Balinese ‘Penjors,’ Bamboo/Palm Leaf Flags, Dancing in the Wind (Photo of the Day)

Trippy Travel photo 31, of ‘penjors’ (special bamboo/palm leaf flags), was taken in Sanur, Bali, in Indonesia. They caught my eye because of their beauty and the way they were dancing in the wind, over the beach.

Made of long bamboo poles, decorated in coconut leaves, they are a symbol of gratitude in the Balinese Hinduism. (To learn more, see the end of the post.)

The person who won this round of the game successfully guessed after following these steps.

1. Look at the Photo/Study the Details

2. Guess what it is and where I was when I took the photo. Check out the clues.

What are these and where was I when I took the photo?

Clue: Many of them exist.

Because this particular photo is an easy one to guess (at least, I think so), you’ll need to be specific re: what, why and where.

3. Check Back Later!

–Post your guesses here in the Comments Section (tweets and FB comments don’t count–sorry)

–Keep checking and guessing as the guessing gets good…

–See who won…maybe it will be you!

The Prize?

A mention of your name and a link to your site from within this post.

And the Winner Is…

Emma Chapman of Dillon’s Bungalows and Restaurant in Amed, Bali! I had the pleasure of meeting her last year when the gorgeous bungalows were under construction and was fortunate to eat a meal cooked by her husband. The food was divine!

Anyway, she guessed it because she lives in Bali and has seen many penjors over the years. Also, she visits Sanur Beach relatively often and has seen them there a lot.

The Answer: Penjors

The objects in the photo are penjors–long, curved bamboo poles decorated with coconut leaves and a holy offering placed at the base–which are used for important Balinese ceremonies. They represent the mountain as a symbol of the universe and more specifically Mount Agung, the highest and holiest mountain in Bali. 

They are typically used at Galungan time–when spirits of deceased relatives (who have been cremated) come to visit their former homes. Those currently  living in the home are supposed to offer them hospitality. They are often seen on the side of roads.

Penjors, however, are not just for religious purposes; they’re also seen elsewhere and used for other reasons. The ones in the photo, from what I recall, were being used at a wedding on the beach in Sanur. Sometimes they are utilized at hotels and shows, too, wherever there are guests to be honored.

Can’t get enough?

Like this game? Want to see the world from a unique angle? Enjoy learning about new places? Here are all of the Trippy Travel Photos–guesses and winners–all on one page. If you like photography in general, then check out my Photo of the Day feature. You’ll find cool photos from all over the world. Enjoy!