Balinese people carry out a tooth filing or Mepandes (called Masangih for lower castes) ceremony to rid themselves of their Sad Ripu (six weaknesses of the flesh), namely, Lust, Greed, Anger, Drunkenness, Confusion & Jealousy. Once they have been able to have this ceremony performed it is hoped that they may be better able to lead a healthy, well-adjusted life as a valuable member of their close-knit community. Uneven teeth (longer canines) is believed to be a sign of being like an animal...
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Balinese people carry out a tooth filing or Mepandes (called Masangih for lower castes) ceremony to rid themselves of their Sad Ripu (six weaknesses of the flesh), namely, Lust, Greed, Anger, Drunkenness, Confusion & Jealousy. Once they have been able to have this ceremony performed it is hoped that they may be better able to lead a healthy, well-adjusted life as a valuable member of their close-knit community. Uneven teeth (longer canines) is believed to be a sign of being like an animal - they believe that animals are the lowest of God's creations - and so even if they have not been able to afford a tooth filing ceremony at some stage during their adult life, they will have them filed after death before their cremation. (source www.klubkokos.com).
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