Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Drinking in Bali
















Every culture has its way of drinking, there are even rules for drinking, Balinese also has a mode in drinking water, especially for traditional liquors and Tuak-Arak. Tuak is a sweet wine made from the flowers of the palm coir, while Arak is strong liquor distilled from tuak. Drinking liquor Balinese is the prerogative of men. In the old days there were no women or drink tuak arak, but over time women begin to drink, but never tuak arak (too strong for women) is not discrimination, I think Balinese Arak is dangerous to the uterus. Women tend to drink tuak secretly or in house compound not in public (warung posts at the road side, or Balai banja / sub village public hall) as men.
Drinking for Balinese normally used for recreational purposes. We drink to strengthen the friendship between friends and make friends with strangers. There's an old saying among teenagers, who runs "of cigarettes and liquors are tools for making friends. It is common for Balinese to invite a stranger to join a" circle of drink. "(Usually sit in a circle while drinking). Seldom us drink to relieve stress or drinks to Borracho (drink for the sake of getting drunk) drinking for recreational purposes can be very creative way to drink. Balinese often sing while drinking, this custom originated tradition genjek. Genjek is a traditional form of singing in which a group of men (usually 6 to 12) sitting in a circle, some of them singing, while the rest of them imitating the sound of musical instruments. The songs are mainly about love and everyday life. Genjek usually performed at the wedding ceremony. The genjek performers have to be drunk half before starting the show. It is believed that the quality of the song depends on the level of intoxication of the performers. High level of intoxication through a song of high quality. In Balinese drinking have a certain code of conduct such as the offer of a small amount of liquor must be made before starting to drink Balinese. Normally, for a small amount of drink in the ground or soil in order to pacify bhutan kala (negative force of nature) so that the activity drinking does not disturb. The way of drinking tuak is slightly different with arak. In drinking tuak each participant has his own Kele (a cup made of bamboo) and private uses. While in drink arak we use only a small glass for all participants, who in turn drink. An exception is made when someone from the upper caste (Brahmana, Ksatrya, or Weysya) join the circle, a bid for a private use of glass to be made. A private supply of glass is a sign of respect for him. We welcome you in the circle if the private use of glass or not. An offer to savor a glass of arak to spend is often stranger. If you want it, do not hesitate to take as soon as it is offered. Say thank you if you do not want to join the circle. If you want to join the circle, asking for a drink after the offering. If you do not want the flavor that offers liquor, refuse with good reason. Medical or religious ban is the best excuse. In the eastern part of Bali, tuak is a substitute for water. A supply of drinking water tuak is part of a courtesy there. It is considered to be impolite to turn down the offer without a proper apology and a good reason. Once again, medical or religious ban is an excuse to listen preferred by the host. However, acceptance of the offer will be a perfect way to interact with the community.