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

Chapter 267: [cxcvi] Penawar Orang Darat

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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.

[cxcvi] Penawar Orang Darat

Sirih gunta, pinang gunta,
Memanjat kerakap puar;
Inchit nyah Hantu Jembalang Buta,
Tawar jampi nenek ’dah kaluar!

The ingredients are two or three leaves of sirih gunta, an areca-nut, black pepper, bawang merah, chĕkor, bunglei, lengkuas, brazil-wood (sepang), ebony (kayu arang), jerangau, and a porcupine quill (duri landak). Grate these and mix them well up together, and when there is a slight storm on (hari ribut kechil), take the mixture into the mouth and spit it out upon the patient. The only taboo mentioned is that neither cats nor fowls must be allowed to come in contact with the amulets of the patient (di-langgarkan tangkal-nya).