December 5, 2024

Travel In Bali

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No, you cannot wear traditional Balinese costumes like ‘celuluk’ for Halloween

No, you cannot wear traditional Balinese costumes like ‘celuluk’ for Halloween

A video of two persons gyrating on the dancefloor sporting standard Balinese masks in what appears to be a Halloween party has raised thoughts about irrespective of whether or not it is correct. 

Spoiler alert: it is not. 

The clip was shared by Arya Wedakarna, a member of the Indonesian Regional Consultant Council representing Bali, around the weekend. 

The reel depicted two unknown people dancing to EDM tunes donning red, black, and white classic Balinese costumes featuring masks depicting terrifying demons. One particular of the revelers was wearing a pair of Air Jordans, which included to the juxtaposition of the entire get-up.

Most commenters on the article expressed their disappointment, indicating that the traditional apparel ought to not be worn at nightclubs and that the people in the video are fundamentally mocking Balinese customs.

Some even went as significantly as demanding the nightclub be shut because of to the incident.

Some, nevertheless, pointed out that such costumes are freely bought as souvenirs and for that reason this should be the concentration of the challenge. 

Anak Agung Gede Oka Dalem, a Peliatan-dependent popular Balinese dance maestro, told Coconuts that the terrifying masks donned by the people today in the online video are known as celuluk, which signify “the adverse parts of life” and are normally used for the well-known calonarang and barong dance dramas.

Whilst Gede Oka himself explained that he was not personally offended by the Halloween dancers, he regrets that they unsuccessful to respect and regard local artists by only carrying the masks for correct instances.

“At minimum [we] can differentiate concerning which kinds are acceptable and which types are not,” he reported, incorporating, “[Wear them] on the right occasions as to stay away from detrimental the benefit of the arts, and stay clear of the impression of harassing their values.”

Kadek Kerta Rusmana Yasa, 34, a previous vacation resort manager who lives in Ubud, stated that the costumes in the video clip characterize manifestations of Gods in a pura (temple) in Bali, and therefore it is inappropriate to use them at nightclubs.

“As Balinese persons, we do not reject materialistic issues this kind of as nightclubs. As you can see there are several nightclubs in Bali,” Kadek explained. 

“However, that does not suggest you can put on costumes that stand for Gods in Bali or even Mohammad or Jesus. In truth, it’s just a costume, but this is a delicate subject matter relating to faiths.”

Balinese illustrator Gus Dim informed Coconuts that, even though it may possibly be easy for persons to get offended, lambast, and choose the persons in the movie, the incident must provide as a wake up simply call for persons on the island to be introspective of their shortcomings.

“What have we carried out to let Balinese society be degraded? Have we supported the area artists who ended up compelled to lease costumes out to set meals on their desk? Have we appreciated our cultures?” he stated. 

Gus Dark went on to say that numerous similar masks are sold cheaply at area artwork marketplaces, as area artists wrestle to make finishes fulfill.

“It’s uncomplicated for us to say loudly that this is not ethical or that is not proper without having seeking for the root of the issue,” he reported.

“When we stage a finger, really don’t neglect that four fingers are pointed again at us. Like Eric Clapton stated: ‘before you accuse me, acquire a glance at by yourself.’”

EDITOR’S Note: This story has been current to increase Gus Dark’s assertion.