I have chosen the Balinese culture for my research because of their tooth filing ceremony that is performed yearly, and the interesting reasons for why it’s done. For over 2000 years, Bali in Indonesia has been noted for its unique Hindu ceremonies, in particular the tooth filing ceremony. The average Balinese will, between birth and adulthood, pass through a whole series of ceremonies that ritually mark, and celebrate, the various stages of human progress. One of the most elaborate and important is the ‘Matatah’ or tooth filing ceremony. Throughout the months of July and August, it is common to find this ceremony throughout Bali. When girls get their first menstruation, and boys voice changes, it is time to have their teeth filed.
It is believed that pointed teeth, for instance the canine incisor, are related to animal characters, witches, or bad evils. Therefore, in order to be fully human, the teeth must be filed. It is also done to reduce six evil spirits within a human being. They are Kama (desire), Loba (greed), Krodav (anger), Mada (intoxication), Moha (confusion) and Matsarya (jealousy). For that reason, the teeth render someone both more physically and more spiritually beautiful. After filing, a father’s duties to his female children are generally regarded as complete.
The ceremony is conducted by a member of the highest caste, the Brahmin (priest) which involves him leveling the teeth. This is believed to be a sort of coming-of-age ritual for the child, and after the ritual is completed the teenager is considered to be an adult. The tools used in the ceremony are: a small hammer, a file, and a carver. The person having their teeth filed must also remain in isolation indoors for the whole day prior to the ceremony, in order to remain protected from the negative influences of magic – while they are still considered “immature’, prior to the ceremony, they are particularly vulnerable to the influence of evil spirits.
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