Four Names Bali

Bali History and Culture August 04, 2020

Four Names in Bali: Balinese Naming Traditions

Yell “WAYAN!” on a crowded street and observe how many people are looking at you! Have you ever wondered why it seems like there are only four names in Bali? This article will shed some light on the naming customs of this unique island.

How Balinese Names Work

In Bali, a name isn't just a label, but has deep meaning, often reflecting a person's caste, birth order, and gender. In the past, castes were used to categorize people according to their role in society. Today, however, these castes are maintained mainly to preserve family lineage.

Balinese names are a combination of the person's ancestor's caste, gender, and birth order.

Caste-Based Names

Balinese society has traditionally been structured into four castes, each with its own set of names:

1. Brahmana: The highest caste, typically consisting of priests and scholars. Men often have names starting with "Ida Bagus," and women with "Ida Ayu."

2. Ksatria: The warrior caste, including royalty and nobility, often uses names like "Gusti Ngurah" for men and "Gusti Ayu" for women. In this caste, you might also encounter names like Cokorda, Anak Agung, Dewa, and Desak.

3. Waisya: This merchant and artisan caste traditionally employed names beginning with 'Ngakan,' 'Kompyang,' 'Sang,' and 'Si.' However, these names are becoming less common.

4. Sudra: The lowest caste, typically composed of laborers and farmers. Names for males start with “I,” and for females with “Ni,” followed by the order of birth. For instance, "Wayan" for the first-born, "Made" for the second, and so on. About 90% of the Balinese population falls into this category.

The significance of these caste classifications has dwindled in contemporary Balinese society as many traditional rules, such as assigning specific professions to particular castes, have become obsolete. For instance, it's no longer uncommon to find someone named "Ida Bagus" working in the hospitality industry or even "I Wayan" serving as Bali's provincial governor.

Birth Order-Based Names

Birth order plays a significant role in Balinese names, leading to a relatively small pool of names that are frequently recycled:

1. The first-born child can be named Wayan or Putu, which works for both sexes. Other variations include “Gede” (meaning "big" for males) and “Luh” for females.

2. The second child is often named Made, or "Madé." Variations include Nengah and Kadek.

3. The third child might be named Nyoman or Komang, derived from the word ‘Anom’ meaning young.

4. The fourth child is named Ketut.

5. For families with more than four children, the cycle repeats, with the fifth child receiving the same name as the first, followed by additional variations like “Alit” or “Balik.”

And that's how names work in Bali

Relevant Articles you may like

Balinese art

Bali History and Culture August 03, 2020

Art is something really anchored in the Balinese lifestyle, so much anchored that it is becoming an activity which is present in their habits; not only limited for ceremonies but in every moment of their life. You can notice it when they are doing their daily offerings, it is an ephemeral piece of art made with all their willingness. No matter if it is destroyed by the end of the day, the most important is to create something nice with your faith.

They also create a sculpture in carved stone, especially volcanic stone which is suitable for a precise cut. Each temple, but also some houses and public buildings are designed with some sculptures which represent mythological divinities.

There is a lot of other arts frequently used by Balinese people:

The painting, with the traditional “kamasan”. Those paintings usually describe mythological stories and are decorating some palaces on the island.
The production of fabrics is essential which is an important part of the Balinese art, especially because ceremonies in temples expect people to wear a “sarong”. The sarong is a piece of fabric wrapped around the waist that men and women have to wear when they are going to the temple. It is a symbol of respect and it allows to hide legs, considered as “impure” in this religion.

Bali's Hidden Water Temples

Bali Spirituality February 02, 2024 3 Min Read

Bali's Hidden Water Temples: Guardians of Spiritual Harmony

Amidst the lush landscapes and vibrant culture, Bali harbors hidden water temples and sacred sites that hold profound significance in the island's spiritual tapestry. Join us on a journey to unveil the secrets of Bali's hidden water temples and discover the spiritual guardians that watch over the island's cultural soul.

Tirta Empul: The Holy Springs of Purity

Nestled in the village of Tampaksiring, Tirta Empul is a water temple renowned for its sacred springs that are believed to possess purifying properties. Pilgrims and visitors alike partake in a ritual bath within the temple's pools, guided by a centuries-old tradition of cleansing the body and soul in the spiritually charged waters. The temple's intricate architecture and the rhythmic flow of its springs create an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence.

Goa Gajah: The Elephant Cave's Subterranean Waters

Goa Gajah, or the Elephant Cave, is an archaeological marvel that hides a sacred bathing pool within its cavernous depths. As you explore the carved stone entrance and the ancient meditation chambers, you'll encounter a hidden pool fed by natural springs. The subterranean waters of Goa Gajah have long been associated with ritualistic bathing, symbolizing purification and spiritual renewal.

Gunung Kawi Sebatu: Balinese Temple Oasis

Nestled in the lush highlands of Sebatu, Gunung Kawi Sebatu is a serene water temple surrounded by tropical gardens. Its holy spring is revered for its crystal-clear waters believed to bring blessings and harmony. The temple's tranquil setting, away from the bustling tourist hubs, offers a contemplative space for visitors to connect with the spiritual essence of Bali.

