Tooth filing is an important rite of passage for Balinese Hindus that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. In Balinese belief system, the ceremony helps people rid themselves of the invisible forces of evil (Sad Ripu) - teeth are the symbol of lust, greed, anger, insobriety, confusion and jealousy. Filing the teeth therefore renders someone both more physically and more spiritually beautiful, as well as symbolizing the rite of passage for an adolescent into adulthood.
Whenever possible, the filer is a member of the highest caste, the Brahmin (priest). They are know as sangging, and use simple tools to conduct their work - a file, a small hammer and a carver. these are purified with holy water prior to the ceremony a lay priest. Items provided by the family include a mirror, a piece of sugar cane, and some young coconut. The person having their teeth filed must remain in isolation indoors for the whole day prior to the ceremony, in order to remain protected from the negative influences of magic - while they are still considered "immature", prior to the ceremony, they are particularly vulnerable to the influence of evil spirits.
The parent and other family members of those having their teeth filed hold onto them to give them moral support in the ordeal that they are going through. Going two at a time, after a certain amount of filing they are given breather to wash out their mouth and check on whether enough filing has been done yet.
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