Canang Sari

The word Canang comes from “Can,” which means beautiful, and “Nang,” which means purpose or intention (from Old Javanese/Kawi). Sari means essence or core.

So Canang Sari is basically an offering to ask for spiritual strength and wisdom from Sang Hyang Widhi, both in the seen (sekala) and unseen (niskala) worlds.

Here’s what the symbols in a Canang Sari mean:

• The base is called ceper — a small square tray that represents the power of the moon (Ardha Candra).

• On top of the ceper, there’s porosan, a bundle made with betel leaf, lime, and areca nut. It symbolizes that our offering should come from a heart full of compassion and sincerity — and that’s also how we should accept blessings from the Divine.

• Still on the ceper, there’s a slice of sugarcane, banana, and a little cake — all symbolizing Wiswa Ongkara, or the sacred number three in Balinese script.

Then, there’s the Sampian Urasari, a round arrangement where the flowers go. This round shape stands for the sun (Windhu), and the little arrow-shaped decorations around it represent the stars (Nadha).

Now for the flowers — they’re placed based on direction and color, following the sacred layout of Panca Dewata (the five deities of direction). The order follows the Purwa Dakshina pattern — starting from East and moving clockwise.

• White flower (or pink if white’s hard to find): placed facing East, symbolizing Dewa Iswara, asking for purity and spiritual clarity.

• Red flower: facing South, for Dewa Brahma, asking for strength and charisma.

• Yellow flower: facing West, symbolizing Dewa Mahadeva, asking for intuitive wisdom.

• Black flower (or blue, green, or purple as substitute): facing North, for Dewa Wisnu, asking for the power to cleanse negativity from body and soul.

• In the center, a fragrant slice of pandan leaf (bunga rampe) represents Dewa Siwa, symbolizing the energy of liberation — Moksha.

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