Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Harvest Festival Series ~ Which Dialectial Ethnic Groups belong to Kadazandusun?

The term “Kadazandusun” was conscientiously debated and unanimously passed at the 5th KCA Delegates Conference (November 4th & 5th, 1989), as the best alternative approach to resolve the “Kadazan” or “Dusun” identity crisis that had crippled and impeded the growth and development of the Kadazandusun multi-ethnic community socio-culturally, economically and politically ever since the Kadazanism versus Dusunism sentiment was politicized in the early 1960′s. With combined self and collective confidence and determination, there is every reason for the Kadazandusuns to succeed in finally establishing a common cultural identity for a united, cooperative and progressive community.

For at last (even as we are multi-ethnic), we have found a unifying sense of dignity and brotherhood in the reference to ourselves as Kadazandusuns, which means: Divinity in Humanity.

The Kadazandusun Cultural Association’s (KDCA) constitution, Article 6 (1) defines the Kadazandusuns as the definitive indigenous peoples of Sabah comprising the following dialectical ethnic groups:

Bonggi Lundayo Sukang
Bundu Makiang Sukang
Dumpas Malapi Sungei
Gana Mangkaak Tatana
Garo Minokok Tangara
Ida’an Murut Tidong
Kadayan Nabai Tindal
Kimaragang Paitan Tobilung
Kolobuan Pingas Tolinting
Kuijau Rumanau Tombonuo
Lingkabau Rungus Tuhawon
Liwan Sinobu Tutung
Lobu Sinorupu Bisaya
Lotud Sonsogon
and persons whose mother tongue is any of the above dialect and who habitually practices and expresses the traditions, custom and other cultural manifestations of the same.

Sources: KDCA

Animal Charms


Besides the superstitions of the natives mentioned previously, one of the interesting things that you could relate to tourist is the native’s beliefs in animal charms. For it is amazing to know how they make good use of these animals and the belief that animals have magic powers which could bring them luck.

Take for example, the gecko or house lizard. Usually it has only one tail. But if by chance it is branched, then try to catch it because it is supposed to bring luck if you are a gambler. When you catches it one must try not to break the tail or the charms will be lost.

The charm of a snake is probably the most outstanding of all animal charms. It is said to have the power of making a person invisible. Look for a snake that is just casting off its skin. Take hold of its tail and wait until the snake moves away. Immediately after that, tie the abandoned skin around the waist. It will make the user invisible, whenever he wants to be. A soldier to have this around him make him fight courageously without fear of death.

A gambler may also look for snake who is half swallowing a frog or rat. If he is brave enough he will chop off the snake’s head with its victim and keep it. But the half swallowed creature should never be pulled out, otherwise the value will be lost forever. This charm can also be used when running long distances.

The next charmer is the mousedeer or the ‘Pelanduk’. Normally, a pelanduk has no horns. It therefore sound unusual that a hunter is always on the look-out for a horned mousedeer. If he is lucky indeed and find one, in order to shoot it he has to take off all his clothing quietly. The carcass must then be left rot for a few days before the little horn can be taken. This precious little horn is said serve as a valuable omulet. It will make the user invisible. He will not be harm by any weapon or bullet. However, before using it, it is advisable to try the charm on any living thing. This is a precaution because the charm might not work.

If you want to have the strength or energy for running or for field events, try catching a centipede chasing after a lizard. Immediately catch both and put them into a bamboo container. Let them be there for a day or two to die until only their skeletons are left. After that wrap them in a piece of black cloth. Tie it around the arm or the waist. Anyone who has it is supposed to move like wind.

It is also belief that during childbirth, a certain evil spirit known as ‘belan-belan’ will come to suck the mother’s blood. So to prevent its from smelling the blood of the mother a tail of a shark should be kept in order to protect the newborn baby and the mother. Some branches of the lime tree should also be hang around the house. A large fire lit beside it.

If you have cats, watch out for a kitten with a spotted fur, which is ofter black, white and yellow in colour. Normally, either male or female cats do not have spotted furs. However, if a spotted female kitten if found, the owner certainly has all the luck she can hope for !


Sources: KDCA, Joana K-Kissey, "Superstitions"

Superstitions

Every race in the world holds its own superstitions. The natives of Sabah believe in many superstitions which we find hard to believe nowadays. Superstitions mostly concern the bringing about of good or bad luck.
When a man is on his way to the jungle to hunt wild pigs or birds for food, he will be very careful not to meet a snake. If a snake suddenly moves across his path he will turn back home, for he believes that if he goes on he will not catch anything.

When it rains during sunny days, young children, especially when going outdoors, must slip a piece of lalang grass behind their ears. This is because during this time devils are about wandering and playing in the rain, and if one happens to walk about and be seen by them, they will disturb him and make him ill. But if one has a blade of grass behind one’s ears, one will not be harmed, for the devils this piece of grass appears to be like a sharp sword and they will not dare to come near.

When clearing the jungle to build a house, first an offering will be made on he sport, especially when a big tree is nearby. This is like an offer of respect or a sign of asking for permission. The offering usually consists of a pig, a white chicken and rice. The pig and the chicken will first be killed. After the house has been built and occupied, if then a member of the family falls ill, it is believed that the devil is still there. He is given a second offering and if after that the patient does not get better, the people will move to another place.
It is also believed to be bad luck if one stumbles on a stone or a piece of wood on the road; if one continues to walk one will meet danger. To avoid this the person must turn back and walk forward once again. This is called ‘kasadu’ or stumbling; the Malay word is ‘tesandung’.

If a person sneezes it is believed that someone is saying his name. In the case of young people they are teased that their lovers are thinking of them.

Young children are forbidden to point at rainbows; if they do, their fingers will be bent and become stiff. If the rainbow is very low behind the hills, it is believed that a tragic accident will happen.

Young men are not allowed to whistle during the night, because this will invite the devils to come.

If someone is sweeping and accidentally touches someone else’s leg or part of the body, he must spit on the broom in order to be clear of the bad luck from the broom.

Whenever you are picnicking by a river in the jungle, example at Kionsom Waterfalls, be sure to ‘throw’ some food to the guardians of the place before you eat your food, becouse you’ll be ill when you return.
If someone offers you food just before you leaves their house, you must take it. If not you will be ‘kopunan’ or something bad will happen to you on your way.

During pregnancy, a women must care not to ridicule any animals or handicapped person. It is believed that the baby may be born with such traits.


