Saraswati Day

May 2: Celebrating the day of knowledge! D'Ayu spent the better part of a day making hundreds of offerings for Hari Saraswati - the day to honor the goddess of Wisdom and Knowledge. The Balinese do not read during the day, and if they read at night, it is to be religious texts only.

"Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge, symbolized by a beautiful woman with four hands, riding on a white swan among water lilies to tell humanity that science is like a beautiful woman. Her hands hold a palm leaf; a lontar, (a Balinese traditional book which is the source of science or knowledge); a chain (genitri with 108 pieces) symbolising that knowledge is never ending and has an everlasting life cycle; and a musical instrument (guitar or wina) symbolising that science develops through the growth of culture. The swans symbolise prudence, so that one's knowledge may distinguish between good and evil and the water lilies (Lotus) are symbols of holiness. The Lotus flower is the holiest for Balinese." (http://id.indo.com/culture/saraswati.html). Visit the site to read more!

 The day after Saraswati is a very special day - Banyu Pinaruh:

"The day after Saraswati Day is Banyu Pinaruh day. "Banyu" means water and "Pinaruh" mean wisdom. In other words, we must have wisdom which always flows like water and which is useful for human kind. We pray for Dewi Saraswati (manifestation of God) to give us cleverness and wisdom. The people usually take a bath in the sea or a lake or river and drink traditional medicine which is made from many various leaves which is very good for our health. The philosophy of Banyu Pinaruh day is the second most important thing for human life is good health."

We went with D'Ayu to her extended family's compound where there was a high priest blessing and 'washing' visitors/worshipers with holy water. We stood together in small groups while the pemangku (a woman who helps the high priest) continuously showered holy water over us all. We gathered it in our hands to drink, and splash over our heads and hands. D'Ayu made an offering for us for this purpose. It was one of the most amazing experiences I've had in Bali. I'm not sure why - perhaps the level of intimacy? Being there in the hot sun with Teddy and Elsa and D'Ayu all smooshed together  with others in the haze of incense, chanting, bell ringing and flow of scented, smokey, sweet, cool water? It was glorious and I found myself so in the moment, eyes closed, giggling in the shower of water, so thankful for my family and D'Ayu, the Balinese and the magical world of that very moment.