Living so close to Bali I have been there many, many times over the past 40 years (I was very young the first time I went). I fell in love with the Island of the Gods from my very first visit. Beneath it’s obvious tropical beauty lies another layer of joyous harmony in the many and varied festivals celebrated at regular intervals.
One of these festivals is Galungal and is celebrated every 210 days. It gives thanks to God in His manifestation as Hyang Giri Pati (the God of the mountain) for the bounty that the island provides its people. To honour the volcano Mt. Agung elaborate Penjors (see below photo) are erected outside of the gates or doorways to homes, businesses and shops creating an archway of dangling and swaying gifts to the mountain god.
Created from bamboo, palms, fruits and flowers it represents the necessities of life that the fertile soil of Bali provides. I have always wanted a Penjor in my garden but of course bringing one home would be very impractical so I have decided to make one from felt! It seems only natural that it should be officially unveiling at Nancy’s Bali Meditative Adornment Textile Retreat to be held in May 2019.
Follow my progress in creating the Penjor and join us in Bali for its raising, or better yet join us and have a fabulous time! Follow Soosie’s progress on: Website: soosie.com.au
Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest by Soosie Jobson, Perth, Western Australia.