CULTURE
Bali's culture is based on a form of Hinduism called 'Balinese-Hinduism'. The main religion is Agama Hindu Dharma, which arrived in Bali following the spread of Hinduism via Sumatra and Java during the 11th century. Originating from India, the Balinese religion is a unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Javanese and ancient indigenous beliefs, with customs that varies from the traditional form of Hinduism practiced in India today, which till now acts as a unique cultural attraction to tourists. With the arrival of Islam in neighboring Java during the 15th century, many artistic talents fled to Bali, leading to the rise of the artistic UBUD (town in Bali).
Balinese believe in many traditional beliefs such as their Ancestor worship and God worship. In Bali, many festivals and ceremonies are celebrated yearly to daily, mega festivals to small family celebrations. Balinese also believe in the spirits of gods, such as the good ones reside in the mountainous areas while the bad ones dwell in the sea. They worship numerous gods such as the common ones in Singapore here - Shiva and Vishnu. Many shrines and temples are built on the island to worship them and temples in Bali are known to celebrate elaborate festivals to commemorate their festivals and traditions. Some of the prominent cultures in Bali are the dances, puppet shows and its use in Gamelan in music.RICE FARMING
Rice cultivation is the main source of income for Bali's strict communal society. Families earn a minimum amount just enough to meet their basic needs through selling of their crops and offering it to the most popular deity - Dewi Sri, goddess of agriculture, fertility and success. Families offer their gratitude and pray for a good harvet year. As rice farming is cultivated through the tilling and irrigating of terraces in mountainous areas, all villages have to divide their workload equally to ensure a good harvest.
LIFESTYLE AND FAMILY
Balinese people place great emphasis on their families and gods. It can be said that their pace of life is beautifully slow and they often describe it as the 'Barong's Wink' - through interpretation, a Barong mask never winks and thus it is meaning time pass as though eternity has passed. To the Balinese, religion and the community takes priority over everything else. through various ceremonies that they participate in, it allows them to unify with their families and is a source of entertainment, socialisation and festivity.
To the Balinese, Men are usually the breadwinners while Females stay home to look after the children and house. It is similar to the tradition Chinese culture where parents usually favor sons over daughters.
