History, meaning and symbolism of the Bali flags

Anyone who has ever been to Indonesia, or specifically to the island of Bali, has certainly seen the long, brightly colored flags, up to five meters long, that can be found practically everywhere. These Bali flags, also known as Umbul Umbul, can even be found on beaches and along roadsides. The flags have spread to us, particularly through the enthusiasm for esotericism, but also with the help of Indonesian vacationers. The religious background has long since become irrelevant. Nevertheless, many people would like to align their Umbul Umbul with its meaning.

History of the Bali flags in a religious context

Bali flags date back to the time of Buddha. They are even mentioned in the Indian national epic, the Ramayana. They are said to have originated in a dispute between the monkey god Hanuman and the hero Arjuna. The dragons often seen on the flags may symbolize the arrows of the hero Arjuna.

The Indonesian name Umbul Umbul also suggests this, as Umbul means dragon's tail. However, the Indonesian language also has dual or derivative meanings. Umbul also means something like flagpole or "rising." The plural "Umbul Umbul" is derived from the combination of flagpole and flag. Since the flags also play an important role in processions and temples, they are also called prayer flags.

The religious orientation of the Bali flags

While the shape suggests a dragon's tail, and the dragon on the banner may refer to the hero Arjuna, the colors are traditionally assigned to gods and thus to specific directions. Throughout Indonesia, there are festivals attributed to specific gods or regions, and the color symbolism may arise from this. This may be the case, since temples can also be directional temples (of these divine regions). There are lists of known directional temples in Indonesia, but as is often the case with religious matters, it is not possible to definitively determine which temples are directional temples.

The Bali Hindu Trinity

Furthermore, the deity structure can be quite confusing for people unfamiliar with Hinduism. Indonesian Hinduism recognizes nine manifestations of three gods: Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. These form the Bali Hindu trinity Trimurti and are thus represented in their original manifestation, as well as a good and an evil manifestation, making a total of nine deities. "Evil," for example, is by no means to be understood in a negative sense—the positive qualities emerge from all nine manifestations. In addition, the colors also symbolize Hindu virtues.

Non-religious uses are not a problem

Especially in temples and rural areas of Indonesia, it can be assumed that Umbul Umbul flags have serious religious significance. However, especially on the tourism-heavy islands of Java and Bali, which can also be considered the spiritual center of Indonesian Hinduism, Bali flags have experienced a certain trivialization. Due to their attractiveness and, of course, their association specifically with Java and Bali, they have long since degenerated into "advertising vehicles." Bali flags in tourist centers, hotels, and resorts generally have no religious significance. To put it less negatively: the Javanese and Balinese, like all Indonesians, view their current use rather pragmatically.

Distribution and use by us

It's therefore not surprising that the Umbul Umbul have continued their popularity in Europe. In this country, Bali flags are primarily considered decorative garden ornaments. The colors can be used as desired. Likewise, Bali flags can shine in all the colors of the rainbow or even be decorated with Western symbols and designs. Indonesians would certainly not consider this a "sacrilege." On the contrary: Bali flags are also meant to spread joy and good cheer. In doing so, they have fulfilled their most important purpose.