Usaba Sambah, an annual rite in Tenganan Pegringsingan, Karangasem, Bali, is a lively celebration honouring Lord Indra, the village's cherished deity. This profound ritual ingeniously weaves together the themes of feast, war, and love, with each symbol playing an important part throughout the occasion.
Symbol of Feast
The symbol of feast appears in a variety of shapes, highlighting the villagers' communal attitude. Preparations begin in every home with the creation of traditional cakes, which are a labour of love and custom passed down through generations. These culinary masterpieces are not only used for celebration, but also as spiritual offerings at the village temple, representing appreciation and devotion to the deities. The community feasting that follows is a strong symbol of unity, peace, and fraternity, as communities come together to share meals, strengthening their bonds and collective identity.
Symbol of War
The Pandan War, a dramatic and thrilling feature of the Usaba Sambah, represents Lord Indra, the God of War, in all of his majesty and valour. Villagers participate in a simulated combat with thorny pandan leaves, causing minor wounds that draw blood. The blood that pours onto the ground is thought to cleanse the village soil, gifting it with fertility and wealth. This traditional rite of combat not only honours their warrior deity, but also demonstrates the villagers' bravery and communal resilience.
Symbol of Love
The notion of love runs throughout the rite, particularly in the relationships between the Daha (village maidens) and the Teruna (village bachelors). Their presence is a vibrant thread that runs through the entire event, from joyful times on the village swings to their participation in the ritual processions and the dramatic Pandan War. The camaraderie and compassion shared by these young villagers represent the profound kinship links and communal solidarity that constitute Tenganan Pegringsingan.
Throughout the Usaba Sambah, three symbols converge to form a complex of cultural expression: Feast, War, and Love. This ritual not only honours their deities, but it also supports the village's social fabric, assuring the preservation of their traditions and the prosperity of their society. The Usaba Sambah exemplifies the continuing spirit of Tenganan Pegringsingan, a celebration in which feast nourishes, war purifies, and love unites.