Folktales, legend and superstitions formed part of the Oral Tradition of the native people of Sabah. It is therefore of importance to have some knowledge of the above and relate them in your own words to the visitors. These are part of things that will make their stay as well as the places and people they visit more interesting.


Sources: KDCA, Joana K-Kissey "Superstitions"

Harvest Festival Series ~ The Legend of Batu Punggol (Punggol Stone or Rock)

Batu Punggol or stone stump is a stone which stands firmly and has the shape of a tree trunk. This stone is situated about 24 miles from the Sapulot airstrip. It is about 400 feet high and has a circumference of about one miles.
Green dot marks the location (near Keningau district)

If you are to visit this place, here is a legend about this stone.


Inside the cave in Batu Punggol

The Muruts say that once there were six brothers who only one sister.she was most beautiful girl in the village at that time and they loved her very much. During thet time, before Batu Punggol appeared in the world, there was one stone which had a similar shape as Batu Punggol situated out the upper Sapulut river. On top this stone there was an animal called ‘Tudoh’ or Skunk whichproduced sting odour that could that could kill hundreds of people who stayed near the stone. These six brothers and their sister hated this animal so much they planned to kill it.

One morning, without thinking about their plan, they decided to cut the stone, but their attempt failed. During the night their sister dreamed that they could destroy the stone only by using ‘tulang dayong’ or shoulder blade, that was present in ‘Landak Tunggal’ or Porcupine which lived in that area. The next morning she told her dream to her brothers. After they had heard their sister’s story they went straight away to the forest to make a trap for catching the animal. At first they used a big log to trap the animal but again they failed. At last they found a new method to catch the animal by using a banana tree. This time they managed to catch the animal and slaughter it.

They ate the meat and then fixed the bones together and make them into an axe for cutting the stone.
Before they cut down the stone they put their sister on one of the stones which were not far away from them. The stone which the six brother cut down fell into the Sapulot river but the stone on which they had put their sister taller and taller. When they turned back to see their sister they were very surprised to see her on the top of the stone crying for help. With angry blows they cut the stone down. The peak of the stone broke and was believed to have been thrown all the way to Tenom Lama, and it is now called Batu Pinuto. This stone can be found between Tenom and Pangi, and the train passes through a tunnel in the stone. But the six brothers could not find where their beloved in order to look for the lost sister.

Story courtesy: KDCA
Photo courtesy: flyingdusun.com; andy-g.com

Harvest Festival Series ~ Mt Kinabalu as a Resting Place


The early Kadazan/Dusun also used to believe that when a person dies, the soul will go up to Mount Kinabalu to rest. It is therefore advisable that whenever one wants to climb the mountain, an offering must be made to the ‘pogigion’ or those dwellers around Kinabalu or something bad will befall on you.

When I first climb the mountain in 1976, my mother told me not to say anything about going up there because the spirit would come to know of my intention and something terrible might happen.

“When you are climbing,” she said, “You must walk silently. Do not pluck anything or those dwellers will follow you home and make you sick”.

Sources: KDCA
Photo courtesy: flickr.toonmanimage.com

Harvest Festival Series ~ Mount Kinabalu's Dragon Legend

The Mount Kinabalu being a significant feature in the life of the early Kadazan/Dusun, also has a variety of legend and superstitions attached to it.

One of popular legends of Mount Kinabalu is about the dragon who lived at the top of Mount Kinabalu, who was said to have a ‘Butiza’, a lunimous jewel a bezoar stone, which he used as his lamp and plaything.
On moonlight night the people of Ranau and Tamparuli places would look up at Kinabalu and they saw the bright gem being tossed up and caught again and again on the dragon’s forked tongue.

Photo courtesy: Stockpodium.com

The story about this dragon luminous jewel, spred beyond the seas, even as far as China. The Emperor who heard about it was determined to get possessions of the jewel. He send away of his best warriors to get it but all in vain. Till, he finally decided tosend his two sons, Wong Wang Kong, the elders, and Wong Song Ping, the younger brother. The brothers sent in their own junk equipped with men.

Photo courtesy: carolpostcrossing.blogspot.com

When they finally reached Borneo and came to Kinabalu Mountain, they found out that it was such a difficult task. The elder brother was disappointed with their futile attempt but the younger brother was working on his strategy to take the jewel.

He first made a colourful Chinese lantern and lighting a candle inside. It glowed like a fabulous gem. He then made a giant kite with light string but the strongest cords. Then he waited for a soft breeze. But as he waited we watched and learned from far below the habit of the dragon. He learned that at a certain hour, the dragon would leave his jewel unguarded to look for food. Then the right moment came for him when the wind was right and the dragon went to look for food.

He mounted on the kite himself with his lantern and ask his men to hold the ropes and ordered the kite to be launched. The kite rose up till it reached the mouth of the dragon cave and quickly he grabbed the gem and substitute it with his gleaming lantern. As a signal, the kite was hauled back and Wong Song Ping was back into his ship. When the dragon returns, he soon found out that he has been tricked. Quickly he swam toward the junks at unbelievable speed. The men thought they were about to perish when Wong Song Ping had another bright idea. He ordered his men to heat up canon balls until it red hot. When the dragon drew near, it opened his terrible mouth to seize his victims, the men flung towards him the glowing balls. Surprised and absessed by his longing for his gleaming plaything, the dragon thrust out his tongue, caught and swallowed one of the glowing balls. Lashing the water to a white froth with his frenzied tail, his stomach seared by the heat and heavy with the iron within him, the dragon dropped behind until exhaused gave up his pursuit and sank below the waters.

When everything was calmed and the two junks sailed happily on towards China. Just as they are about the reach China, the eldest brother who was consumed with jealousy for not being the one to capture the ‘bezoar stone’, told his brother that being eldest he should be the one to have and present it to their father. Without much hesitation, he seized the jewel from his younger brother. But the younger brother being an unselfish man let him have his way.

When they reached China and went up to their father, it Wong Wang Kong who told of their successful mission, their hardship and danger and nothing about Wong Song Ping cleverness in taking the stone and saving their lives. However, the emperor was wise man and know his sons well when he saw the change in the younger son’s face. He guessed much of what had happened and was sorry for it.

Secretly, he ordered his first jeweller to make a replica of the gem and gave it to his younger son. However, his son knew that this was not his bezoar. He therefore decide to leave China in order to avoid a fight against his brother.

