Cultural Significance of Megibung – Bali is more than just a place to have fun because we can find rich culture on this island. It seems that Bali has many unique cultures from the past that can still be witnessed today, including Megibung. Megibung is a unique culture from Karangasem, Bali, about eating foods, but it is enriched with a deeper meaning in cultural aspects.
Equality between The King and Soldiers during Megibung
According to people in Karangasem, the origin of Megibung was in 1614 Caka or 1692. I Gusti Anglurah Ketut Karangasem who was the seventh king of Karangasem brought the kingdom into its state of glory. He fought against kingdoms in Sasak or Lombok to conquer their areas.
During wartime, the king ruled that soldiers had to eat together during the break. That was the origin of the Megibung tradition, which can still be found today. Soldiers might have different statuses from the king, but they can sit and eat together without minding their differences. That is why Megibung symbolizes equality.
Togetherness for Different Backgrounds and Classes
Eating foods might be a basic need of human beings, but it can be more than just filling our stomachs when we are talking about Megibung. People in Karangasem will eat together during Megibung, but this tradition is more than just eating together. There are deep meanings in this tradition, after all.
Megibung will take place after a traditional ceremony. The host will invite guests from various backgrounds and castes to join this tradition. They will sit together no matter what their backgrounds or castes around a shared portion of rice along with various types of condiments served on top of banana leaves. While eating, they can share their thoughts or even joke around.
Togetherness in Preparation
We can say that Megibung is a tradition of eating together, but before eating together, we need to prepare the food. A lot of food must be prepared to serve the guests. That is why togetherness will begin with food preparation.
We will cook the rice and the condiments together. The common condiment for Megibung is made from pork. It is cooked into various Balinese foods, from sate (Balinese pork skewer) to lawar (Balinese salad).
The food for Megibung will be served on two different plates. The rice will be served on a separate plate called gibungan or naren. Another plate will be used for condiments and it is called karangan.
Karangan holds various kinds of pork dishes, but it usually comes with 11 pork skewers. Eight guests will sit together around the food according to the wind direction.
Megibung will always be held during traditional or religious ceremonies in Bali, especially in Karangasem, such as wedding ceremonies and ngaben ceremonies (traditional Balinese funerals).
Rules during Megibung
Eating etiquette can be found all around the world. Different places have different rules about eating and we will also find specific rules associated with Megibung. You can come from different classes, but everyone must follow the same rules during Megibung.
First things first, we need to wash our hands before joining the Megibung tradition. We must not let food fall when putting it into our mouths. We might share the food, but we can only eat food in front of us. Taking food from our sides is not allowed.
After finishing our food or feeling full, we must not leave our friends behind. We have to wait for them until they are full or finish eating. We can leave together after everyone finishes their food.
While eating or waiting for other people to finish eating, we can talk or joke to get closer to other guests. However, talking or making loud noises is not allowed according to some people in Karangasem. We must not sneeze or spit carelessly, as well.
Of course, since it is a local tradition, we will not find any of those rules written down. Nevertheless, people usually still follow the rules during Megibung.
Adapted Megibung with Halal Menu
Since Megibung originated from Karangasem with its Hindu culture, Hindu people in Karangasem and Lombok still follow this practice. Nevertheless, this tradition is not exclusive to the Hindu community only. Muslim communities in Karangasem also follow this tradition after weddings or Muslim celebrations. Of course, there will be no pork served since it is replaced with halal food.
Experience the Authentic Megibung Tradition at Shrida Ubud
Do we need to wait to get an invitation from the host to join the Megibung tradition to experience this unique Balinese eating tradition? It would be great if we could get an invitation from local Balinese, but we can experience this tradition anytime at Shrida Ubud because this restaurant offers a Megibung menu.
Since Megibung tradition is about sharing food, the food would not be served to one person only. The Megibung menu at Shrida Ubud can serve 5-7 people. That is why it can be a great experience to share with family or friends. Shrida Taste of Ubud Restaurant located in the heart of Ubud, for more information you can contact us at https://wa.me/6285175469700 and email [email protected], or come directly to our address at Jl. Bisma, Ubud, Gianyar – Bali.
Cultural Significance of Megibung – Bali is more than just a place to have fun because we can find rich culture on this island.


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