The lowdown on Cockfighting

Nov 21, 2012   //   by David   //   Bali, Blog  //  3 Comments

Ubud 20th November, 2012

Cockfighting sits right in the heart of Balinese culture. At the start of most major festivals cockfighting takes place in the temple. And then continues in a square outside. And it’s not simple cock fighting. These cocks have blades attached to their legs for slicing their opponent.

What’s going on?

It’s all about balance in life. Remember the evil spirits. They love it when people fight. They like to sow discord. So during festive times, when we show respect and appreciation to the good Gods of plenty, we need to balance that by appeasing the bad spirits as well.

Cock fighting replaces human fighting. It keeps the evil spirits happy and away from humans. People bet on each fight. Betting against someone’s cock is like fighting with them. So betting on cock fights too is a substitute for human fighting and social discord. If the cocks fight, the bad spirits are appeased and human relations remain pleasant.

This reasoning aside, Balinese men simply enjoy the fight and

This is a photo taken in Pemutran showing fighting cocks which are kept alone in a small woven cage. Fighting cocks are pampered like loved pets. If they lose they are thanked for their services and slaughtered. But if they win, they are highly prized.

With thanks to INenega Wira Setiasa Spd, son of Mr.Rija, Head of Village Customs (Kelian adat), Klungah Village, Sidemen.

 

3 Comments

  • Dave – Clifford Geertz: Deep Play – Notes on the Balinese Cockfight. Sure they have it at the local library.

  • Trip looks nice.

    • Good use of an underused and most expressive adjective. You’re quite right. It does look nice.