Canang is one the simplest form of offerings Hindu people presented to the gods. Canang sari consist of beautifully shaped palm leaves which, then respectively added porosan (made of betel leaves which mixed with areca nut, gambier and lime stone then rolled in a tiny palm leaves), a slice of banana and sugar cane and a small piece of kekiping ( a thin cakes made of sticky rice). Afterward, colorful flowers will be added and sam-sam or kembang rampe (finely shredded pandan leaves) will completed the look.
Though simple, each part of Canang bear spiritual significance. The intricately shaped palm leaves symbolize sincerity, areca nut resemble Lord Brahma, Gambier for Lord Vishnu and Lime stone for Lord Shiva. Each color of the flowers also symbolize each gods. White for Isvara, Red for Brahma, Yellow for Mahadeva, Blue for Vishnu and the green kembang rampe symbolized Sang Hyang Panca Dewata.
You can find canang everywhere in Bali. In temples shrine, on the streets, on the gate, on cars and motorbike and even on working table. Balinese believes that canang sari have a special purifying power that can evoke spiritual vibration. Canang also an essential part of Balinese daily life. Every afternoon, all Balinese will do their routine daily prayer. Canang is one of the main prayer ensemble apart from dupa (incense), bunga (flower), tirta (holy water) and bija (holy rice), in which I will described later on my next post.
Canang has also become a livelihood for some Balinese. In the old days, every housewives or girls make canang for their own family. But now, many people opted to buy canang since it is more practical and saves lots of time. But many people still live the tradition by making their own canang.
No matter what, canang will always be the main prayers tool used by Balinese. Its beautiful appearance and sweet scented fragrance will always become and icon for Bali.
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