There are records by Frank Swettenham on Malays or also know as Melayu are people of from Malaya in his book. One particular topic of interest is on the local superstitions in Chapter XVII of his book.
Lot of traditional elements are mentioned but dispelling of evil spirits had included traditional and reference to god for assistance. There were spirits by name of Bajang, Polong, Pelsit, Langsuior.
Makes one wonder, does everyone in Kedah those days keep a Pelsit?
There is a nice short description of how Jin, Hantu and Bajang originated. Who would have thought that the story of Adam from Genesis would have been related to these occurrences?
The Sumatran men who have skills on transformation, are Korinchi. Something that is seen in many animation movies but who would have thought these were from a land so far away.
In this book, its also good to read the account of an English man with the services of a Arab astrologer to find his stolen artifacts. Which ended in not very well (lets not spoil the story) until Frank met the Chief. A hint is also given on the way a wife could get the truth out of their husbands,
It was a good read and to be part of that historical times.
The book entitled Malay Sketches by Sir Frank Athelstane Swettenham is a good read and to see Malaya from the perspective of an outsider.
Lot of traditional elements are mentioned but dispelling of evil spirits had included traditional and reference to god for assistance. There were spirits by name of Bajang, Polong, Pelsit, Langsuior.
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| Pelsit |
 |
| Polong |
 |
| Langsuir |
Makes one wonder, does everyone in Kedah those days keep a Pelsit?
There is a nice short description of how Jin, Hantu and Bajang originated. Who would have thought that the story of Adam from Genesis would have been related to these occurrences?
The Sumatran men who have skills on transformation, are Korinchi. Something that is seen in many animation movies but who would have thought these were from a land so far away.
In this book, its also good to read the account of an English man with the services of a Arab astrologer to find his stolen artifacts. Which ended in not very well (lets not spoil the story) until Frank met the Chief. A hint is also given on the way a wife could get the truth out of their husbands,
It was a good read and to be part of that historical times.
The book entitled Malay Sketches by Sir Frank Athelstane Swettenham is a good read and to see Malaya from the perspective of an outsider.
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