Tumpek Kandang (aka Tumpek Andang): Balinese Animal Blessing Tradition

Above Photo: Copyrighted to Himalayan Academy Publications, Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii. Licensed for under Creative Commons and requires attribution when reproduced.

Early this year I posted about Tumpek Kandang but since the celebration takes place again this year I thought I would alert you to it...

In Indonesia, Hindus celebrate Tumpek Kandang (also known as Tumpek Andang) in honor of household animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, dogs and birds. During this special Saturday (held this year on September 15, 2007) rituals take place on farms and compounds around the region. Many animals are honored with different ceremonies.

Tumpek Kandang is held in appreciation for animal assistance on the farm and around the home, cattle may receive distinctive treatment such as ceremonial bathing, specialty meals, unusual snacks, fancy costuming, cosmetic grooming, or adornment with trinkets. Creatures also receive special prayers complete with a sprinkling of holy water or rice.

In some areas blessing groups travel to homes to bless the animals. In earlier times a similar blessing tradition existed in the United States as clergy traveled to farms and small rural towns to conduct blessings.

During my research for Blessing of the Animals (ISBN 1402729677) I found a one book talking about rural areas outside of the New York area that contained a picture of a woman with a cow adorned with flowers on their way to such a blessing taken in the late 1800s.

Agrarian areas rely heavily on livestock and other animals for sustenance and many of the blessing traditions focus on asking for their health and fertility. Today most blessings here in the United States take place at a specific location and people travel to have their animals blessed.

Animal blessings take place around the world--and are on the increase. I have not found just how long Tumpek Kandang has been celebrated but it is nice to see the different blessings in the many different traditions around the world.

St Patrick's Day Pet Blessing Copyright 2007 by Diana L Guerrero. All rights reserved.

Photo by M&M

For those of you who missed the Ask Andrea radio show yesterday, here is the pet blessing I wrote especially for the event. Please note that this is Copyright 2007 by Diana L Guerrero and may not be reprinted without permission.

Enjoy!

As you listen, picture your cherished pet in your mind or hold your pet close.

Beloved Spirit everywhere present, we gather together today to ask for a blessing.

We give thanks for the life we enjoy and for the element, plants, and animals that are part of our daily existence.

We send thanks to our companion animals, domestic livestock, and pets.

On St Patrick’s Day we ask this blessing for our animals:

May your lives be filled with comfort and joy.

May your coats stay shining, your noses stay cold, and please may your breath stay sweet!

May the sun keep your warm when it is cold--and may the wind keep you cool when it is hot.

May each and every day be filled with adventure and be void of any woes.

May you always put a smile on the face of everyone you meet.

May your antics amuse and warm the hearts of all the humans you encounter.

May your friends be plentiful and your fleas be few.

May your owners always greet you, with a treat and a pat on the head.

May your bed remain warm, your food bowl stay full, and may you live a long and healthy life.

As your faithful owner indulges you, may God hold you close.

May we live in harmony with one another, and may this blessing be carried through the airwaves and into the homes of animals everywhere.

Blessings to you all.

Blessing of the Animals in January

Another blessing of the animals link:
Blessing in Chiesa di Sant'Eusebio

Father Juan Millan of Madrid Bless the Animals

During the feast day of San Anton Father Juan Millan blessed pets during the annual blessing of the animals. Here are a few links you can also click on the slide show once there to see all 26 photos:

Daniel Ochoa de Olza the photographer (you can purchase the photos here

Blessing of the Animals Father Juan Millan feast day of San Anton in Spain Pic 1This bulldog is waving and sticking his tongue out.

Blessing of the Animals Father Juan Millan feast day of San Anton in Spain Pic 2This woman smooches her pug after the blessing.

Blessing of the Animals Father Juan Millan feast day of San Anton in Spain Pic 3Guide dog blessing.

Blessing of the Animals Father Juan Millan feast day of San Anton in Spain Pic 4The large dog is being carried for a pet blessing by the owner.

Blessing of the Animals Father Juan Millan feast day of San Anton in Spain Pic 5This pup is waits for the blessing dressed to keep warm.

Blessing of the Animals Father Juan Millan feast day of San Anton in Spain Pic 6Blessing an airdale.

Blessing of the Animals Father Juan Millan feast day of San Anton in Spain Pic 7Blessing a cat.

Blessing of the Animals Father Juan Millan feast day of San Anton in Spain Pic 8

Blessing of the Animals Father Juan Millan feast day of San Anton in Spain Pic 9

Blessing of the Animals Father Juan Millan feast day of San Anton in Spain Pic 10Bunny Blessing.

Blessing of the Animals Father Juan Millan feast day of San Anton in Spain Pic 11Dressed up for the blessing.

Here are some of the articles related to this blessing of the animals:
Madrid, Spain (FOX News)

Saint's Day Blessing