That night he reloaded his junk with his men and set sailed. He did not care where he went, he just let the monsoon take him where it blew. He finally at a river mouth on the coast of Brunei and there they anchored.
When the Sultan of Brunei heard of his arrival he send his brother to receive him. There they exchanged gift and felt between them. Wong Song Ping decided to stay on in Brunei and when his friendship with the Sultan, Halah Batatar, deepen Wong Song Ping asked for the hand of the Sultan beautiful daughter in marriage. The Sultan readily consented to the marriage and great feast and rejoicing were held throughout the land.

Through the years that followed, the Sultan saw all the wise and courageous things that his son-in-law did, his trust and affection for him grow. He therefore decided that be became his successors after his death. So Wong Song Ping, Prince of China, slayer of the dragon of Kinabalu became the second Sultan of Brunei, who ruled wisely and well.


Harvest Festival Series ~ Kadazandusun or Kadazan and Dusun?

The Kadazan/Dusun have a legend of their origin. As my own father told me, the origin of his forefathers were from a place called Nunuk Ragang. This legend was handed down orally by his forefathers down to his children till today.
Kadazan people of Penampang (photo courtesy: sabah.edu.my)

Dusun girls (Photo courtesy: flickriver.com)


It was said that the Kadazan/Dusun people originated from a place called ‘Nunuk Ragang’ which is roughly located at Tampias, where two rivers, Liwagu and Gelibang meet to the east of Ranau and Tambunan.
Nunuk is a Dusun word for ‘Bayan Tree’, Ragang comes from the word ‘Aragang’ which means red. Nunuk look like giant that provide good natural shelters. It’s tree top was estimated to be able to shelter under seven Kadazan/Dusun huts (a hut measure 12 by 20 feet).

It’s numerous branches and giant thick foliage provide for ideal shelter and playground of wild life; bird, insect and even spirit according to local belief. When the sun rose the Nunuk Ragang settlers would climb to the branches of the Nunuk tree to bask in the sun and then enjoy plunging into the great cool river pool below. It was believed that the roots of the Nunuk tree produce red latex that gave the pool not only reddish coloration but also its medicinal value. Thus the name Nunuk Ragang. Nunuk latex is still used to treat rashes andother minor skin diseases.

These early inhabitant at Nunuk Ragang lived a care free life enjoying the abundant richness of nature that surrounded them.

It was also related in the lagend that the Chinese adventures from Kinabatangan and Labuk areas had their first encounter the Kadazan/Dusun.

A marriage between one of the Chinese heroes and the daughter of the Kadazan/Dusun cheif soon followed. The dowry were said to be of 7 huge jars plus copper and silver wares.

As time went on, the population increased, making food hard to get nearby. The Nunuk Ragang began to bend lower and lower into the river. The chief then instructed his men to look for new settlement. Thus river tributaries became the principle guide to the direction of travelling. Each group followed different tributaries of the river, thus it is found today that Kadazan/Dusun are found mainly along rivers and hills.
Each group formed their own long-house for unity and strength against wild beast and intrusion by other communal groups. As they spread westward that Kadazan/Dusun met the brunei and other settlers of West. The advent of the Bajau referred to by the old flok as ‘Sama’.

The Bajau/Sama People

Photo courtesy: melvinho.com; odysseyist.wordpress.com

The early Kadazan/Dusun never actually had name for themselves as a tribal people. Wherever they settles, they were named according to the natural significant of a place, be it trees, rivers, landscape or even peculiar or significant occurrence.

The word ‘Dusun’ is a Brunei Malay word for an orchard or those who plant crop in the inland. Later then the British adopted the word ‘Dusun’ to describe the native people.
The people however were related that their early predesseor from China namely ‘Lo Sun’ and company, the chinese immgrant adopted the ‘Dusun’ name for the tribal people.

However, the word Kadazan was adopted in the early 60′s by the educated Kadazan to liberate themselves from the word Dusun. But however, some people still prefer to call themselves Dusun and therefore the KDCA has made a resolution to use both names Kadazan/Dusun.

Harvest Festival Series ~ KINABALU: Kina Balu, Aki Nabalu or Ki Nabalu

Sabah Parks where our Great Mount Kinabalu is standing to have it declared as a World Heritage Site. Naturally this exposes our beloved mountain to the whole wide world. And of course many writers would portray the mountain in their writing in various aspects especially on how the mountain got its name.

The mode of information provided depended so much on what they want the readers to know. Some would write according to legends handed down from their fore parents. Others would write ‘conveniently’ base on the name of the mountain itself. I too was not spared with tales, which I heard from my late grand mother. There were also stories told to us by our teachers in the early sixties, which I now realized to be a combination, so many different stories put together to make the story interesting.

One story that I believe was largely influenced by the Chinese was the theory that Kinabalu originated from two words ‘Kina’ and ‘Balu.’ Even older folks in my village was telling this same story when we were kids. It was said that an ancient Chinese seafarer once landed in Sabah and upon seeing the mountain set off to reach it from where he landed. The Local people call him Kina. It was said that in every mountain, there is a precious stone and it was for this reason that the adventurer wanted to climb the mountain. He resided in one of the villages at the foot of the mountain waiting for the right moment to begin his ascent to the mountain.
While at the village, he befriended a Dusun maiden and married her. He finally was able to scale the mountain, retrieve the precious stone and return to China promising his young bride that he would return for her. When he did not, the young bride thought he had died in the ocean and decided to scale the mountain to join his spirit. She too never came back. My grandma said that if I ever scaled the mountain to the top, I would see a rock resembling a women in a seated position facing east. “That” I remember her saying, “is the statue of the Chinese Widow.” Unfortunately, each time I am on top of the mountain, I always forget to look for that stone.

However, this story provided us with the theory that the mountain got its name from the word Kina Balu meaning Chinese Widow (or rather the Widow of the China Man).
The other and more widely written is the theory that Kinabalu got its name from the Kadazandusun word ‘Aki Nabalu’ meaning Grand Pa Nabalu. We have more or less generally accepted the belief that Nabalu means ‘place of the dead’. However, older people along the Kadamaian and Tuaran rivers told me that ‘Nabalu’ actually means ‘spirit of the dead.’

The Kadazandusuns who were perhaps more superstitious than any other tribe in Sabah have also inherited much of other Asians’ culture who are all brought up to be polite to anyone and anything. Anyone older than them is called uncle (Amai/Aman) or auntie (Inai/Inan) and those who are much older a grandpa (Aki) or grandma (odu) regardless of whether they are related or otherwise.

