Gianyar, Regency

Christmas Tree from Bona, Gianyar

The word ‘Christmas’ is derived from cristes maesse, an English phrase meaning Mass of Christ. At times, the word Christmas is abbreviated to Xmas. The tradition was commenced by the Christian church in the past. In Greek, X is the first alphabet in the name of Christ (Jesus). This alphabet is used a lot as sacred representation.
Christmas is the Christian feast day to celebrate the nativity of Jesus Christ. Nobody knows its exact date, but most Christians celebrate it on 25 December.

The Hindus living in Bali, notably the community of Bona Village, Blahbatuh, Gianyar also welcomes the Christmas celebration. However, they do no activities pertaining to this feast day that is awaited for by millions of Christians. Their bliss is revealed several days before the feast day. This shown by the fact, that they are overwhelmed by orders of souvenirs made from palm leaf. This handicraft is the source of livelihood other than farming in the field. Except for producing souvenir box braiding, the craftsmen of palm-leaf braiding centralizing at the Bona Village also produce bag, gandek (traditional bag) and basket in small, medium and large sizes in accordance with the order received from their overseas clients.
Around Christmas time, numerous craftsmen usually get orders for Christmas trees. "This whole Christmas tree is made from palm leaf. We make it according the order given by costumers," says Jero Jempiring, an art shop owner
branding Rumpun Lontar.
The price of the Christmas tree, based on its size, is ranging from IDR 75,000 up to IDR 1 million. When Bali Travel News visited this art shop, Jero Jempiring was busy serving a couple purchasing several kinds of penjor accessories. "I come from Kedewatan Village Ubud. Around Galungan I come here to purchase accessories of penjor. For this Galungan, I’ve taken 400 pairs. Then, I resell them to the community at the vicinity of my village," Wayan Santra says, an owner of a mini market located near the Amandari hotel, Kedewatan - Ubud.
Bona Village is well known as the centre of palm-leaf handicraft and its kecak dance from time immemorial. Just about every single day, Bona Village is visited by foreign and domestic tourists. They intend to buy or order palm-leaf handicrafts for the sake of household needs or hotel/restaurant. In addition, Bona is also renowned for its kecak dance taking the theme of Ramayana epic.
When the performance is over, it is resumed with the Sang Hyang Dedari dance presented by two young girls in trance and the last one is Sang Hyang Jaran where a man dances while booting a huge ember by bare foot.
To reach the village is very easy. Just follow the road Denpasar-Gianyar. When you arrive at Blahbatuh market, go ahead eastwards. The first village you pass through is Blega Village. This village is famous for its bamboo handicrafts such as chair, bed, dressing table, wardrobe and so forth. (BTN/Made Suambara)