Pura Taman Ayun: Water Temple of Mengwi Kingdom

Pura Taman Ayun, a royal temple of the Mengwi Kingdom, showcases the architectural brilliance of Bali's water temples. The temple complex features tranquil moats and gardens, with the main sanctum surrounded by lotus-filled waters. The symbolic representation of the cosmic ocean and the temple's role in maintaining spiritual balance make it a hidden gem among Bali's cultural treasures.

Saraswati Temple: Lotus Bloom Amidst Ubud

Ubud's Saraswati Temple, dedicated to the goddess of knowledge and the arts, stands as a testament to Bali's artistic heritage. The temple is adorned with lotus ponds, and its intricate stone carvings reflect the island's devotion to culture. Saraswati Temple is not just a place of worship; it is a sanctuary where the arts and spirituality converge in a harmonious dance.

Pura Mengening: The Sacred Spring of Secrets

Tucked away in the village of Tampaksiring, Pura Mengening is a lesser-known water temple revered for its serene atmosphere and a sacred spring believed to have mystical properties. The temple's ancient stone structures and the soothing sound of flowing water create an ambiance that invites contemplation and introspection.

Balinese Subak System: Sacred Water for Rice Terraces

While not a traditional water temple, the Subak system of water irrigation is a sacred practice deeply intertwined with Bali's spiritual and agricultural identity. This subak system, recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Landscape, symbolizes the harmonious relationship between water, rice terraces, and the spiritual connection the Balinese people have with their land.

Air Panas Banjar: Hot Springs Amidst Tropical Surroundings

Located near Lovina, Air Panas Banjar is not your typical water temple, but it holds a unique charm with its hot springs believed to have healing properties. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, the sulfuric waters create a natural bathing experience that reflects Bali's connection to the healing energies of its landscapes.

Sekumpul Waterfall: Nature's Temple of Cascading Waters

Sekumpul Waterfall, though not a traditional water temple, is a natural wonder that mirrors the sacredness attributed to water in Balinese culture. Surrounded by lush jungle and accessed through a trek, Sekumpul captivates with its majestic cascade, offering a refreshing and immersive encounter with the natural elements that inspire spiritual reverence.

The Spiritual Essence of Bali's Hidden Water Temples

In the heart of Bali's hidden water temples, a profound spiritual essence unfolds. Beyond the physical structures and natural springs, these sacred sites embody the island's belief in the interconnectedness of nature, spirituality, and the daily lives of its people. As you explore these hidden gems, you embark on a journey into the soul of Bali, where the sacred waters weave a tapestry of harmony that transcends time and space.

In conclusion, Bali's hidden water temples stand as guardians of spiritual harmony, offering a glimpse into the island's deep-rooted connection with the sacred elements of water and nature. Each temple, with its unique rituals and enchanting settings, invites visitors to experience the timeless magic that defines Bali's cultural and spiritual identity.

Balinese babies sacred

Bali History and Culture August 31, 2020

Bali babies don’t start off life on the right foot, or even on the left!

Indeed, in traditional villages, Balinese babies are not allowed to touch the ground until they are three months old. This practice comes from the belief that newborns are sacred and deserve to be treated with veneration. The result is that babies are constantly being carried by their mothers or close family members. Besides the spiritual connection, wouldn’t it be nice to be cuddled all the time?

After 105 days a special ceremony named Nyabutan or Nyambutin is held to celebrate the baby finally touching Mother Earth. A priest is invited to lead the ceremony, and there are various purification rituals, chantings, and blessings. The priest blesses the baby with holy water, and allow the baby’s feet to finally touch the floor. When the baby's feet touch the ground for the very first time, it symbolizes that he is now a full and real human.

Established in 2009, Bali Home Immo is the first real estate agency in Canggu with more than 7000 Bali properties listed in its database. Bali Home Immo (PT. Bali Properti Kontruksi) is a licensed property agency (SIUP-P4 certified) located in Bali, Indonesia and have been successfully operating as a trustworthy and reputable real estate agency with more than 13 years of experience. Long-standing partnerships and a committed, dedicated team are the driving force behind the work that takes place every day at Bali Home Immo.

As a member of the Real Estate Broker Association of Indonesia (AREBI), Bali Home Immo Property offers luxury real estate across the region to a local and international client base. Catering to a wide range of property requests, the team will ensure they can find a property, land or residential listing, to match each client’s personal requirements.

We have curated a wide selection of properties ranging from the land for sale, villas for sale and rent, as well as commercial space rental in Bali's most in-demand areas including Canggu, Seminyak, Pererenan, Umalas, and Uluwatu. Not only Bali, but our connection also reaches other popular destinations in Indonesia including Gili Islands, Lombok, Labuan Bajo, and more.

We also provide professional marketing services that will showcase the best of your Bali properties to more than +160k social media followers and maximise the potential to find buyers looking at villas for sale in Bali. With a thorough knowledge of the Bali property market inside-out, we deliver the most professional and data-driven valuation of your property at the most competitive price for your Bali properties.

Our expertise in the local market and extensive network affiliated with 93 local and international partners including Goplaceit.com, Rumah123, Kangaloo, Luxury Estate, and many more will also help you bring global exposure to your real estate investment and find your dream Bali property. Looking to buy villas for sale in Bali? Check out our online catalogue of Bali real estate and follow us on social media for updates.