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

Chapter 327: [cclvi] Extracts from the Rejang of Che Busu [p. 552.

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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.

[cclvi] Extracts from the Rejang of Che Busu [p. 552.

Che Busu pandei bilang malam;
Malam ini malam ka-sa:
Chabut sa-pedang dewasa
Handak memarang88 bandar sa-buah,
Hidup kita sama biasa
Chakap sa-patah jangan di-ubah.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Che Busu pandei bilang malam:
Malam ini malam ka-’nam:
Che Andak, orang Bernam,
Singgah di Pangkor menjemor jala,
Anjing menyalak, rimau pun demam(?),
Kuching di dapor pening kapala.
Deri Kling lalu ka Jawa
Naik sigei ka atas atap,
Ikan kring lagi tertawa,
Mendengar tupei membacha kitab.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Che Busu pandei bilang malam:
Malam ini ka-tiga-puloh:
Tamat rejang tiga puloh,
Hati dalam hanchorkan luloh,
Di-ambil papan berlanteikan buloh,
Koyakkan kain bekas tuboh.