In Reply to: JBR Day 10 - Sukuwati & Ubud posted by happyhols on Friday, 8. February 2008 at 12:08 Bali Time:
...since you have been so observant, perhaps you would like to know why those colors are considered "lucky" ("correct" is perhaps a better word)? White indicates the East, is the color of Iswara.
Black indicates North, is the color of Wishnu
Red indicates South, is the color of Brahma
Yellow indicates the West, is the color of Mahadeva.
When you display these colors, you reproduce the compass directions and so re-express the inherent harmony of all things. In the center is Shiwa, who has all colors. The cloth you see sometimes made of black-white checkerboard and bordered with red is very potent, as it represents the Hindu Trinity (tri murti) i.e. Brahma, the creator (red), Wisnu, the Preserver (black), and Shiwa in the form of Iswara (white). Again, the idea of the balance of forces in the universe is represented. Glad you enjoyed Sukawati. Maybe next time you can also wander the back streets as well. A very lovely village. Cheers