Balinese Culture on Chinese New Year
1/29/2009 2:22:00 PM
CHAN:
We take you now to Bali, Indonesia where thousands of Balis of Chinese descent ushered in the New Year. It is an ancient tradition called “Ngelawang.”
STORY:
They started from Dharma Yadnya Buddhist Temple in Kuta and threaded their way around their village.
Thousands of Chinese march like this each New Year carrying out a Balinese tradition called “Ngelawang Barong,” which is performed to get rid of negative substances.
The march is usually led by a “Barong” or Balinese dance using masks, but for this year’s celebration, the Lion Dance was done instead.
The Lion Dance is believed to neutralize bad things from the previous year.
Balinese of Chinese descent placed their offerings of floral arrangements for the ancestors.
Several traditional security guards -called “Pecalang” - were part of the procession showing their enthusiasm and appreciation for the celebration.
The Chinese New Year was also celebrated in several Buddhist temples such the “Cao Eng Bio” temple, Bali’s oldest Buddhist temple with a 300-year history.
Hundreds gathered here to pray and celebrate.
Ngelawang Barong offers living proof that ethnic Chinese around the world have not forgotten their culture.
NTD, Bali, Indonesia.
