This year, Christmas also fell in the middle of Galungan-- a big Balinese/Hindi holiday that happens every 210 days. At this time, it is believed that the ancestors visit and there are lots of preparations, decorations ceremonies, and offerings. The offerings are small dishes made from Palm leaves and filled with rice, flowers, peanuts, Ritz crackers, etc.
They are left at temples, on doorsteps, in the middle of the sidewalk, on rocks at the beach, wherever. Today is the tenth and last day of Galungan, Kaligen, and the ancestors head back to whence they came. Many more offerings are made and ceremonies held to see them off. The stray dogs love all the snacks left on the street-- just like the Bumpess' hounds love eating the neighbor's turkey.
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