Bali - cremation ceremonies (43 images)

A cremation is guiding the soul of the deceased family member from hell and underworld to divine realms, later to be reborn in the next generation of the same family. Long preparations proceed cremation ceremonies.
Each family uses a certain type of sarcophagus, sculptures formed as mythical animals, according to their cast. A black or white bull is used for a Brahman cast, together with a tower-shaped sarcophage called bade, with roofs like a pagode.
A red winged lion (looking...
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A cremation is guiding the soul of the deceased family member from hell and underworld to divine realms, later to be reborn in the next generation of the same family. Long preparations proceed cremation ceremonies.
Each family uses a certain type of sarcophagus, sculptures formed as mythical animals, according to their cast. A black or white bull is used for a Brahman cast, together with a tower-shaped sarcophage called bade, with roofs like a pagode.
A red winged lion (looking more like a dragon creature) is used for for Satria cast members (ksatriya).
An elephant-fish (mostly red, sometimes blue) , called gajah mina, is used for for a Sudra cast (or Jaba).

All people in the community (banjar) work together and help each other. Since cremations are expensive, villagers join costs, make savings over years and celebrations can take place years after the funeral, now a joint event by many families.
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