Religion and ceremonies are a large part of the Balinese culture and define the lives of most Balinese people. Unlike the majority of Indonesia, which follows the Islamic faith, over 90 percent of Bali's population follow the Balinese Hinduism religion. Temples, offerings of food and flowers, incense and images in the arts and crafts are all signs of the island's faith.

Balinese Hinduism mixes aspects of Buddhism, Hinduism and animism, which is the belief that souls and spirits can be found in all things. Balinese Hinduism comes from the religious influences of China, India and Java. One of the central beliefs of Balinese Hinduism is that the soul is reincarnated several times until it reaches paradise. This journey depends upon the person's deeds, both good and bad, during his or her lifetime.