History behind BARONG (The Barong Dance)

A lion like creature is often seen dancing around the streets of Bali(mainly ubud) amongst the gaze of curious tourists. The Barong Dance famous through out the island is a dance depicting the epic battle between good and evil. Barong (The name given to the lion like creature) is a part of Bali mythology and is depicted with a red head with thick white fur. Jewellery and mirrors often adorn the body of this mythical creature.

Barong is the King of spirits and the leader of good. His arch enemy is 'RANGDA', the demon queen and mother of all spirit guarders. According to local mythology, the good spirit is known as 'Banas Pati Raja', who is the fourth 'brother'or spirit child who is said to accompany a child throughout their life. Some people in other countries may know them 'Guardian Angels'. Barong is usually accompanied by two monkeys.

RANGDA (Pic left) as mentioned before is the demon queen and the opposite of Barong. She is said to be an incarnation of 'CALON ARANG', a legendary witch that caused havoc in ancient Java during the reign of "AIRLANGGA" in the 10th century. This story of Calon Arang and Airlangga is of a separate nature and wil be shared later. The Barong dance is said to originate in the Gianyar region (Ubud) where tourists can see this dance. The dance drama shows Barong responding to Rangda's use of magic to control and kill her and restore the balance. A priest usually throws holy water on the Barong as he dances through the streets. The drama opens with Barong in a peaceful atmosphere being teased by two monkeys. (pic)

. The second scene is usually known as the "KERIS DANCE" where the character of Rangda appears and causes havoc using black magic

on male dancers who represent the soldiers of Airlingga. They committ suicide by stabbing themselves with a 'kris' on the orders of Rangda. While this is in progress Barong and the priest use magic on these men which makes them invulnerable to these stabbings. The dance then ends with a face off between Barong and Rangda, where Rangda is made to flee and Barong appears victorius depicting good triumphing over evil. The lion barong is one of five traditional Barongs. In Bali each region of the island has its own protective spirit for its forests and lands. Each Barong for each region is modeled after a different animal. They are: Barong Ket: lion barong, the most common Barong, it is the symbol of a good spirit. Barong Landung: giant barong, the form is similar to Betawi Ondel-ondel Barong Celeng: boar barong Barong Macan: tiger barong Barong Naga: dragon (or serpent) barong