Malay Magic Being an introduction to the folklore and...

The following instructions to be followed by toddy-collectors (who tap the Cocoa-nut palm for its juice, which is boiled into sugar) were given me by a Kelantan Malay (’Che ʿAbas of Klanang):—

“When you are about to set foot against the base of the trunk (i.e. to start climbing) repeat these lines:—

“Peace be with you, O Abubakar!

Drowse not as you keep watch and ward in the heart of this tree (umbi).”

Here climb half-way up and say:—

“Peace be with you, Little Sister, Handmaiden Bidah,

Drowse not as you keep watch and ward in the middle of the trunk,

Come and accompany me on my way up this tree.”

Here climb up among the leaf-stalks, lay hold of the central shoot, give it three shakes, and say—

“Peace be with you, Little Sister, Youngest of the Princesses,

Drowse not as you keep watch and ward over the central shoot,

Do you accompany me on my way down this tree.”

Now commence by bending down one of the blossom-sheaths, lay hold of the central shoot, and thrice repeat the following lines:—

“Peace be with your Highnesses, Princesses of the Shorn Hair and (perpetual) Distillation,

Who are (seen) in the curve (lit. swell) and the ebbing away of the Blossom-sheath,

Of the Blossom-sheath Si Gĕdĕbeh Mayang,

Seven Princesses who are the Handmaidens of Si Mayang.”

(Here the speaker addresses the soul (or rather souls) of the tree.)

“Come hither, Little One, come hither,

Come hither, Tiny One, come hither,

Come hither, Bird, come hither,

Come hither, Filmy One, come hither.

Thus I bend your neck,

Thus I roll up your hair,

And here is an Ivory Toddy-knife to help the washing of your face.

Here is an Ivory Toddy-knife to cut you short,

And here is an Ivory Cup to hold under you,

And there is an Ivory Bath that waits below for you.

Clap your hands and splash in the Ivory Bath,

For it is called the ‘Sovereign Changing Clothes.’”185