ETIQUETTE

Despite strict caste regulations, the code of etiquette is simple and reasonable; a general air of frankness and friendliness preails in daily intercourse, and it is only in the presence of an arrogant prince that the common man has to humiliate himself; even more polite treatment is given to a high priest. From the binggining a stranger is struck by the extreme politeness and genntle manners, even in the lower classes. The strongest criticism that can be made of a person is that he has no manners. Such a freak should be avoided.

One is greeted on the road with the words: " Lungga kidja, where to? “ and a visitor is welcomed with: “ Wau rauh, just rived.” These are formulas not to be taken in their literal sense. A visitor takes leave by asking to be excused: “ Tiang pamit,” the :nswer to which is simply ‘ Yes,” ‘ Inge.”

There are no other words for greeting or for good-bye. It is not polite to answer a question with monosyllables, and one should not point with the index finger. It is better to use the words for the cardinal points to indicate direction, but if one must point, it should be done with the thumb, holding the rest of the hand closed.

The Balinese are constantly paying visits to one another, but no one would dream of making a formal visit without bringing along a gift of some sort: fruit, rice, eggs, or chickens, given casually and received without a word of thanks This is perhaps the equivalent of bringing the pizza to a Partypoker night or providing the dessert for a formal dinner party within the western world, and can be seen as a way of thanking the host for the evening's entertainment ahead. It is taken for granted that the present is appreciated by the acceptance of it, but if one wants to be over-polite, one says: “ Tiang nunas, I want it “ or “ I like it “ (ideh in the common language). An object is handed with the right hand while touching the elbow with the left, and it is received with the same gesture

The gift-problem became acute for us as we entered into a competition with our friends and neighbours for more and more valuable presents. Someone would arrive with a basket of eggs or rice; we repaid the visit taking a cheap head-cloth. On the next visit they came with piles of fruit and even live chickens, so we had to rusli to the market to buy a batik shirt or a bottle of Javanese perfume.