Similarly, their fear of the unseen world and unseen beings have got them to call anything fearsome as ‘aki’ or ‘odu.’ Living thing such as crocodile which is widely believed to be an incarnation of someone spirits is usually refered to a ‘odu’. Failing to do so will spiit which is residing in the crocodile.

A huge pampang (rock) may be said to be haunted and we are never to point our finger at them nor called them unnecessarily. So it’s no surprising if you were with a group of older folks and passing by a big rock that looks like its haunted and you suddenly hear somebody, silently but audibly say ‘Aki, potolibo po yahai.” (Grandpa, let us pass through.)

Thus, Aki Nabalu is one common way among Kadazandusun to call the Mountain and that’s how, probably, the mountain got its name. But is it? Lets look at it another way.
Sometime back, I read with interest an article that was written by someone whose name I can’t remember. When this particular writer make a connection with other names such as ‘Kinarut’ meaning ‘Chinese Road’ and ‘Kinabatangan’ meaning ‘Chinese River,’ he also attempted to make people believe that ‘Kinabalu’ indeed is ‘Chinese Widow.’

This arguments brings us to the Kadazandusun word ‘ki’ meaning ‘have’ or ‘exist.’ However, this word on its won can not be used in daily converation as it is only used to point to something that exist. On its own, this word is followed by ‘kivaa,’ ‘kiharo,’ or ‘kiwaro.’ When used with another word, we therefore have such words as ‘kivaig’ meaning have water, ‘kibangkad’ meaning have a shirt, ‘kiwatu’ meaning have stone and many more.
Mt Kinabalu: From the paddy fields view

Kiulu in the district of Tuaran got it name from a small river called ‘Kiulu.’ In the old days, travelers from up river usually stop at this river to have their lunch before continuing their journey. Firstly because the small river provided them with drinking water and secondly, growing on both sides of the riverbanks is a kind of bamboo locally known as ‘tulu.’ The same bamboo is used to make drinking glasses called ‘suki.’ There were no name for the river back then, and these travelers only refers to this stopping place as the river that have the ‘tulu’ or ‘Ki tulu’ and later it was just plain ‘Kiulu.’
Back to our mountain. Since ‘nabalu’ means ‘spirit’ or ‘spirit of the dead’ to most of the people who live around the mountain, naturally the mountain would be referred to a ‘ki nabalu’ meaning spirit exist or place that have spirit of the dead.

Sources: KDCA, written by © Lesaya Lopog Sorudim, http://kdca.org.my/archives/68
Photo courtesy: landscapephoto.info; lonelyplanet.com

Harvest Festival Series ~ Who is Huminodun?

"Who is Huminodun? The Unduk Ngadau of Kaamatan Beauty Queen"


That Kinoingan so loved the world that He sacrificed His only beloved Daughter, Ponompuan. This greatest love of all was the expression of Kinoingan’s purest love for mankind. Overwhelmed, they repented, genuflected and uttered prayers of thanks to Kinoingan, Sumundu and Ponompuan whom they now call Huminodun, (the transformed Sacrifice).

Photo Courtesy: Benny Liew Studio

Huminodun’s rusod (spirit) now lives in every plant. Huminodun’s rusod in paddy is regarded as Sunduan in status and is fondly called Bambarayon by Bobolians to denote the highest hierarchical position of this plant in the eyes of all Kadazandusuns




The Legend
“Unduk Ngadau” owes its origin from that part of Kadazandusun genesis story, which pertains to sacrifice of “Huminodun” – Kinoingan’s only begotten daughter. The legend went on to relate the following:
A long, long time age, the staple food of Kinoingan and his people was a type of grain called “Huvong”. One day, there was no huvong left to plant, nor other grains left for food. Kinoingan was so worried and felt very sorry for his people sufferings. It was said that Kinoingan sacrificed Huminodun, the only child to Kinoingan and Suminundu. She was the most beautiful maiden in her time, truly anyone who gaze at her lovely countenance would be transfixed and fall in love with her. She was also kind hearted and blessed with wisdom beyond her years.

Photo Courtesy: Benny Liew Studio

Huminodun was willing to be a sacrifice and be an offering to the great earth so that there will be seeds once agaon for planting and there will be food for the people. Kinoingan was deeply saddened, but seeing that there was nothing else he could do to dissuade her, Kinoingan went ahead and cleared the land for planting. Through his supernatural powers, he was able to clear such a large area over many hills without any difficulty. When the time came for planting, Huminodun was brought to the cleared plot. As she was leaving, one cold hear the pitiful wails of great sadness from Suminundu, her mother. It was not at all easy for Huminodun to leave her mother and likewise her mother letting her only child go. The young men who had fallen in love with Huminodun could not let her go either. Indeed, they too cried and begged her to change her mid. However, there was nothing anyone could do, Huminodun had decided that her father’s people came before her.

When she arrived at the cleared plot, she turned to her father and said: “Father, you will see that my body will give rise to all sorts of edible plants for the people. My flesh will give rise to rice; my head, the coconut; my bones, tapioca; my toes, ginger; my teeth, maize; my knees, yams and others parts of my body to a variety of edible plants. This way never again will our people grow hungry to the point of dying.”
“However,” Huminodun continued, “Do follow these instructions of mine for it will guarantee us a bountiful harvest. When you have strewn parts of my body all over this clearings, do not come and see me for seven days and seven nights. When the padi has ripened, and it is time for harvest, do not start the harvest without doing this; take seven stalks of rice (padi) and tie them to one end of a spliced bamboo stick and them, plant this stick at the centre of the rice (padi) field. Only after this may you begin your harvesting activities. Later, place this bamboo stick with the seven rice (padi) stalks in the rice (padi) storage container (tangkob) when you bring it home after the harvest. For your first day harvest, do keep them in a big jar (kakanan). And, Father, do not give away your first year’s harvest because the grains may become bad. You can only give away your harvest to others in the second year.” (That is why to this day, the Kadazandusun people do not give away their first years harvest.)

Kinoingan agreed to follow all her instructions. So it was that when Kinoingan sacrificed Huminodun, the whole world turned dark and there was awesome thunder and lightning.

