Umbul-umbul

Umbul - Umbul ( Javanese, Indonesian ), also rerontek, is in the folk culture of Java and Bali a long, attached to a rod flag. Traditionally, it is used as a banner and has a signal function, is one of the offerings at the Balinese Temple and is carried in religious processions.

On Altjavanisch the flags were called Tunggul earlier. The Indonesian word Umbul is an adjective with "grow quickly shoot up, " translated means " flagpole ". The formation of the plural in Indonesian is done by doubling word.

The flags are narrow, about four to five feet long and tapering upwards. They are attached with a long side of a bamboo pole, the tip is bent down and often adorned with a bell and a mirror. Traditionally, the Umbul - Umbul color. Each color has it their special meaning depending on the type of ceremony other colors are used.

Umbul - Umbul (also known as " Bali Banner", " Asia Flag" or " Prayer Flag " ) are a symbol of the presence of the gods, therefore, to find in Bali is an important element of celebrations, ceremonies and festivals of Hinduism, in virtually all temples. Even with processions are carried Umbul - Umbul, often painted with a snake dragon. In addition, you can find them in many cases also on roadsides and beaches.

The origin of the Umbul - Umbul flag should be in the Indian region at the time of Buddha. According to the Indian national epic Ramayana they arose from a dispute between the hero Arjuna and the monkey god Hanuman. The dragons are often depicted on the flags symbolize the arrow of the archer Arjuna. The name Umbul - Umbul to mean " tail of the dragon ".

Even in western culture, the common painting are widely spread ( in rainbow colors or colorful motifs of free imagination ) and then putting up Umbul - Umbul flags on various occasions and events, as well as an artistic garden decoration in recent years in the wake of the esoteric boom. In some cases, the custom has been trivialized and commercialized tourist in Bali. In Bali, a private flag festival is organized annually since 2004, on which a large number of the most beautiful flags are shown.

Each color of each flag has its own meaning here. In general, these flags happiness, prosperity and joy to bring, and evil forces keep away. Green stands for happiness, blue for fertility, white for purity, red for strength and courage, as well as yellow for eternity.