehicle.
Canang consists of a coconut palm leaf square basket filled with a slice of banana or sugar cane, a betel quid, a few grains of rice, vibrant hues of flowers and shredded leaf on top. Only the flowers that are picked from its twig intentionally should be used. The flowers that are withering, or the flowers that are picked from the ground because it falls off from its twig, are forbidden to use.
Canang comprises of three basic elements based on its form: circle, triangle, and square. These 3 forms represent moon, star, and sun. These 3 things radiate light so it is expected that through Canang, Balinese can capture God’s divine light so that their life will be better and peaceful.
A Canang is completed by placing an amount of money on top of the Canang. The money is said to make up the essence of the offering. Balinese believe in the forces of the invisible world dictates that offerings be created with a spirit of thankfulness and loving attention to detail.
In the rural villages around Bali, Canang offerings are still made by obtaining the raw components within the family compound. However, in the urban areas nowadays, Canang can be easily bought from vendors at a traditional marketplace. This is a thriving home industry, especially for the Balinese women who recognize that some households are too busy to make their own daily offerings.
Even the Bali inhabitants succumb to a modern way of life, the art of making the most common form of offerings is still something that most of the young Balinese girls are able to do.
This is an inherited practice, along with the duty to take care of the family shrine, which has been passed down through the generations.
Canang is simplest daily household offering. 
Balinese offer Canang every day, to express thankfulness to the God, for what they get in their life.
Anyway, the important thing when making and offering Canang is sincerity. No matter how fancy that Canang is, but if it is offered unwillingly, it is deemed inappropriate.
3 comments:
Interesting, is that a Hindus tradition? Does they mention the God's name?
sorry surface, tried to search but still can't get the god's name..
what an interesting write-up...
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