HONOUR AT STAKE


Many cultures in Indonesia recognise cockfighting as a traditional custom, but it's elevated to a religious tradition in Bali. This is one of the reasons why, after being declared illegal across the nation, cockfighting still occurs in Bali more than in other places. In Bali, cockfighting has been illegal since 1981, but local authorities "tolerate" it strictly for religious purposes.

According to local beliefs, the cockfight is a part of a ritual called Tabuh Rah. The purpose of this is to spill blood on the ground to ward off evil spirits. The Balinese cockfight is bloodier than any other similar practice because the fighting cock's feet are attached with sharp blades to quicken the spilling of blood.

For cock owners, there is more than just money at stake. When the animals enter the arena, they carry the owner's pride and honour. Therefore, whoever wins will gain social recognition as a tough and honoured man, a warrior. As in the English language, in Balinese the word "cock" is also imbued with phallic symbolism. Participation in this kind of fight becomes a mark of manliness.

As a symbol of dominance over the loser, winners are presented with the carcass of the losing cock. They then cook the animal and eat it with their family. That's on top of the prize money he gets to bring home.

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