October 3, 2016

Balinese Gebogan - A Philosophy and Offering to The Creator

Balinese Gebogan , Gebogan Bali , Tri Hita Karana

Gebogan is a symbol of offerings, in the form of fruit arrangements combined with cakes, snacks, flowers and yellow coconut ornament. Balinese gebogan is usually made a bit towering, the arrangement of fruits and cakes were neat and colorful, narrowed at the top, and fitted with "canang sari" and "sampain gebogan" at the very top.

For the Hindus, gebogan is a symbol of gratitude to the Creator, on the blessing and grace of fertility, prosperity and safety in the world. Balinese gebongan is usually made on certain feast days or coincide with the temple ceremony. These offerings are usually taken by placed in the head while walked toward the temple and always done by women or girls.

Balinese Gebogan , Gebogan Bali , Tri Hita Karana

Balinese Gebongan and Tri Hita Karana

The making of gebogan can not be separated from the concept of Tri Hita Karana as same as canang, canang sari, penjor and several other offerings addressed to the creator. Tri Hita Karana otherwise known as the three causes of happiness (consisting of Parahyangan, Pawongan and Palemahan), is strongly inherent in the making process of gebogan.

Parahyangan or a harmonious relationship with the Creator is reflected in the sense of making of Balinese gebogan as an expression of gratitude addressed to Sang Hyang Widi Wasa, God. Pawongan or a harmonious relationship with other people is reflected in the social interaction, starting from obtaining materials until the making process. Palemahan or a harmonious relationship with the nature is reflected on the materials used, mostly taken from nature so that continuity be maintained.

Balinese Gebogan , Gebogan Bali , Tri Hita Karana

The Making Process of Balinese Gebogan

The making process of gebogan usually begins with preparing the "Dulang", made of wood or metal, with iron stick in the center. For the fruits and yellow coconut are obtained (bought) in the market. For locals who still have land or gardens, they always took time to plant fruits like mango and banana. So that, they able to save and use the budget more efficiently. For the banana plant itself such as stems, leaves and fruit are used in the making of gebogan.

The girls will usually help their mothers in the making process of these offerings. After the Dulang is prepared, the leaf ornaments will be placed as a mat at the bottom of the iron stick. After that, the banana stem (or "gedebong") is plugged into the iron stick. Banana stem serves as a pillar and place to attach fruits and other components. Next, you need bamboo skewers with two ends sharpened. One end in the fruit, while the other on the banana stems.

Creativity plays an important role in the fruit arrangement which can raises the artistic impression, for example by assembling the fruits by size, color, and type combined with cake and snacks. Furthermore, at the very top is placed the canang sari and sampian gebogan. After completion, the gebogan will be stored temporarily or taken directly to the temple. The making of gebogan has become a cultural and the breath of life for the Balinese people.


  1. google.co.id
  2. wikipedia.org _ Canang Sari _ on September 29, 2016
  3. wikipedia.org _ Tri Hita Karana _ on August 29, 2016
  4. Image : Original Collection

Searches on this site related to Balinese Gebogan:

1. Penjor
2. Canang or Canang Sari
3. Galungan Day

No comments:

Post a Comment