IN the life of Balinese society which is rich in mythology and beliefs, crows occupy a fairly unique position and are full of mystical meaning. Considered as creatures that are closely related to the supernatural world, crows are believed to bring messages of death and are often associated with sad events.
Crows are known as one of the birds with very distinctive characteristics. In various mythologies, including in Bali, this bird is often considered to have a relationship with the mystical world. However, from a biological perspective, crows also have interesting characteristics to understand. Here are the details of the characteristics of crows:
Feather Color: Crows have feathers that are predominantly jet black. This black color is often associated with darkness, mystery, and death, which is one of the reasons why this bird is often considered mystical in many cultures. Its black feathers also have a metallic sheen that is clearly visible when exposed to sunlight.
Chirping Habits: Crows are not birds that are known for their melodious chirps like other birds. The crow’s voice sounds more hoarse, loud, and is often considered scary, especially when heard at night. This distinctive sound is “kaa kaa” which is usually used to communicate with other crows, signal danger, or indicate its presence in a place.
Food: Crows are omnivorous birds, meaning they eat a variety of foods. They eat seeds, fruits, insects, and even meat from dead animals (carcasses). In addition, crows are also known to be smart in finding food in agricultural areas.
One of their habits is looking for poultry eggs such as duck eggs. When farmers herd ducks in the fields, crows often look for opportunities to take eggs that may be hidden among plants or grass.
Habitat: Crows are very adaptive birds and can live in various habitats. They can be found in forests, mountains, cities, and rice fields.
In Bali, crows are often seen in rice fields, forests, or settlements that are close to food sources. This adaptability allows crows to survive in quite diverse environments, from rural to urban areas.
Intelligence and Hunting Habits: Crows are one of the birds that are considered very intelligent. They are able to use simple tools to get food and have good memories. Their ability to find duck eggs in rice fields shows their intelligence and hunting ability. In addition to eggs, crows can also prey on small animals such as mice, insects, or sometimes even the chicks of other birds.
Social Behavior: Crows are social birds that are often seen in small groups. They interact with other crows to hunt for food or defend their territory. Although known to be very independent, in some situations crows can work together with other birds to hunt or guard nests.
With their jet-black feathers, distinctive hoarse voices, and intelligence in finding food such as duck eggs, crows have unique characters and are often considered symbols of mystery in various cultures, including in Bali.
Spreaders of Death News
According to Balinese beliefs, crows are believed to be the bearers of news of death. When someone is about to die or has just died, crows are often seen flying around the village, especially around the funeral home.
This phenomenon is believed to be a sign that a spirit from another world has approached, and crows act as a liaison between the human world and the spirit world. Their hoarse and shrill voices are considered warnings or “messages” from the supernatural world.
Taboos on Keeping Crows
Because they are considered to carry a mystical aura and are closely related to death, Balinese people rarely keep crows. For them, this bird is not an ordinary pet, but rather a creature that is under the influence of mystical powers.
Keeping crows is considered taboo because it is feared that it can bring bad luck or bring the family closer to death.
Symbolism in Life and Rituals
This belief is closely related to the views of the Balinese people who highly value harmony between the real world and the spirit world. Death is not only the end of physical life, but also a transition to another world, and crows are believed to be one of the creatures that can cross this boundary. In this context, crows have an important role in maintaining spiritual balance.
The myth about crows is not only a story that is passed down from generation to generation, but also influences the daily lives of the Balinese people. They will feel alert or worried if they hear the sound of crows around their house, especially at night. The presence of this bird is often interpreted as a signal to be more alert to future events.
This belief shows how strong the relationship between nature, animals, and the mystical world is in Balinese culture. Crows are not just ordinary creatures, but symbols of supernatural powers that continue to remind humans of the cycle of life and death.
