Instilling Local Culture Through the Balinese Nanny: A Gateway to the Island of the Gods
The Unexpected Cultural Educator
Bali, the Island of the Gods, is renowned globally not just for its stunning beaches and lush rice paddies, but for its deep, pervasive spiritual and cultural heritage. For expatriate families living on the island or long-term visitors, the experience of being in Bali extends far beyond the confines of a luxury villa or resort. It becomes an immersive cultural education, often delivered through the most intimate of sources: the Balinese Nanny.
A Balinese nanny, or pengasuh, is often seen by foreign families merely as childcare support, providing a much-needed break for parents. While they excel in this role, their true value is often underestimated. They are, in fact, the most effective, hands-on cultural educators a child can have in Bali, acting as a living bridge between a child’s foreign upbringing and the ancient, vibrant customs of the island. They don’t just look after children; they subtly, yet profoundly, instill the essence of Tri Hita Karana—the Balinese philosophy of harmony—into daily life.
The Philosophy of Tri Hita Karana in Daily Practice
The Balinese worldview is built upon Tri Hita Karana, meaning “Three Causes of Goodness”: harmony with God (Parhyangan), harmony among people (Pawongan), and harmony with nature (Palemahan). A Balinese nanny naturally embodies this philosophy, translating it from a complex belief system into simple, repeatable daily lessons that children absorb effortlessly.
1. Harmony with God (Parhyangan): The Morning Ritual
One of the most immediate and visible aspects of Balinese life is the Canang Sari, the daily offerings made to the gods. Every morning, the nanny will prepare and place these small, intricately woven palm-leaf trays filled with colorful flowers, rice, and incense.
For a foreign child, this is not just a chore; it is a ritual of beauty and devotion. The nanny involves the child in the process, showing them which flowers represent which deity, and teaching them to place the offering gently, perhaps even encouraging them to offer a simple prayer or mantra. This hands-on involvement teaches children:
- Gratitude: By thanking the spirits for peace and balance.
- Respect for the Sacred: Understanding that every corner of the home and island holds spiritual significance.
- Routine and Mindfulness: The Canang Sari is done daily, regardless of the family’s schedule, instilling a sense of ritual and connection to something larger than themselves.
2. Harmony Among People (Pawongan): Etiquette and Language
Balinese culture places immense value on social harmony, respect, and politeness (Krama). This is where the nanny’s influence shines in shaping a child’s character.
Teaching Politeness and Respect: The nanny naturally models and teaches the Balinese way of interacting:
- The Sembah: Teaching a child to press their palms together in a respectful greeting (similar to an Indian Namaste) when meeting elders or priests.
- Soft Speech: Encouraging children to use a lower, respectful tone of voice, especially when speaking to adults or in sacred places.
- Use of Titles: Teaching the appropriate way to address older people, often using kinship terms like Bli (older brother) or Mbak/Mami (older sister/auntie), fostering a sense of extended family.
Language Immersion: While most Balinese nannies speak Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) and often basic English, their native tongue is Balinese. Simply by speaking their local language (even just common phrases) and Indonesian daily, the nanny provides a priceless linguistic immersion that a traditional school might not match. Children quickly pick up common Indonesian words for food, family, and play, allowing them to connect with local children and vendors, thereby strengthening their relationship with the local community.
3. Harmony with Nature (Palemahan): The Island as a Classroom
The third pillar focuses on respecting the environment. In the hands of a Balinese nanny, everyday life becomes a lesson in natural stewardship.
- The Rice Field Lesson: A nanny who comes from a farming village (banjar) can explain the Subak (Bali’s traditional cooperative irrigation system) when passing a rice field. They teach children about the cycle of rice, the importance of water, and the role of the duck and the heron in the ecosystem.
- Caring for Animals: Many Balinese homes have pets, and nannies instill the importance of feeding and respecting these creatures, not just as pets, but as part of the family ecosystem.
- Natural Play: Unlike pre-packaged toys, a Balinese nanny often introduces children to traditional play using natural materials: weaving a bracelet from coconut leaves, making a doll from hibiscus flowers, or playing traditional clapping games. This encourages creativity and appreciation for natural resources.
The Nanny as a Storyteller and Guide
The Balinese nanny is also a repository of local folklore, music, and food.
Food as Culture: She introduces children to genuine Balinese cuisine, not just the watered-down tourist versions. She teaches them to love rice, to appreciate the taste of traditional snacks (jajanan pasar), and to try mild versions of local spices. This expands the child’s palate and deepens their connection to the island’s bounty.
Music and Dance: A nanny might sing traditional Balinese children’s songs (Gending Rare) to soothe a restless child or teach them simple hand movements from Balinese dance. These cultural exposures happen naturally, unlike scheduled classes, making the learning process organic and deeply impactful.
The Lingering Impact on the Child’s Identity
The bond formed with a Balinese nanny often transcends the duration of a contract or a vacation. For children raised on the island, the nanny provides a second home—a cultural anchor that grounds their identity.
Children who grow up with Balinese nannies typically exhibit a high degree of cultural sensitivity, respect for different religious practices, and an easygoing patience that mirrors the Balinese temperament. They learn to navigate the complexities of life in a developing nation with grace, understanding the meaning of gratitude, communal work (gotong royong), and the importance of ceremony.
In essence, the Balinese nanny transforms the simple act of childcare into a powerful, real-world course in ethnography and character development. They are the guardians of a child’s well-being and the gentle keepers of Bali’s extraordinary cultural heritage, ensuring that a piece of the Island of the Gods remains imprinted on the heart and mind of the next generation.