Malay Magic / Being an introduction to the folklore and popular religion of the Malay Peninsula

Chapter 201: [cxxxiii] Crippling Charm [p. 301.

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About This Book

A compilation of Malay Peninsula folklore, popular religion, and magical practices drawn from manuscripts, published sources, and the author's field notes, presenting creation myths, supernatural beings, charms, incantations, ritual practices, and folk explanations for illness and misfortune. The text emphasizes literal translations of spells and formulæ with originals in an appendix, confines attention to Malay communities of the peninsula, and compares recurring motifs while avoiding non-Malay populations. Methodological notes explain evidence and limits. The volume serves as an introductory survey that organizes material thematically—cosmology, spirit lore, protective and harmful magic, divination, and ritual observances—without claiming exhaustive treatment.

[cxxxiii] Crippling Charm [p. 301.

Pelumpoh

Aku tahu asal kau jadi
Mani Fatimah asal ’kau jadi,
Di-kepal di tanah liat
Tulang-’kau buku tĕbu
Kapala-’kau umbi niyor
Dada-’kau upih,
Darah-’kau kunyit
Mata-’kau bintang Timor,
Gigi-’kau tunjang berembang
Ekor-’kau puchok nipah.

Or else this version:—

Aku tahu asal ’kau jadi
Tanah liat asal ’kau jadi
Tulang buku tebu asal ’kau jadi,
Darah-’kau gula, dada-’kau upih,
Gigi-’kau tunjang berembang,
Ridip-’kau chuchoran atap.

Then blow (jampi) thrice upon the line, and carry the end of it over your shoulder backwards, and then strike the bow of the boat with its end thrice.