That year, the people had never seen such a harvest. It was plentiful. Kinoingan had done as Huminudun instructed He also kept away the first day’s harvest in the kakanan and harvested the first seven stalks of rice from the rice plot. The seven stalks of rice represented Bambaazon, the spirit of the padi or rice.
As for the rice in the jar, the kakanan, on the seventh day a beautiful maiden miraculously stood up out of the big jar. She was referred to as Undul Ngadau, the spirit of Huminodun. It was said that this Unduk Ngadau was the one who instructed the first Bobohizan or Kadazandusun priestess in her prayers.
Therefore to this day, the Kadazandusun people have included the Unduk Ngadau Pageant as a grand part of their Kaamatan Festivals. It is a manifestation to the deep sense of respect and admiration that the Kadazandusun people have for the legendary Huminodun. It is a sacred title ascribed to Huminodun, to her absolute abedience to Kinoingam, so much so as to be a willing sacrifice for the sake of the father’s creation. “Unduk Ngadau” then is commemorative term in praise of Huminodun’s eternal youth and the total beauty of her heart, mind and body.

The term “Unduk ” or “Tunduk” literally means the shoot of a plant, which, in it most tangible description, signifies youth and progressiveness. Likewise, in its literal meaning, “Ngadau” or “Tadau” means the sun, which connotes the total beauty of the heart, mind and body of an ideal Kadazandusun woman. In essence therefore the “Unduk Ngadau” is a processual event of selecting from among the Kadazandusun beauties, one who would resemble the ascribed personality of “Huminodun”.

Sources: Kadazandusun Cultural Association,  http://kdca.org.my/archives/138

Harvest Festival Series ~ Huminodun The Mystical Origin of the Kadazandusun People



First, there was nothing but Kinoingan and Sumundu . Together, they created man and the universe, the earth, and everything seen and unseen, known and unknown. 
In the beginning, all was well in the Heavens, and the world was pure and beautiful. But one day, Ponompulan, Kinoingan’s son, rebelled against his divine father, and he corrupted the hearts and minds of the humans on earth.
Disappointed and angry, Kinoingan banished Ponompulan from the Heavens and cast him to Kolungkud . Then, to punish mankind for their sinful ways, Kinoingan sent seven plagues. The last plague was a severe draught, and famine threatened to destroy every living being on earth.
But at last, the people on earth realised their sin, and turned back to Kinoingan, to ask for forgiveness. Ponompuan, Kinoingan’s only daughter, entreated her father’s mercy to forgive the people of the world and consented to Kinoingan's proposal that she be sacrificed, as a symbol of the greatest love of all.


"Huminodun" representing the spirit of the rice harvest festival

Kinoingan sacrificed His only daughter so that the people could have food. Her body parts were planted as seeds and became the food resource of the world: rice. Ponompuan’s spirit dwells in the paddy, and is the seven-in-one Bambaazon (Bambarayon), the spirit of the paddy. Red rice is the most sacred of all, because it was from the flesh of Ponompuan. 

Ponompuan, who is often called Huminodun, is in essence the soul of the paddy. During harvesting time, the Bobohizans (Bobolians) usher the seven-in-one soul of Bambaazon to dwell in the Tangkob (Toguruon), at home, until the next planting season is due.

Bambaazon is embodied in every part of the paddy and its related products. During the course of its seasons it is inevitable that the paddy is damaged, be it naturally, unintentionally, innocently or through abuse and neglect. Also, during the harvest itself, parts of the spiritual components of Bambaazon are separated. Thus, it is of utmost importance that immediately after the harvest Bambaazon’s dispersed mystical spirits are collected by the spiritual specialists, brought home, re-united, healed and appeased.

The Bobohizans perform the Magavau, Modsuut and Humabot Ceremonies, travelling though the different levels of the spiritual world to rescue the severed and strayed Bambaazon. Whole again, Bambaazon will ensure that the next harvest is equally bountiful.

To thank Kinoingan for Bambaazon’s gift of a good harvest, the Pesta Ka’amatan (Harvest Festival) is held. The Kadazans forgive each other, restore and strengthen peace and harmony – not only on a worldly level, but also between nature and the spiritual world – and play the gongs, sing songs and dance to the ancient rhythm of life.

To commemorate the greatest love of all, Kinoingan’s sacrifice of His only daughter, the Kadazans idolise Huminodun and select the Unduk Ngadau (lit: zenith of the sun; Harvest Beauty Queen) in order to remember that Ponompuan was perfect: she was of total beauty of the heart, mind soul and body. 

Sources: after a text by Benedict Topin (Kadazandusun Cultural Association), and with excerpts from ‘Traditional Stone and Wood Monuments of Sabah’, by Peter R Phelan

Photo Courtesy: Benny Liew Studio

Harvest Festival Series ~ The Lungun, the Bobog and the Monkeys


The Lungun, the Bobog and the Monkeys

The Lungun (a type of bird similar to a stork) was watching at its nest one day and fell asleep, and while he was sleeping, monkeys came and pulled out all his feathers. Then the Lungun cried, for he could no longer fly in search of food. After a time his mate came and brought him food and asked him how he had lost his feathers. The Lungun explained how the monkeys had come while he was asleep, and that when he awoke they were plucking out all his feathers. After about two months the Lungun was able to fly, for his feathers had grown again. He thought and thought in what way he could revenge himself upon the monkeys, but he could find none.

One day, however, when he was walking about, he met the Bobog (a little tortoise) and he told him how the monkeys has stolen all his feathers and how he had not been able to fly for two months, and he asked the Bobog how he could take his revenge upon them.

“I will help you,” said the Bobog, “but you must go and hunt for a boat first.”
“What is the use of that?” said the Lungun, “I am not clever at rowing.”
“Never mind,” said the Bobog, “just get it, but it must be one with a good large hole in it.”

So the Bobog and the Lungun agreed to meet again in seven days, and the Lungun set out to look for a worn-out boat with a hole in it. He was not long in finding one, and at the end of seven days the Bobog and the Lungun met at the place where the boat was lying.

Then the Bobog crept into the hole so that the water could not get in anymore, and the boat started away down-stream with the Lungun standing on it. The monkeys saw the boat with theLungun on it, and called him, asking him where he was going. And the Lungun replied that he was going for a sail. Then the monkeys asked the Lungun if they might come with him. TheLungun replied, “Certainly,” for he recognized among them many of the monkeys who had pulled out his feathers. So the monkeys, twenty in all, got into the boat, and when they were enjoying themselves, drifting in the boat, another monkey called from a tree, and he and his companions, twenty-one in number, also got into the boat. Many other monkeys called to them, but theLungun would not let any more come on board, for he said that the boat would not hold more than forty-one.

