Sea turtles are typically used as sacrifices in Balinese Hindu ceremonies known as Panca Yadnya. The Balinese Hindus view sea turtles as being sacred for a number of reasons.  Most importantly, based on Hindu mythology, turtles constitute a representation of the Hindu god Awatara Wisnu who descended onto Earth taking the form of a turtle (Sudiana, Ardika, Parimartha & Titib). Sea turtles are also thought to form the connection linking land and sea. As such, the sea turtle symbolizes longevity, as the combined effect of land meeting water brings life and prosperity. Lastly, turtle eggs serve the purpose of counterbalancing prohibited activities. As eggs represent rebirth and the next life, offering turtle eggs is believed to be able to offset the negativity arising from actions which are seen as taboo. With the conception that sea turtles possess religious value, Balinese Hindus thus believe in offering sea turtles as sacrificial creatures in religious rituals and ceremonies (Jensen, 2009).

Credit: blog.baliwww.com

However, this practice of offering sea turtles as sacrifices only began in the 1960s with the advent of commercialization in the 1960s due to the heightened increase in tourism activity. The rituals then become associated with one’s social status as more elaborated ceremonies involving sacrifices of sea turtles translate to one having high social status. The rituals also act as a way of attracting tourists due to the exotic nature of the ceremonies and rituals.

As such, while the act of offering sea turtles as sacrifices has a religious connotation, it is undeniable that commercial and social elements have taken play in this religious act. This is especially so when the use of sea turtles as sacrifices for religious purposes is only limited to southern parts of Bali, for example, Serangan and Tanjung Benoa villages where there are available sources of sea turtles. Also, in these geographical locations, the locals have grown accustomed to a diet of sea turtles and other marine creatures. In contrast, in northern and central parts of Bali, it is uncommon for the locals to either use sea turtles for consumption or as religious offerings. Instead, the locals offer alternative sources of sacrifices. This is due to constraints in the resources they are able to obtain. As such, adaptation can evolve due to environmental constraints, suggesting that religious practices might not be absolute in nature (Jensen, 2009).