the history of
balinese offerings
Canang Sari
When you walk around in Bali, you’ll
probably see at least one small square
or round palm leaf filled with colorful
flowers lying on the ground either in
front of houses, shops or temples.
Those things are called Canang Sari
and are daily Balinese offerings. The
phrase Canang Sari is derived from
the Balinese words sari meaning
essence and canang meaning a small
palm-leaf basket as the tray. Canang
Sari is the symbol of thankfulness to
the Hindu god, Ida Sang Hyang Widhi
Wasa. It is offered every day as a form
of thankfulness for the peace given to
the world.
Canang Sari are normally filled with
colorful flowers. The colors of the
flowers are white, red, yellow, blue or
green. Those colors are not randomly
chosen; they all have different
meanings and are placed in specific
directions.
White-colored flowers that point to the
east are a symbol of Iswara. Iswara is
regarded as one of the primary forms
of God. He is also known as Shiva or
Mahadeva.
Red-colored flowers that point to the
south are a symbol of Brahma. Brahma
is often referred to as the progenitor or
great grandsire of all human beings.
Brahmā is traditionally depicted with
four heads, four faces, and four arms.
Unlike most other Hindu gods, Brahmā
holds no weapons. He holds a scepter,
a book, a string of prayer beads and
the Vedas.