When the boat had drifted out from the river into mid-ocean, it was struck by the waves, and theLungun told the monkeys to tie tails together, two and two, and sit on opposite sides so that it should not roll. The the monkeys tied their tails together because they wished to stop the rolling, but the forty-first monkey, who had no tail and only one hand, had no companion.

When they were all tied up, two and two, the Lungun called, “Bobog, I'm going to fly off.”
“Very well,“ said the Bobog, “I'll swin off too.”

So the Lungun flew up, and the Bobog coming out of the hole, the boat sank. Then the monkeys tried to swim, but could not do so because their tails were tied together. So the fish ate them, and the only monkey who escaped was the forty-first, who had no companion tied to him. As for the Lungun he flew away, saying, “Now you know what you get for pulling my feathers.”

Monday, May 14, 2012

Sabah Legend: Origin of Kota Marudu


(Kota Marudu on the red dot)
History

How did the they know how to spell Marudu, a name that exists in the map of year 1537? From where did Caspar Viegas can know? Perhaps he acquired the disclosures that as a result from shipping the Protugis who came to Brunei in 1526 (Don Jorge de Menezes) as well as western and northern coast of Sabah between 1527-1530?

In the meantime, this assumption can be supported further by the existence of a map dated 1540 Protugis. However, if referred to Antonio Pigafetta who recorded that the cruise of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, nor any mention made of any place names around the island except Cimbonbon Marudu Bay (now, Balambangan Island) which lies off the northern gulf.

(In the event of the annual district's festival: Corn Festival)


Investigation done

Marudu comes from the language of one tribe in Sabah. The word "MARUDU" comes from the people BALANINI, derived from the word "MAIRUDU" or MAIULUDU "which in Malay means" a position in there also. "Those who inhabit the Gulf of Balanini Marudu and Marudu fishing activities and water trade often sailed from Limau-limauan Kudat along the Marudu bay to Telaga Village Pitas. When they sailed back across the bay in Limau-limauan, they will go through or across a shortcut instead of Marudu Bay along the Marudu Gulf. Those who communicate in sea when asked where they are going they would answer "Mairu du" or "Mairu lu" or the Malay language means "there also" (referring to the geographical position Marudu Bay which forms a large bay environment). Sooner or later, the Mairudu term gradually shifted to the Marudu and mailudu to Maludu. Therefore, Western writers often refer Marudu as Marudu, Marudo or Maludu. While in the map-century Spanish Colonial 13 Marudu written as Maludu and believed to be among the oldest historical documents that record the names Marudu.

Typical village in Kota Marudu
(www.rumbiagallery.blogspot.com)

Marudu town was originally named Bandau. According to legend in this district, Bandau is derived from the word 'Mondou' from the Momogun Rungus  language [Kadazandusun] which means "king of all wild animals" who looked like a weasel. "Mondou" is believed at one time to be found by a man named Aki Rungsud Sudirman along the river. According to the Momogun Rungus language, the city comes from the word Marudu of the Momogun Rungus language of "Sindaat Mogkorudu" in which the area for nearly 100 years Bandau in Momogun Rungus (local calendar) was abandoned after the war involving Sindaat [Magic] launched by Aki Sook, a wizard of Rovusan . According to the legend of Momogun Rungus, Bandau was opened by Aki Rungsud as a barter system trading center in the past and at during the time of Aki Sook there was power struggle which occurred between the "Momogun Rungus", "Momogun Rungus Kirangavan Pilapazan" which results in the war of "Sindaat" [Magic]. After "Sindaat Mogkorudu Momogun" incident, the ancient barter trade center had been abandoned and vacant for almost 100 years after the calendar ritual and ceremony of "Managas Mamasi Pomogunan".

Marudu Bay Sunset 
( Photo courtesy: Brian Mun)



While the name Kota Marudu used to replace Bandau is in conjunction with the omission of a city / fortress which is located in the Bandau Bay. City or fortress Marudu is a city made of stones, soil and hard wood and thorn made by Shariff Osman and his followers to defend the city from the invasion of colonial British Company. Osman is a pirate and was actually termed a rebel by the British colonial government to smear the name of Osman syariff. According to Ds Ranjit Singh, the book COMMERATIVE ILLNESS OF SABAH 1881 - 1981, pp. 96, Syariff Osman was declared a pirate and a rebel by the Raja Muda Hashim (Brunei) and its allies Britain and James Brooke.  However, Syariff Osman was in reality a free government, Warrior, Protector of the People Marudu and not pirates. In urban areas, there are hundreds (perhaps thousands) of the tombs of the warriors who fought against the British colonialists and the Tomb of Osman and his son Syariff Syariff Merum. Osman Sharif tomb once had two tombstones that distance between them reaches 20 feet and is believed to extend to this day. This was once a guarded tomb and are placed with yellow nets but this time it was no longer managed and was abandoned.

GOSHEN river - Kota Marudu, Sabah
Simpangan River
(Photo courtesty: TicoTic)

According S.St.John in his book 'Life in the Forests of the Far East, London, 1863, pp.394-6 stated that the residents who live during the time of Shariff Osman, Chiefdom (Marudu or Maludu) there are approximately 50,000 people (in 1840's) and the main occupation is farming and fishing population.

Paddy fields and coconut trees during dusk
(Photo courtesy: Brian Mun)

Osman Syariff ws involved in the war against British colonial circa during the 1840's. Up to this day, it is known that Bandau first took the name Sindaat Mogkorudu [Marudu], which was established by Aki Sook who serves as the disposer of Momogun sins in religious rites of the religion of the ancestor of "Labus Momogun Rungus". Mogkorudu means "lament for the death". This legend continues to live in Momogun Rungus culture and people in Kota Marudu.

Adapted from: http://www.sabah.gov.my/pd.km/asal_usul_kota_marudu.htm
Photo courtesy: lotsoflove-pearls.blogspot.com; itzmefikqrie.blogspot.com/2012/04/map-of-borneo-tip-of-borneo-tgsimpang; http://www.flickr.com/photos/shatra78

Sabah Folklore ~ The Origins of "Nunuk Ragang": Apin-apin and Keningau




(Apin-Apin area & the illustration of its landscape below)


In Apin-Apin, like other places that opened before it, the the chief elder and magical rooster cannot stay for too long because underground people managed to trace them. As usual, the magical rooster flew the chief leader to another place farther in the interior of which was later referred to as Keningau. As usual, the rooster levelled the settlement ground. In that place was found many cinnamon trees which led to the place being named "Keningau" in Dusun / Kadazan language, which means 'cinnamon'.


