Recently, we had the honor of attending a special Balinese ceremony for one of our tailor’s babies, Gayatri. Held at their home in a small village, the Empat Bulanan ceremony was a beautiful and deeply spiritual event, offering a glimpse into Bali’s rich traditions. The day was filled with prayers, offerings, and rituals—each moment reinforcing the connection between the spiritual and earthly realms.

In Bali, life’s transitions are marked with ceremonies that weave together family, tradition, and the unseen forces that shape existence. The Empat Bulanan ceremony is one such rite—a milestone that introduces the baby to the world in a sacred and mindful way.

As guests, we were welcomed with openness, allowing us to witness the ceremony’s meaning firsthand. Everyone was incredibly friendly—smiling warmly, offering food, and making sure we felt included throughout the day. A few of the father's cousins, who spoke English, kindly sat with us and took the time to explain the meaning behind each part of the ceremony. While I speak some Indonesian, their explanations helped us understand the deeper layers of what was taking place, making the experience even more meaningful.

The Significance of Empat Bulanan

For the first 104 days—roughly equivalent to four Balinese months—a baby is believed to remain spiritually connected to the divine. They are not placed on the ground during this time, symbolizing their purity and closeness to the spiritual realm. The Empat Bulanan ceremony marks the moment they are formally introduced to earthly existence, receiving blessings for health, prosperity, and protection from negative forces.

This ritual is not merely a familial tradition but a vital cultural and religious rite. It acknowledges the baby's arrival into the human world and invokes cosmic balance, ensuring a harmonious journey through life.

A Day of Sacred Rituals and Celebration

The ceremony was held at the family home in a small village, where relatives, neighbors, and friends gathered to share in the day. Family members had traveled from their home villages to attend, showing the importance of the occasion.

The house was decorated with vibrant red, orange, and yellow banners that lined the corridor, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere. Everyone wore traditional Balinese outfits, adding to the color and energy of the day. Despite the ceremonial significance, the mood was relaxed and social—chatting, laughing, and eating together between rituals.

Wayang Performance: A Ritual of Protection

Later in the evening a Wayang shadow puppet performance took place—a tradition reserved for spiritually significant occasions. In Balinese Hinduism, Wayang is more than entertainment—it is a form of purification and storytelling that helps maintain balance between the seen and unseen worlds.

The father’s cousins explained that this particular type of performance, called Wayang Sapuh Leger, is held in some families for children born under specific astrological conditions, as a way to offer protection. Gayatri’s older siblings, for example, didn’t have this ceremony.

Although we didn’t stay for the performance, learning about it offered another glimpse into the depth and detail of Balinese cultural traditions—where rituals are shaped not only by family and village customs, but also by a strong belief in the Balinese calendar and the significance of its dates and timings.

Wayla’s Connection to Bali’s Traditions

Attending this ceremony was not just a cultural experience—it was a reminder of the importance of honoring tradition, family, and craftsmanship, values that are deeply woven into Wayla’s philosophy.

Wayla’s commitment to responsible production in Bali is more than just about sustainability; it is about respecting the artisans, their families, and the cultural heritage that shapes the community. The same hands that craft Wayla’s garments are part of generations-old traditions, and ceremonies like Empat Bulanan reflect the deep-rooted connections that exist beyond the clothing itself.

Just as Balinese traditions celebrate mindfulness and respect for life’s transitions, Wayla embraces a thoughtful approach to fashion—one that prioritizes longevity, craftsmanship, and a respect for the people behind the pieces.