How Do You Spell NGABEN?

Pronunciation: [əŋɡˈe͡ɪbən] (IPA)

Ngaben is a Balinese Hindu cremation ceremony that is believed to release the soul from the body and facilitate its reincarnation. The word is pronounced as ˈŋa.bɛn in IPA phonetic transcription, with the first sound being a velar nasal consonant that is pronounced at the back of the mouth. The 'a' in the middle of the word is pronounced as a short vowel sound, while the 'e' at the end is pronounced as an open-mid front unrounded vowel. The spelling of this word reflects the unique pronunciation of Balinese language.

NGABEN Meaning and Definition

1. Ngaben is a traditional ritual in Bali, Indonesia, that is performed as a means of honoring the deceased and ensuring their peaceful transition into the afterlife. It is a cremation ceremony, and it holds significant importance in the Balinese Hindu culture. The term "ngaben" itself translates to "cremation" in the Balinese language.

   Ngaben involves a series of elaborate rituals and preparations, lasting several days, that are designed to assist the deceased in shedding their physical form and embarking on their spiritual journey. The ceremony is conducted by the deceased's family, who are supported by the wider community. It is considered a duty and an act of devotion to perform ngaben for loved ones.

   The preparations for ngaben include the construction of a specially designed tower-shaped structure called "wadah," which serves as the vehicle for carrying the deceased. The tower is adorned with intricate decorations and symbolizes the passage from earthly existence to the spiritual realm. Before cremation, the body is placed within the wadah and is accompanied by various offerings and symbolic objects.

   On the day of the ceremony, the wadah is carried in a ceremonial procession to the cremation site, accompanied by traditional music, dance, and chanting. The cremation itself is a grand spectacle, with the wadah set ablaze, releasing the spirit of the deceased.

   Ngaben is not only a ritual for bidding farewell to the departed; it also emphasizes the cycle of life and death and the belief in the continuity of existence beyond death. It is a communal event that brings the community together in support of the grieving family and serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human life.

Etymology of NGABEN

The word "ngaben" comes from the Balinese language, which is spoken on the Indonesian island of Bali. The exact etymology of "ngaben" is uncertain, as it is a unique term related to Balinese Hindu cremation ceremonies. However, it is believed to originate from the ancient Javanese language, where "ngabeh" means "approach" or "arrive". In the context of Balinese Hinduism, "ngaben" refers to the act of escorting the deceased's soul to the spiritual realm through the process of cremation.