Metatah, also known as mepandes or mesangih, is a traditional tooth filing ceremony performed by Balinese Hindus.
This ancient ritual is far more than a cultural practice—it represents a deep spiritual transformation that marks a young person’s transition from adolescence to adulthood.
For many Balinese families, it is one of the most important rites of passage.
Understanding the Meaning of Metatah
In Balinese culture, the Metatah ceremony symbolizes the purification of the soul. It involves the gentle filing of six upper teeth—four incisors and two canine teeth.
The act of filing is not meant to cause harm, but rather to reduce the symbolic traits of human impurity and to help cleanse the soul of negative characteristics.
This ceremony is rooted in the belief in the existence of six inner enemies known as sad ripu. These include kama (lust), loba (greed), krodha (anger), mada (arrogance), moha (delusion), and matsarya (envy).
Through the tooth filing process, participants are believed to symbolically weaken these negative traits, allowing them to lead a more balanced and virtuous life.
When and How Metatah is Performed
Metatah is usually carried out when a person enters puberty or is preparing for marriage.
It is often performed during major family ceremonies, such as weddings, cremations (ngaben), or initiation rites (ngeresi).
For girls, the sign of readiness is menstruation, while for boys, it is marked by changes such as a deeper voice.
The ceremony begins with preparation rituals, which may include a period of seclusion known as mepingit.
On the day of the ceremony, participants wear traditional attire in white and yellow, symbolizing purity and holiness.
The ritual is conducted under the guidance of a Hindu priest or pandita, and is often a communal event attended by family, relatives, and local villagers.
At the end of the tooth filing, the participant is given six types of flavors to taste—bitter, sour, spicy, astringent, salty, and sweet.
Each taste represents a lesson in life. Bitter and sour reflect life’s struggles and the need for patience. Spicy symbolizes the need to manage anger.
Astringent teaches respect for rules. Salty stands for wisdom, and sweet is the hope for a joyful and fulfilling future.
Spiritual and Social Values
The Metatah ceremony is more than just a personal spiritual milestone—it reinforces the values of cooperation, discipline, and community involvement.
The ceremony requires collaboration between the yajamana (ritual host), serati (ceremonial assistant), and pandita (priest), symbolizing the importance of unity and support.
Despite the modern influences on Balinese life, this sacred tradition continues to thrive.
In many villages, group ceremonies are organized to ensure all families, regardless of income, can fulfill this important cultural obligation. Some communities even provide free mass tooth filing events, making it accessible to everyone.
Why Metatah Still Matters Today
Even as Bali evolves, Metatah remains a vital cultural identity marker. It teaches ethical behavior, encourages self-control, and strengthens one’s connection to the divine.
For the Balinese, this ceremony is not just a ritual—it is a meaningful step toward spiritual maturity and a reminder of the values that guide a balanced life.
This unique tradition, passed down through generations, continues to shape the character of Balinese youth while preserving the island’s rich cultural heritage. (BT)
