Canang Sari and the Spiritual Heart of Balinese Offerings

Canang Sari, what is it? If you have a chance to visit Bali, you may see offerings with flowers and pieces of leaves in front of houses and temples. Well, this kind of offering is what we call Canang or Canang Sari.

Canang Sari is indeed a part of Balinese Hinduism belief. It is an offering with a symbol representing verses in Veda meaning a wish to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi, or God the Almighty for giving them the power of Vidya or knowledge. Besides, it also represents the feeling of gratitude to God for the peace he gives to the world.

It can be said that Canang Sari is one of the simplest offerings in Bali. That’s why, almost all Balinese can offer it for worshipping. Nobody feels burdened since what they need to prepare for Canang Sari is relatively easy and affordable.

The History of Canang Sari

The term Canang comes from the ancient Javanese language, derived from 2 words, Can and Nang. Can means beautiful while Nang means a purpose or a goal. Meanwhile, the word Canang as a whole also has its meaning, it is the betel leaf.

At the beginning of the tradition, Canang Sari is only some pieces of betel leaves to serve to the honored guests. Yes, the tradition of chewing the leaves has been done by Balinese and also Javanese communities. This tradition has multiple meanings. Aside from an effort to keep your mouth cavity healthy, chewing betel leaves is also a symbol of honor to others.

Watching the tradition, a Balinese figure named Mpu Sangkulputih tried to complete rituals in Bali using betel leaves as an offering. Not only betel leaves, he also added other decorations and garnishes to make the offering look more attractive, such as coconut leaves, peanuts, bananas, and flowers.

Until now, the tradition of offering Canang Sari is conducted by modern Balinese people by putting it in front of their houses and temples. Besides, it is also added as a property in the Yadnya Ceremony. The size of Canang Sari is small for sure. But it is the essence of the ceremony. Of course, without this offering, the ceremony cannot run well.

How to Make Canang Sari

The process of making Canang Sari is known as mejejahitan process. It is usually done using a special knife known by local people as reringgitan. Sure, reringgitan is different from conventional knives commonly seen around. One of the characteristics is the very high level of sharpness. You have to be very careful when using it. Furthermore, people only use reringgitan to make Canang, not for other purposes.

Canang is arranged from some materials. The medium or plate of Canang Sari is made from young coconut leaves known as janur or busung. The coconut leaves plate is the most important part of the offering. The long leaves are woven into a circular shape, slightly looking like a flat plate.

Not only coconut leaves but also Canang Sari is made from Semat. Semat refers to bamboo that is sliced into pieces and the tips are sharpened. Semat is used to ease the process of mejejahitan or sewing. However, in the modern days, Balinese are no longer sewing the Canang Sari plate but simply using staples.

There are some toppers of Canang Sari placed on the coconut leaves plate. Those toppers are various but the primary ones are areca nuts, betel leaves, and chalks. These primary toppers are namely Porosan. Without Porosan, the offering cannot be called Canang.

Types of Canang Sari

Although most of Canang Sari is placed on the circular plate it can still be classified into some types based on the shapes of the plate. First, it is the Canang Sari Wadah Ceper or Square Canang Sari. This type of Canang Sari represents Tri Sarira in the human body. The square plate means the physical body while the content means the human spirit. The content itself consists of fragrant powder, fragrant oil, flowers, and porosan.

Second, there is Canang Sari Wadah Tamas or the Circular Canang Sari. While the plate is different, the content is very similar such as fragrant flowers plus sugarcane and bananas. The flowers are also colorful and they are arranged based on the colors. In addition, Kembang Rampe is put as the main topper.

Lastly, Canang Sari Wadah Dulang or the high Canang Sari. Sure, it is because the medium or plate used to place the content of the offering is quite high from 18 to 23 cm. This type of Canang Sari is often seen in offices and Balinese departments. Besides, you can also see them at events and ceremonies. The content is not different in which flowers and Porosan are provided there.

Closing

Canang Sari is a part of Balinese belief and tradition. It is more than having a spiritual value. It provides calmness and peace to the Balinese people who provided it in the name of God. The same thing with the Mandara & Spa Training Center which provides a training academy for candidates of professional therapies. Are you interested in joining? Click here.