The cockfight holds a sacred element. It is part of the ritual in the outermost, communal, public courtyard, the wantilan, within a temple complex.
When a match is scheduled, the cocks or handlers gather their birds. They walk around in search of opponents. They exchange their birds whenever they spot an opponent.
Cultural Definition
For many, cockfighting has spiritual and social significance. Cockfighting goes beyond a sport for cockowners. They see their birds as their own personal extensions, and they take pride in having their birds win. The winner’s cock is phallic in nature, and so participating in fights can be considered to be an act of masculinity useful content daga88.
The cocks are looked after by an experienced professional, referred to as juru kembar. This person manages the animals before and during fighting. He has a large bag of tricks for reviving the animals, which include plucking massaging, and ruffling their feathers. A quality juru kembar the equivalent of gold for the person who owns it.
The cockfights are viewed by gamblers who voice their thoughts about the game in a staccato repetition of the name for color. Often, the best-known bettors are referred to as “timing officials” which is their word that’s an official rule within the arena. The influential anthropologist Clifford Geertz wrote an essay, Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight, that discusses the fascinating tradition.
Traditions of Cockfighting
The interplay of tradition, religious beliefs and social customs is amazing to see in the cultural cockfighting. It is crucial to recognize the importance for these celebrations, but it’s also important to acknowledge and tackle ethical issues.
The sport of cockfight that pits the roosters of two owners against each other inside a cage called the cockpit. After a long fight, typically lasting for a long time until one of the birds dies or gets critically injured, a winner is announced. They are generally watched by the public and bets can be placed on the outcome of the match. This type of event can have thousands of dollars swapping hands.
It is thought as a significant part of Balinese cultural heritage, and is an important way of gaining recognition in the local community. Also, it is an opportunity to earn money for the contestants, which earn money betting upon their own cocks. The animals’ wattles and hair combs are brushed or dusted before a fight begins. The spurs that they naturally have could be up to a foot long, are removed with a saw.
Cockfighting ceremonies are prevalent in Southeast Asia
Cockfights have a connection to ancient Southeast Asian culture, often connected to spiritual beliefs and communal rituals. The Wala Meron Festival that is celebrated today, is a cockfighting event, however it also reveals an extensive culture in the area. This festival is a celebration of culture, history and also a sense of community.
In Bali Cockfighting has been elevated to a religious tradition and thus protected from the nationwide ban which has been in place since. The reason for this is that the game persists in Bali and other parts of Indonesia even though it’s less popular than it was in the past.
Combat cocks have been trained and specially bred for strength and endurance. Cocks that are used for combat are treated with steroids, adrenaline boosters and are fitted with combs and earlobes removed to encourage aggressive behaviors. Handlers use tools during fighting to induce them to get into fight mode. Additionally, handlers pull their combs or poke their beaks in order to get the birds into combat state. The cocks who do win are terribly hurt.
Spiritual practices
Tabuh Rah Tabuh Rah is an religious ritual performed in Bali that includes the cockfight. This sacred ceremony is where cocks drink blood onto the floor to repel bad spirits. The ritual is followed by prayers and mantras recited by the superstitious owners fighting cocks. Fighting cocks are adorned with jewelry, spurs of steel, and come with many charms.
The cocks also receive particular water and food to prepare to fight. The rituals keep the cocks healthy and ready to fight. They are fed a specific rice which gives them power and endurance. The fights last a few seconds or perhaps a painful minute and are a blur of movement, beaks, and wings. It is a time of cheering, bellowing, and moaning as well being a flurry of bets. One cock wins and the crowd cheers. It’s an amazing moment to see.
