Related Sponsors

What is Balinese daily life like?

Home » Bali » Bali - History and Overview » What is Balinese daily life like?

Daily Balinese life, filled with art, music, and dance, is shaped greatly by intricacies in the culture such as the language and the caste system. Balinese society historically had four castes – the Brahmana (priests and scholars), Ksatrya (warriors and nobility), Weisya (merchants), and Sudra (the lowest – farmers and laborers). According to tradition, a lady could not marry someone of a lower caste; however, in recent years travel and technology have continued to lessen the power of the caste system and strengthen the tourism industry. Culture is slowly being pulled away from its original roots and adapted to attract tourists.

The primary languages spoken in Bali in the midst of daily life are Balinese and Bahasa Indonesian. Most Balinese people speak at least two or three languages, and English is a common third language for the people because of the interaction that they have with tourists daily. The languages in the country used to be greatly influenced by the caste system; but recent years’ modernization of the island has lessened this dominance.

Most Balinese live in villages and value highly the family unit and the neighborhood of families (Banjar) that they live with. The entire village made up of Banjar is a Desa Adat, which is organized and utilizes such local government as voting and integrated decision-making by the family heads. Another aspect of the daily life of the Balinese is the Subak, the organization of farmers. By managing village life, agricultural fields, and distribution of water, the Subak (every Banjar has one or more) helps coordinate the efforts of the village and guarantee that the Balinese remain truly Balinese despite foreign influences. Bali Hinduism, another part of daily life in Bali, also helps guarantee this as it requires that the Balinese remain who they have always been.

Most citizens of Bali are agriculturalists; the fertile lands make this a possibility. However, they often do much more as well. Many Balinese are fishermen, and artisans are common. Dexterity with stone and wood is natural among many of the people, as is talent in painting, dancing, and more. These arts are part of their tradition, religion, and daily life.

Next Page: Are the Balinese religious?

Related Bali - History and Overview Articles