Cremation

Structure holding the body and the priest

Today as we were driving home from dropping Owen off at school, our driver mentioned that it would be busy in Ubud today because there was a cremation.  With promises of dried apricots, we convinced Henry to go to Bali Buddha, a restaurant and natural health store near where the procession of the cremation statues would be.  We had a nice breakfast, colored a bunch and timed it just right so we were finished when the procession came by.  It was a cremation for 2 people. Each had their own cremation statue and then one throne-like statue that held the body and the priest.  These huge structures were attached to bamboo poles that were carried by many men to the cremation grounds.  The statues were followed by men playing the drums, symbols and other instruments and women carrying elaborate offerings on their heads.  The statues seemed very heavy with the teams of men having to put them down every half block or so. One person was also in charge of making sure that the statues didn't take out any power lines by pushing them up with a long bamboo pole (you can see this in the photos). At the cremation grounds the bodies will be blessed and as I understand, put into the statues and burned.  We didn't watch this part as it was pretty hot and Henry was wanting to go home.    

Cremation Statue

Ketut, the pembantu (help) at the villa is currently at the funeral for the son of his cousin who died last week.  He told us that cremations are very expensive so his family will bury the body and then wait 3-5 years until there is a big public cremation at which point they will dig up the bones, prepare and bless them and then cremate the bones.  I believe this is followed with several other ceremonies with the ashes and many, many offerings in which the ashes are brought to the sea and the spirit is eventually free. It was quite a sight to see today and hopefully, some day when the kids are at school we will happen upon another cremation and get to experience more of it.  They happen regularly and close down major roads as the procession goes to the cremation grounds.