(Keningau area & landscape from up the hill)

Not long in Keningau the magical rooster fell ill and died from old age then was laid to rest in a place there. Not long after, the chief elder of Nunuk Ragang also died from old age. With the death of them both who were hunted by the underground men,they stopped hunting them and became hostile to the people of Nunuk Ragang.

The death of the magical rooster and the chief elder of Nunuk Ragang caused the people to feel that they lost something precious. This was a great blow for them. Truly the magical rooster has given so much to the Dusun / Kadazan people by opening several settlements. If you notice, (even to this day) most of the places occupied by the Kadazan/Dusun people are in the hills and mountains that seem to have levelled. The people of Dusun/Kadazan truly believe in this story.

The Nunuk Ragang tree left by the Dusun/Kadazan people near the lake is said to have been cut down and destroyed by those underground men and is believed are ancestors to those from Tampias in Sabah.



Adapted from: Taha Abdul Kadir. Cerita Tradisi Sabah. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia : Pelanduk Publications (M) Sdn. Bhd. 1985. m/s 1-9.

Photo courtesy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:KeningauLocationMap.PNG;http://f1.ehive.com/3925/1/1qcs7kv_13q2_l.jpg; mohdzawi.blogspot.com

Sabah Folklore ~ The Origins of "Nunuk Ragang": Tambunan


As the land of Ranau was named for its "mud', the land was flattened out and the people followed the elder to open up a settlement there. They focused on activities such as planting crops and raising livestock such as chickens, ducks and pigs.

As for the underground people, the land still continues to feel very uncomfortable and doubtly lest people come back to Nunuk Ragang to revenge and attacked them. Then people from the underground to investigate and eventually they found out about the people of Nunuk Ragang in Ranau. So, they then planned to go there to destroy the people of Nunuk Ragang. Their arrival was detected by the magical rooster and even before they get to Ranau, the magical rooster flew the elder of Nunuk Ragang to another place with his followers and the place was known as "Tambunan".



In the new place as the magical male rooster then then helped with them by scraping persistently to level the land to be residential areas for the peopl of Nunuk Ragang. It is also eventually discovered by the underground people who become increasingly angry with the Nunuk Ragang people, especially towards the magical rooster, and they continue wish to get rid of it.


Kg. Moloson Tambunan - Tambunan, Sabah

(The landscapes of Tambunan, Sabah. 
Some say it is the mini "Switzerland" of Sabah. Only you can judge that)




As usual the rooster will crow every morning. Its crowing sound is very strong and can be heard until Ranau and other places at any distance where the rooster crows. According to the story, the crown of the roosterenabled the underground people to track the position of the rooster and the chief elder of Nunuk Ragang. A group of the underground men moved to Tambunan. As usual, the magical rooster would know of their arrival in advance and continue to fly the chief elder to another place called Apin-Apin. There, they opened a new settlement.

Since the underground people only had revenge towards the chief elder and the magical rooster of Nunuk Ragang, only half of them continued to hunt both down. While the others stayed back at the new settlement.

(Monument contributed to Gombunan in the Tambunan district of Sabah)


Because the chief elder was not able to stay in Tambunan and had to migrate to Apin-Apin, he appointed a deputy by the name of 'Gombunan' as the head of the Nunuk Ragang people there. The name Tambunan was named after their leader appointed by the ruler above. Furthermore, the new place (Tambunan) has not got his name yet at the time.





Adapted from: Taha Abdul Kadir. Cerita Tradisi Sabah. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia : Pelanduk Publications (M) Sdn. Bhd. 1985. m/s 1-9.
Photo courtesy: ja.wikipedia.org;lostborneo.wordpress.comhttp://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/Malaysia/East/Sabah/Tambunan/photo506232.htm, http://my.opera.com/sukku/albums/showpic.dml?album=357472&picture=5148691

Sabah Folklore ~ The Origins of "Nunuk Ragang": Ranau


The group of underground people then stayed in Nunuk Ragang. However, the underground people still believe that the the magical rooster and the elders of Nunuk Ragang still live there. They then take revenge on them at times too, so the underground people continued to devise ways on how to eliminate both of which are considered their enemy. The people of Nunuk Ragang with their elder and the magical rooster was always pursued by these underground people.

After some time, the underground people underground still could not succeed in overcoming the elder leader and the magical rooster of Nunuk Ragang. Finally, the underground men then settled in the area now known as the Tampias, which is in rural areas of the district called Labuk Sugut, Sandakan. It was also told that people from Tampias to this day are not very friendly with the Dusun / Kadazan people from the descendants of Nunuk Ragang.

These underground people are said that they used to be ordinary people, but has been cursed by the gods because they cause to much destruction on earth and they are sent to live in a big hole in the ground. They lived there and breeded after some time until they were released by the by the Nunuk Ragang gentle people.

Feelings of anger and hate by the underground people were endless towards the elder leader and the magical rooster of Nunuk Ragang. This made the magical rooster to fly the elder far into a mountainous region now known as Ranau.


With the magical power of the rooster, it levelled the land with its muddy feet and wings, persistently made that place a land to live in. Since then, the area is muddy taken after its original state, then named 'Ranau' meaning 'mud' in the Dusun / Kadazan language.



Adapted from: Taha Abdul Kadir. Cerita Tradisi Sabah. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia : Pelanduk Publications (M) Sdn. Bhd. 1985. m/s 1-9.

Photo courtesy: http://upload.wikimedia.org, pkgranau.edublogs.org

Sabah Folklore ~ Origins of the "Nunuk Ragang" : The Underground People





Rice planting season is an important event for all residents of Nunuk Ragang. One day, while the villagers were busy working in their rice fields on the hill, they heard voices calling coming from an underground well. The Nunuk Ragang people wondered with mixed feelings and anxiety, thus they informed the incident to their king. Finally, they held a meeting and reached a consensus, where they dug the earth from which they heard where the voices were calling. When excavated, they discovered a big hole underground. In it was packed with people who looked fierce.

