Photo by Wari Om Yoga Photography
Bali, the "Island of the Gods," is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. Among the many rites and rituals practiced by the Balinese, the three-month ceremony, known as "Telung Bulanin," holds a special place in the hearts of families. This ceremony, performed three Balinese months (so a total of 105 days) after a child's birth, is a significant event that marks the infant's transition to a new stage of life. It is a beautiful blend of cultural, spiritual, and familial elements.
The Significance of the Three-Month Ceremony
The three-month ceremony is steeped in symbolism and spiritual meaning. It is believed that during the first three months of life, a baby is still closely connected to the divine and the spirit world. One often hears from new parents, that it can seem like infants are not ‘quite here’ yet, as if they haven’t fully landed in their bodies as they linger in a space somehow ‘inbetween’.
The first few months is a time of adjustment for both the infant and the family, as they bond and the baby begins to integrate into the earthly realm and into their body.
In Balinese Hinduism, the soul (atma) is considered to be in a delicate state during the initial months after birth. This is why babies in Bali are never to be placed on the ground before they have received their three-month ceremony.
At this point, their spirits still belong to the divine and are taken care of by their nyama bajang, or 108 spirits. Maybe that is one of the reasons why Balinese people adore babies with utmost adoration.
A ritual bids farewell to the 108 spirits and thanks them for having protected the baby throughout their first three months in this life.
The ceremony marks the baby's passage into a more stable existence, and it is a way to seek blessings and protection from the gods and thank the spirits that have accompanied the baby this far. The ritual helps to ensure the child's health, well-being, and spiritual safety as they embark on their journey in the physical world.
Christina’s daughter Jaya Ariel had her own three-month ceremony only a few weeks ago. According to Christina it seemed as if Jaya landed a lot more in the ‘here’ about two weeks after her own three-month ceremony.
Photo by Wari Om Yoga Photography
The many beautiful rituals and practices
The three-month ceremony is a family affair that involves extended relatives and the community. It typically includes several key components:
- Preparation: Before the ceremony, the family prepares offerings (many offerings!), known as "banten." These offerings are handmade, utterly intricate and include flowers, rice, fruits, and other symbolic items that are meant to appease and honor the deities.
- Purification: The baby and the parents undergo a purification ritual. Holy water, blessed by a priest, is sprinkled on them to cleanse and purify their spirits. This act symbolizes the removal of any negative influences and the bestowal of divine blessings.
- The 'Siblings': When a baby is born, according to Balinese belief, it is born with four siblings: the placenta, the umbilical cord, the water that it swims in and the blood that is being lost throughout birth. There are special ceremonies that honor each sibling and lays them to rest, so that the baby can survive. One of the bigger ceremonies is the burying of the placenta after birth.
- Chickens as ‘siblings’: Every newborn child receives two little chickens that are assigned as its siblings in the world. These chickens get to live with the baby in the compound they live and so they grow up alongside one another.
- Fishing from the ocean of life: A bowl of water carries gold and jewels. The baby is meant to fish out as many bracelets and rings as they can which symbolically represents the baby fishing from the bowl of life. In Jaya’s ceremony the jewelry pieces were gifted from our Ananda Soul team - a beautiful gesture Christina and her family appreciated so much.
- Naming and Blessing: While the baby is often given a name at birth, the three-month ceremony may include additional naming rituals and blessings. The priest or family elder inscribes sacred symbols or mantras on the baby's tongue, forehead, and other parts of the body, further embedding the child’s connection to the divine. In Jaya Ariel’s case her full name was written on a piece of paper and through this her name has been officially handed to her as hers.
- Offering to Ancestors and Gods: The family makes offerings to both the ancestors and the gods, seeking their protection and guidance for the child. This act reinforces the child's connection to their heritage and the spiritual world.
- Symbolic Cutting of Hair: In some traditions, a small lock of the baby’s hair is cut. This symbolizes the shedding of the past life and the beginning of a new chapter.
- Community Celebration: The ceremony often culminates in a communal feast. Relatives and neighbors join in to celebrate, offering their prayers and support to the family. This communal aspect reinforces the social bonds and collective responsibility towards the child’s upbringing.
Photo by Wari Om Yoga Photography
Why the Three-Month Mark?
The choice of three months is not arbitrary. In Balinese culture, the number three holds sacred significance, representing a harmony of life’s cyclical nature. The triad concept, known as "Tri Hita Karana," emphasizes the balance between the spiritual, human, and natural worlds. By holding the ceremony at three months, the Balinese honor this philosophy, ensuring that the child's life begins in harmony with these fundamental elements.
Moreover, at three months, the baby is often more responsive and has developed a stronger sense of their surroundings. This period marks a noticeable shift in the baby's development, making it a suitable time to formally introduce them to the community and the spiritual realm.
The three-month ceremony in Bali is one of many important ceremonies in the life of a Balinese. It is a testament to the island’s rich cultural and spiritual tapestry and a profound expression of the Balinese commitment to family, community, and the divine. By celebrating this milestone, families not only seek blessings for their newborn but also reaffirm their connection to their cultural heritage and the eternal cycles of life. This beautiful tradition, with its deep-rooted meanings and communal spirit, continues to be an integral part of Balinese life, preserving the island's unique identity for generations to come.
Comments
Rituals connect us in rich and wonderful ways, and this one feels mighty! Here’s to a life well lived with purpose and thought. Prayers to you all for a lifetime of joy, supreme health and mountains of love. 💖
It’s the first time I hear about this ceremony and it’s the most beautiful which I ever heard .
If I had known about this ceremony beforehand, I would have gladly gifted it to both of my children with gratitude. Thank you so much for sharing . Wish you and your Baby just the best wishes .
Heart Blessing
Sissy
Thank you so much for sharing this Balinese ritual here.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and personal ceremony, really enjoyed reading about this and many blessings to you and your family