If you’ve ever been to Bali, you must be familiar with seeing offerings on the streets, in house yards, or at temples. One ceremony that often uses these unique offerings is the Mecaru ceremony. For Hindus in Bali, Mecaru is not just an ordinary ritual, but a way to maintain peace in the universe.
What is Mecaru?
The word Mecaru comes from the word “caru” which means harmonious, beautiful, or balanced. Simply put, Mecaru is a purification ceremony to cleanse nature of negative energy.
In Balinese Hindu belief, there is a concept called Tri Hita Karana, which are three relationships that bring happiness. One of them is the good relationship between humans and the natural environment. The Mecaru ceremony is a tangible manifestation of humans’ efforts to maintain that good relationship.
Main Meanings Behind the Mecaru Ceremony
Mecaru has a very profound purpose for the daily lives of Balinese people. Here are some of its main meanings.
Balancing Natural Energy: In this world, it is believed there are two energies, positive energy (Gods) and negative energy (Bhuta Kala). Mecaru is performed not to oppose negative energy, but to tame it and give them “food” in the form of offerings so they do not disturb human life.
Spiritual Cleansing: This ceremony is often performed before major holidays, such as Nyepi, or when building a new structure. The goal is to neutralize the place from bad aura so that the people living there feel safe and peaceful.
A Form of Appreciating the Earth: Humans live from the earth’s resources and often unconsciously damage nature. Mecaru becomes a symbol of apology and gratitude from humans to the universe.
Unique Elements in Mecaru
One thing that makes Mecaru very distinctive is the use of processed animal meat in its offerings, such as brumbun chicken (five-colored feathered chicken), duck, and sometimes even cow or buffalo for very large ceremonies.
Each cardinal direction in these offerings is arranged in a specific way with different colors and types of offerings. This arrangement symbolizes the balance of all directions so that harmony is restored.
The Essence of Mecaru: This ceremony teaches us that peace cannot be achieved if we only care about ourselves. We must also share space and live harmoniously with all beings, including the visible and invisible nature.
