Umbul-umbul flags are used in Bali to proclaim the presence of the gods and as a mark of celebration.
The embodiment of colour and movement, they're normally up to 10 metres tall and are held aloft by huge bamboo poles.
Such is their popularity with island visitors that now, far beyond her shores, they lend an exotic touch at many a garden or beachside wedding. Savvy business proprietors even stake umbul-umbul at their storefronts to draw the eye of potential customers.
Miniature versions like the ones shown here are just as popular for indoor decorating at parties or to draw attention to sellers' tables at markets and craft fairs, providing a new take on the current trend of decorating with paper garlands.
The embodiment of colour and movement, they're normally up to 10 metres tall and are held aloft by huge bamboo poles.
Such is their popularity with island visitors that now, far beyond her shores, they lend an exotic touch at many a garden or beachside wedding. Savvy business proprietors even stake umbul-umbul at their storefronts to draw the eye of potential customers.
Miniature versions like the ones shown here are just as popular for indoor decorating at parties or to draw attention to sellers' tables at markets and craft fairs, providing a new take on the current trend of decorating with paper garlands.
They can also be used by prop stylers to add a Balinese or Asian flavour to foto shoots.
I
had these flags specially printed with an ongkara or Balinese Om, one
of the most sacred symbols in Balinese culture. It too is seen widely
around the island, both as a religious icon and as a symbol of welcome.
(The Balinese greet each other with the words “Om Swastiasu”.)
As
I've explained below, the flags will not be shipped with bamboo stakes.
If you have any questions about this, please contact me via convo or
email. I have small stocks ready to ship but if you'd like to place a
bulk order, please convo me.
AT A GLANCE
Size: approx 40cm (16in) (L) x llcm (W) at the base
Pieces per pack: 3 (please convo me if you want more)
Colours:
Black, white and a black and white check known as poleng. The black
flag is screen-printed with white paint and the white one is
screen-printed with black paint. There is no printed image on the poleng
flag. You will receive one of each of the three designs.
Materials:
The black and white flags are made from a lightweight fabric known as
Bali Silk. (Please note that it's more like parachute fabric and is not
real silk.) The checkered flag is made from a cotton fabric know as kain
poleng.
Extra info: Please note that to keep postage costs to a
minimum and to avoid any hassles with quarantine officials in your
country, these flags will not be shipped with bamboo poles. You will
need to obtain 3 x 600mm (24 inch) lengths of locally sourced bamboo to
support the flags. The flags are handmade in Bali and there may be
slight variations in each flag.
BACK STORY: Umbul-umbul pennants
are used in Bali in festivals and rituals throughout the year to
proclaim the presence of the gods and to signify the highest levels of
consciousness.
For ritual purposes, they are used in colours of white, yellow, red, black or a black and white check combo known as poleng.
However,
they also come in a rainbow array of colours that are used at
festivals, around resorts or alongside performance spaces.
The
ongkara (Balinese Om) screenprinted on the black and white umbul-umbul
symbolises God, the universe and life itself, and appears almost
everywhere you look on the Island of the Gods where the prevailing
religion is Hindu with a strong Buddhist influence.
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