The Meaning of Balinese Barong in Performances, Rituals and Art of Batik Bali

For those of you who are fans of batik, batik from this region should not be missed, namely batik Bali. Batik Bali is arguably new in the development of its batik industry, which is around 1970. One of the most popular motifs in batik Bali is the Balinese barong. For some people, Bali barong may look scary. However, the Balinese barong has good meaning and philosophy.

The origin of the name barong

Balinese barong which is one of batik Bali motif or a symbol in Balinese traditional performances and ceremonies has a good meaning. Barong is a character in Balinese mythology. It is a symbol of virtue or dharma. Etymologically, the word barong is believed to originate from Sanskrit, namely the word b(h)arwang which in Malay and Indonesian means the same as ‘bear’ (beruang). There is also another opinion which means that barong is derived from a fragment of words ‘ba-ru-ang’. The fragment of ‘ru’ and ‘ang’ then breaks down into ‘rong’ which means ‘space’ or ‘room’. It refers to two rooms that are Barong dancers, the front and the back.

In religious concepts, barong is interpreted in two words, ‘bar/bor’ and ‘ong’. ‘Bor’ is called the axis, while ‘ong’ is a term for Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (God Almighty). In this case, Ida Sang Hyang Widhi was manifested in the form of Bhatara Vishnu as the Preserver who guarded life above the sky and under the sky.

The meaning and mythology of Balinese barong

Balinese barong is the leader or king of spirits that represent virtue and goodness. In Balinese mythology, barong can be said to be the opposite of Rangda. In mythology, it is known that there is a spirit in charge of accompanying the children’s lives, named Banas Pati Rajah. Banas Pati Rajah is convinced to be the being that controls barong. Known as a protective creature, barong has a general form or appearance that resembles a lion. Various traditional Balinese dances that depict the battles between those two creatures, Rangda and Barong, are very popular – frequently shown in various attractions. Rangda is known as being a queen or leader of creatures called leak. Creatures that have this horrible appearance are known to have the behavior to capture and eat children. Also, he is known as the leader of various evil spirits – who become barong opponents. In terms of fashion, barong is now popularly used as a batik Bali motif, or also known as batik Denpasar.

Barong which resembles a lion is one form of barong. In mythology, there are 5 forms of barong. Every part and territory of the island of Bali is known to have a protective spirit to protect their respective lands and forests. Each barong, which represents a specific area, is known to have different animal appearances. Animals that are the embodiment of the spirit are tigers, bears, dragons, lions, and snakes. For example, from the Gianyar area known as barong with its lion form.

That is the meaning and philosophy of Balinese barong that you often see, including those that become batik Bali motifs. If you are interested in learning to make batik with this or other motifs, you can join batik class in Bali. Hopefully, all the meaning and philosophy are very good also bring the same value for you, the lovers and users of batik Bali.