Floral Designs and Meanings: Bali

Each island and, relevant town or city within those islands has their own batik design. These are easily recognisable. In most cases, these designs (pola) have significant meaning. In Balinese religious ceremonies flowers and offerings are ritually essential elements. Flowers, used as a means of communication between them and the Gods exist everywhere – in the designs of the Hindu pura’s (temples), in plaited material, clothes and batik paintings. Also, flowers are used as a means of welcoming guests they respect. For the Balinese, flowers are the heavenly plants that are most suitably offered to the Gods and of course to the honourable. The flowers in Balinese batik clothes symbolise beauty, fragrance, peace and holiness.