Religious rituals and ceremonies are an integral part of Balinese culture, symbolic of the people’s majorly Hindu-influenced beliefs. From daily offerings to the annual Day of Silence, cleansing by holy water to welcoming the ancestors, every ceremony is meant to bring human beings closer to the divine.
One such ritual is a tooth filing ceremony called Metatah, from the Sanskrit word tatah which means to chisel or carve. This ceremony is also referred to as Mepandes or Masangih, and is undergone by both Balinese boys and girls when they reach puberty. Metatah is considered a rite of passage for Balinese children. It involves the cutting or sculpting of six teeth. While this tradition may seem archaic, there is a deeper spiritual meaning behind it.
Chiselling out evil
Balinese Hinduism believes that there are six evils, or Sad Ripu, that taint the lives of every man:
- Kama: lust
- Loba: greed
- Mada: drunkenness
- Moha: confusion
- Krodha: anger
- Matsarya: jealousy
These evils are considered a man’s own worst enemies, preventing him from living a full life. Because man is riddled by these negative traits, they trouble others in society as well.
During Metatah, the participant undergoes the filing of six teeth – four incisors and two canines – symbolising ridding themselves of the six evils that plague them.
Symbolisms behind Metatah
The tooth filing ceremony is symbolic for multiple aspects of Balinese life, particularly for adolescents who are entering adulthood.
Rite of passage
Metatah marks a child’s transition into adult life. It is believed that the ceremonial participant now has all the character traits and values they need to go about the world as an independent individual.
Purification
Because Metatah rids its participants of the six evils, it is considered an act of purification, sanctifying the child before they step into adulthood.
Success of parental duties
For parents, having a child undergo Metatah means that they have succeeded in educating and forming their child into a dutiful and obedient person ready to take on adult responsibilities and step into society.
The Metatah ceremony
The multiple stages of Metatah are dictated by the Dharma Kahuripan sacred text. The participant as well as those witnessing the ceremony will dress in traditional Balinese attire. The ceremonies are accompanied by traditional music and chants playing in the background.
Magumi Padangan
At the start of the day, Metatah begins in the kitchen, an area of the house associated with adult household responsibilities. Here, the adolescent participating declares to Bhatara brahma and the goddess Sarasvati that they are mentally and physically ready to take on adulthood.
Ngekeb
The next stage takes place in the bedroom. The participant is confined in the room and are not allowed to step beyond the designated spiritual border. This is symbolic of learning to control the six evils within them.
Mabyakala
After confinement, the participant moves to the front yard of the house and cleanses themselves outside to acknowledge that evils don’t only come from within the self.
Prayers at the temple
Before the actual teeth cutting, the participating child goes to temple to ask permission from their ancestors to carry out the Metatah tradition.
Ngrajah Gigi
This is the process where sacred alphabet is carved into the teeth as a symbol of belief that The Supreme God will guide the participant of the ceremony according to the sacred teachings.
Filing the teeth
Finally, the actual teeth filing begins. This process is carried out by a sangging or a craftsman that also acts as a priest for this part of the ceremony. The participant lies down for the entire ritual, surrounded by family and other witnesses.
Mejaya-jaya
To conclude, a procession is led by a spiritual elder who showers holy water on the newly-sanctified individual. The holy water serves as protection for the individual as they navigate life onwards.
After Metatah
Once a person’s teeth have been filed, they are asked to consume the six different flavour pofiles. Each symbolises a positive quality they bring into adulthood:
- Bitter (symbol of strength)
- Spicy (symbol of patience)
- Sour (symbol of obedience)
- Sweet (symbol of happiness)
- Salty (symbol of wisdom)
While visitors to Bali may not be able to witness a Metatah ceremony during their time on the island, there are other ways to discover Balinese culture. Visiting temples and museums are just some ways to be immersed in Bali’s history and way of life. Alternatively, indulging in local cuisine can give you a memorable taste of Bali.
For a luxury dining experience filled with decadent Balinese and Indonesian recipes, book a table at Merah Putih restaurant. Whether you’re there for lunch, dinner, or drinks, the restaurant’s innovative and modern take on traditional recipes and drinks is sure to spoil your tastebuds. Don’t forget to use these gift vouchers.
FAQ
Metatah is a Balinese teeth filing ceremony undergone by both Balinese girls and boys who have reached puberty. This ritual involves the filing of four incisors and two canines, and is considered to rid the participant of the six evils (Sad Ripu) that plague every man’s life.
Balinese Hinduism believes in six evils that riddle every man and hinder them from living a full life. The Metatah ceremony symbolically chisels out these evils and purifies a person, allowing them closeness to The Supreme God.
Metatah marks a child’s transition into adult life. It is believed that the ceremonial participant now has all the character traits and values they need to go about the world as an independent individual. It is also believed to sanctify the individual, as the ceremony rids them of the six evils that riddle their lives.
Mepandes is another word for Metatah. Both refer to the traditional Balinese tooth filing ceremony.
During Metatah, the participant undergoes the filing of six teeth – four incisors and two canines – symbolising ridding themselves of the six evils that plague them.
Dine More, Spend Less!
Grab your exclusive gift voucher on Chope today
Up to 20!
Claim Your Voucher!
