In Reply to: Question about Balinese culture posted by lisss on Sunday, 25. October 2009 at 18:32 Bali Time:
The question is not a silly one, I think it may have merit. I have been to Bali 9 times, soon to be 10, and certain things have occurred which have prompted me to ask this question.
I have VERY pale skin but dark features including thick dark eyebrows, dark hair and eyes. I wax my legs but have relativley hairy arms - not excessive, just noticeable as my skin is so pale.
I am constantly told by Balinese that I have the perfect complexion because of my unusually dark features and pale skin. However, re the body hair:
1) I have had people stroke my arms and say something like "bulu", including the customs officer at the airport on my last trip.
2) During a massage, the masseuse called over several other masseuses who crowded around me and exclaimed over my body, complexion and yes, hairy arms. They kept saying "very beautiful" but I don't know if they were making fun of me ;)
3) Apart from that particularily strange massage experience, my arms are usually remarked about by any masseuses I have had.
So.... I would like to know whether hairiness is of cultural significance.