BALINESE CASTES & NAMES

There are four major groups: brahmana, satriya, wesya, and Sudra (jaba). The brahmana are the priest caste; the satriya, the nobility, and the wesya, the former vassals of the court. Everyone else is Sudra (jaba).
Balinese names are coded to reveal both caste and birth order within the family. Nothing, of course, is simple, especially when considering inter-caste marriages, and there are always exceptions. However, the following are clues to interpreting names:
Ida Bagus (male) and Ida Ayu (female) indicate brahmana caste. Gusti is normally used by members of the wesya caste, whereas Gusti Agung, Anak Agung, and Cokorda are reserved for the high-ranking members of the satriya caste. Desak (female) and Dewa (male) are lower-ranking satriya. I (normally male) and Ni (female) are usually used by the Sudra (jaba).
Wayan, Made, Nyoman, and Ketut mean firstborn, second-born, third-born, and fourth-born, respectively. Beginning with the fifth child in the family, the cycle is repeated. Also used similarly to indicate birth order are Putu, Kadek, Komang, and Ketut. Nengah may be used by either the second or third-born child. The birth order names are normally used only by the Sudra (jaba) caste, so don't call a member of the satriya caste Wayan even if you happen to know that he/she is the oldest in the family!

BALINESE ETIQUETTE

In the areas of Indonesia most frequented by Europeans, many are familiar with the strange ways of Westerners. But it is best to be aware of how certain aspects of your behavior will be viewed. You will not be able to count on an Indonesian to set you straight when you commit a faux pas. They are much too polite. They will stay silent or even reply tidak apa apa (no problem) if you ask if you did something wrong. So here are some points to keep in mind:

• The left hand is considered unclean as it is used for cleaning oneself in the bathroom. It is inappropriate to use the left hand to eat or to give or receive anything with it. When you do accidentally use your left hand then say "ma'af, tangan kiri" (please excuse my left hand).
• The head is considered the most sacred part of the body and, hence, the feet the least sacred. Avoid touching people on the head. Go for the elbow instead. Never step over food or expose the sole of your foot toward anyone.
• As it is impolite to keep one's head higher than others, it is appropriate to acknowledge the presence of others by stooping (extending the right arm, drooping the right shoulder, and leaning forward) while passing closely by someone who is sitting.
• Pointing with the index finger is impolite. Indonesians use their thumbs (palm turned upward, fingers curled in) or open palms instead.
• Summoning people by crooking the forefinger is impolite. Rather, wave downward with a flat palm face down.
• Alcohol is frowned upon in Islam, so take a look around you and consider taking it easy.
• Hands on hips is a sign of superiority or anger. W' Indonesians don't blow their noses. Keep a handkerchief handy.
• Take off your shoes when you enter someone's house. Often the host will stop you, but you should go through the motions until he does.
• Wait for a verbal offer before devouring food and drinks that have been placed in front of you. Sip your drink and don't finish it in one gulp. Never take the last morsels from a common plate.
• You will often be invited to eat with the words makan, makan ("eat, eat") if you pass somebody who is eating. This is not really an invitation, but simply means "Excuse me as I eat."
• If someone prepares a meal or drink for you it is most impolite to refuse.