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

Chapter 228: [clvii] Charms for Protection [p. 361.

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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.

[clvii] Charms for Protection [p. 361.

Tahan Tanggal

Hei benang, bertali benang,
Tujoh besi, peratus17
besi,
Tujoh pengikat sangka raya!
Maka [kalau] menguchap maiat dalam kubor
Di-sahut-ki orang yang di-atas dunia,
Maka aku di-binasakan
Sagala benatang yang bernyawa!
Jikalau tidak menguchap maiat dalam kubor,
Maka tidak-lah aku di-binasakan
Sagala benatang yang bernyawa,
Sagala musoh bahia,
Sakalian anak sidang manusia!
Maka [kalau] berkokok ayam dalam telor
Di-sahut-ki ayam di-atas dunia,
Maka aku di-binasakan, d.s.b.
Tahan Allah, tahan Muhammad,
Tahan Baginda Rasul Allah,
Berkat aku memakei doʿa tahan tunggal.

(Then blow to right, to left, and in front.)