Barong is one of the Balinese dances performed in Bali in Indonesia. Also, Barong is the name of the King of Spirits, the leader of the good forces in Balinese mythology. The dance is based on the eternal battle between Good and Evil. The dance is performed by the lion-dragon Barong (the Good) and Rangda the witch (the Evil). Mudras (hand gestures) are used.
Accompanied by gamelan music, Rangda (the Evil One) usually retreats. In Bali, each dance has a social and religious background. Of this, the Barong dance, a drama, is a classic example. The masks and costumes are full of symbolism.
The Barong dance is performed when there is illness or misfortune in the village and is therefore meant to drive away these "evil forces. People gather at the death temple, the Pura Dalem. Women bring offerings. At the temple, umbrellas are used. When there is illness or misfortune in the village, the dance is performed. Evil spirits and demons come to the village from the direction of the sea.
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