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Barong
The
remarkable dance tradition of Bali,
flourishing and evolving after
1000 years, is deeply linked to
communal and spiritual life. There,
ritual often consists of dance,
and spirit possession is believed
to occur in ceremonies such as
the barong dance drama in which
the lion —like Barong, representing
good, wages war against the evil
Rangda.
The
Barong is a powerful, protective,
spirit, whose origin dates far
back in time to ancient animism
practiced before the advent of
Hinduism in Bali.
The
origin of the Barongs is obscure,
but the generally accepted theory
is that they are derived from animal
spirits, chosen by societies who
seek their protection. The people
of these societies may believe
that their ancestors were certain
animals, or may believe that an
animal was aided by their agreed
to protect succeeding generations.
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