The next big step in the Balinese cycle of life is marriage which is regarded as the passage into full adulthood.  Technically, there are three types of marriages practiced in Bali:  Ngerorod, Memadik and Nyentana. 

The first and most common one is a sort of elopement in which the wife-to-be is ‘kidnapped’ by her suitor or his family and taken to a location where their relationship is consummated and where they stay as if effectively husband and wife.  Much of this involves theatrics even though both family parties are aware of the situation and the formal part of the ‘proposal’ occurs later when the groom meets with the father of the bride to discuss the union followed soon after by a simple civil formality known as Mekala – kalaan, since the couple is already considered married by divine right. 

The more traditional and much more expensive Memadik wedding ceremony involves the groom-to-be and his family going to the home of the wife-to-be and asking for her hand in marriage.  This lavish process involves many ceremonies, offerings and gifts exchanged between families.  On the day of the actual marriage in which many rites and blessing are performed, the husband and wife are adorned in intricate wedding regalia and preside over a large banquet and entertainment provided to entertain the guests.  They also theatrically mimic each other’s domestic duties in front of their families as a symbolic act of the life that they are about embark on together. 

Nyentana, the final form of marriage involves the family of the wife-to-be essentially ‘adopting’ her suitor as a member of the family when they have no sons to continue the family legacy.

In all ceremonies the groom’s family visits the bride’s family three days after the marriage for a rite called Ketupat bantal in which the union of the families is formally recognized and celebrated.  Offerings are made to cleanse the sperm and eggs and protect them against any possible evil influences from demons.