Traditional Cockfighting Rituals: From Preparation to Combat

The cockfight has a sacred dimension. It is part of the ritual in the outermost, public, community-oriented courtyard, the wantilan, within a temple complex.

When a match is set up, cock owners or their handlers collect their birds and walk around seeking opponents. When a potential opponent is found, the two handlers squat down and exchange their birds.

Cultural significance

Cockfighting is a popular sport that is imbued with religious and social significance for many of its participants. For the cock owners, it is more than just a game – they view their birds as extensions of themselves and take great pride in their victories. The winning cock also bears phallic symbolism, so that participating in the fight is seen as a sign of manliness daga88.

The cocks are handled by a skilled professional called a juru kembar, who is responsible for managing the animals before and during a fight. He has a large bag of tricks to revive the cocks, including plucking, massaging, and ruffling their feathers. A good juru kembar is worth his weight in gold to the owner.

The cockfights are watched by bettors who shout their opinions over the match, using a staccato repetition of the color name. Often, the best-known bettors are known as “timing officials,” and their word is law in the arena. The influential anthropologist Clifford Geertz wrote an essay, Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight, that discusses this fascinating ritual.

Cockfighting traditions

Cockfighting traditions offer a fascinating look at the interplay between tradition, religion, and societal norms. It is important to respect the cultural significance of these events, but it is also necessary to recognize and address ethical concerns.

The cockfight is a sport that pits the roosters of two owners against each other in a ring called a cockpit. The winner is declared after a fight that typically lasts until one bird dies or becomes severely injured. The cockfights are often attended by spectators and wagers are placed on the outcome of the match. Thousands of dollars can exchange hands during these matches.

The cockfight is considered to be an important part of Balinese culture, and a key way to gain status in the community. It is also a source of income for the participants, who make money by betting on their own cocks. Before a cockfight begins, the animals are prepared for battle by having their combs and wattles dubbed or dusted. Their natural spurs, which can be several inches long, are removed with a saw.

Cockfighting rituals in Southeast Asia

Cockfights are interwoven with traditional Southeast Asian culture, often connected to spiritual beliefs and community rituals. While the modern Wala Meron festival features cockfighting, it also showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage. The event is a celebration of history, culture and communal harmony.

In Bali, cockfighting is elevated to a religious tradition and thus protected from the national ban, which has been in place since 1981. This explains why the sport continues to exist here and elsewhere in Indonesia, though it is not as popular.

The cocks used in combat are specially bred and conditioned for increased strength and stamina. They are injected with steroids and adrenaline-boosting drugs, and their combs, wattles and earlobes are cut off to promote aggressive behavior. During the fight, handlers use their tools to stimulate the birds into fighting mode. They also prick their beaks and pull on their combs to provoke them into attacking. Even the cocks who don’t lose suffer terribly.

Spiritual practices

In Bali, cockfighting is not only a sport but also a spiritual ritual known as Tabuh Rah. This religious ceremony involves cocks spilling blood on the ground to ward off evil spirits. This ritual is accompanied by prayers and mantras recited by the superstitious owners of fighting cocks. The cocks are equipped with metal spurs and armed with a set of charms that they wear during the fight.

In addition, the cocks are given special food and water for the fight. These rituals help the cocks stay in top condition for the fight. They are also fed with a special rice that can give the birds strength and endurance. The fights last a few seconds or an agonizing minute and are a blur of movement, beaks, and wings. There is cheering, bellowing, and moaning, as well as a frenzy of wagers. In the end, one cock wins and the crowd cheers. It is an incredible sight.