In Bali, nature rules
In Bali, nature’s presence is hard to miss. The frangipanis tucked behind the ear of a smiling local, the lush rice fields and rainforests that cover the island, bursts of bougainvillea on every corner, marigolds and leaves that adorn offerings placed at doorways; all testaments to the strong connection between the main religion of the island, Hinduism, and the reverence the Balinese hold for nature.
According to the Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese philosophy for life, humans’ relationships with the three elements - God, others and nature - must be in balance for life to be harmonious.
Nature is thought of as a gift from God that can heal the soul and Hindu ideologies suggest that the earth is a goddess who must be treated with respect, and the way we treat nature affects our karma.
Janet de Neefe is an Australian who has lived in the village of Ubud in the mountains of Bali for over 30 years. Janet owns a restaurant and cooking school and has immersed herself in the Balinese culture and culinary world.
Janet says that in Bali, nature rules.
“Most Balinese know that there are healing gingers, plants and leaves that can help with illness and of course, they pray with flowers and use leaves for offerings. They have special days devoted to trees and make offerings for the overall harmony of nature,” she says.
The image of rice fields is symbolic of Bali, and a walk through the fields tells a story of the Balinese people; their livelihoods, community and sustenance. Rice is central to Balinese culture, and the planting, growing and harvesting of it is linked to local tradition and customs.
Rice is planted according to the stars and its cultivation is a ritual involving prayers, ceremonies and offerings.
“They believe rice holds a life force, a cosmic energy that keeps us nourished and nurtured,” says Janet.
“Rice is also central to offerings and ceremonies. It ticks all the Balinese cosmic boxes and there are stories about its creation and symbolism. It’s their most important food.”
In the fields, ducks fossick, eating insects and contributing manure to help the rice grow. Fields of rice are interspersed with rows of marigolds, kankung, corn and sweet potato.
The rice fields are important not just for the bounty they harvest but also as a way for the local farmers to connect to their community. In the rice fields people talk, gossip and help each other with problems.
Plants are vital to the health and wellbeing of the Balinese. The food they eat is seen as medicine, and locally acquired plants and spices are used as balms for a range of health complaints.
Turmeric is known as the King of the spices thanks to its powerful health benefits; hibiscus is used as a mild laxative and good to make in tea; papaya is good for constipation and indigestion; coconut water lowers hypertension; and marigold is good as an insecticide and used for daily offerings.
Janet says that eating at home is a simple affair for the Balinese. Most Balinese grow or buy this produce from local markets, cooking and preparing the meals or tonics at home.
“We eat a lot of small fish, such as crunchy deep-fried sardines, seasonal greens maybe mixed with roasted coconut and red shallots, tofu and tempe - we eat this every day - braised pork or chicken, maybe something steamed in banana leaves, and sambal.”
“The sacred connection to food and nature is a constant for the Balinese,” says Janet. “It represents the strength of community and the positive energy created amongst people who work together for a common cause.”