The Nunuk Ragang people became more afraid, especially when they heard one of the leader, a man who was apparently very strong and rough. Then the leader said with a very loud voice like lightning, "Thank you ...... because of releasing us as this place feels good for us as we have been prisoned for a long time underground. Now you must go from here, if not we will destroy all of you! ......... "

Heeding the of underground man's words, the Nunuk Ragang people tried to save themselves by running away. This incident also caused the people of Nunuk Ragang to move away from their original place, and occupied other districts in the state. This story and the Ragang Tie story are from two different stories which tells us how people of Nunuk Ragang moved away from their place of origin.

Adapted from: Taha Abdul Kadir. Cerita Tradisi Sabah. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia : Pelanduk Publications (M) Sdn. Bhd. 1985. m/s 1-9.
Photo courtesy: ahroslanharahap.blogspot.com; aboutsabah.com

Sabah Folklore ~ Origins of " Nunuk Ragang": The "Ragang Tie" Epidemic


From day to day, the people of Nunuk Ragang grew more and more developed and became more populated. In the vicinity there were a few streams and this makes it a fertile and good agricultural area. The people of Nunuk Ragang lived in peace and harmony for a long time.

One day, Nunak Ragang was attacked "and harassed by" "Ragang Tie" (red wax). Ragang Tie cannot exactly be described in what form it looks like. It looks like a running water when viewed from a distance and sometimes those who see it as if it has behaves like a human. Oddly, the Ragang Tie brought disease to anyone who is touched it which is often fatal. In addition, Tie Ragang also results in destroying crops planted and killed livestock animals that came into contact with it.

(Illustration of the Nunuk Ragang)

As a result, large proportions of the Nunuk Ragang residents suffered pain which led to death; livestock and crops were destroyed by the pandemic. The people of Nunuk Ragang became very sad and worried. Finally, many of them left and moved to other safer areas to stay. Thus, they fragmented and was scattered all over the districts as indicated until today.

Adapted from: Taha Abdul Kadir. Cerita Tradisi Sabah. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia : Pelanduk Publications (M) Sdn. Bhd. 1985. m/s 1-9.
Photo courtesy: claire-innocent-artandcrafts.co.uk

Sabah Folklore ~ The Origins of "Nunuk Ragang"



It was told by folklore tellers that in the ancient days, there was a large and unusual tree in nature which grows near a deep lake. The lake is located near which is now a village in the district which is called "Lubuk Tampias Sugut" in Sandakan district. The tree mentioned earlier, was overall red in color, including the leaves. In the language of the Kadazan or Dusun the trees is called "Nunuk Ragang". "Nunuk" means the tree and "ragang" means red.

Also it has been told that at that time that place is not yet inhabited by humans. In general, the area where the Nunuk Ragang was, was covered by jungle inhabited only by wild beasts only. At that time there was a very large rooster, as big as a buffalo who lived there. Roosters are believed to have incredible magic.

One day the rooster was foraging for food. Then suddenly, came a handsome young man from the ground the rooster was foraging. The Roosters went on foraging and continued scratching the ground. Not long after came out a very beautiful girl. Both were taken and taken care by the rooster. Time followed, then they were wed together. Resulting from the marriage, the woman bore several sons and daughters. Their descendants became many and eventually the place was filled with more and more people. The descendants who came from the ground by the male rooster was referred to as 'The Nunuk Ragang' and is 'believed' to be the ancestors and the descendants of the Dusun or Kadazan natives.

(The elders of the "Nunuk Ragang" people)

The first man who emerged from the ground was appointed as the ruler in place by the male rooster. He ruled with the help of the male rooster. The rooster live high in red tree. Together with the red tree the rooster became the protector of people living there. The place is eventually named Nunuk Ragang trees named after a special red fig tree.
(Monument commemorating the "Nunuk Ragang" in Sabah)
Adapted from: Taha Abdul Kadir. Cerita Tradisi Sabah. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia : Pelanduk Publications (M) Sdn. Bhd. 1985. m/s 1-9.
Photo courtesy: ajinbgagah.blogspot.com; qhristine.blogspot.com

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Sabah Folklore ~ Why the Mosquito Makes a Buzzing Sound in Our Ears


Do you know why the mosquito is fond of buzzing in our ears? Well, here’s a story of why it does so.


Once upon a time, a handsome young man was lost in the forest. He had gone hunting but did not manage to leave the forest before nightfall. So he went to look for a good spot to settle in for the night. He chanced upon a big tree and went to sleep under it.

That night, mosquitoes came to attack him. But these mosquitoes decided not to do so when they saw that the young man was very handsome. Instead, they decided to tell their queen about the presence of this young man in the forest. The queen was very excited to learn about this handsome young man in the forest. She wants to see him for herself and flew in great speed to the spot where the man was. Seeing that he was truly handsome, she turned herself into a beautiful maiden with her magical powers. She tapped on the man’s shoulder to wake him up. What a surprise he had to find a beautiful maiden in the deep of the forest.” You are all alone here tonight. I see that you must have been unable to find your way in the dark. Come home with me and I will provide you some food and a place to sleep for the night,” said the maiden. The young man was so enchanted by her beauty that he did not think to ask her who she was. So he followed her back to her home.

They walked for a short while and came to a large and beautiful house in the forest. There the queen told her mosquitoes, which has also been transformed into humans, to prepare a meal for the young man. They young man enjoyed the delicious meal and drank the wine that the queen served him. The queen and her mosquitoes-servants were also drinking the wine and pretty soon, they were quite drunk.

But the young man was not drunk and he was wide awake. He saw that the queen and her servants were fast asleep in their chair.

So, he decided to have a tour of the house. He started walking about the house and wondered to himself that it was quite strange indeed to have this beautiful house deep in the forest. When he came upon a room, he had a tremendous shock! For in the room were seven large jars, which were full of blood! “Just who are these people?” he thought. “And what are these jars of blood doing here?” he wondered again. At that he became very frightened, for out in the forest, the only creatures he knew that would suck blood … are mosquitoes!

“These people must be mosquitoes! If I stay here, I would fall under their spell and never return home again. They will suck all the blood out of me too!” he thought to himself quickly. With that, he raced for the door. He will leave this enchanted forest at once! As he passed by his sleeping hostess, he decided to steal the queen’s earring as a souvenir. The queen’s earrings were sparkling under the lights of the dining hall. A quick move and he managed to slip off one of her earrings. He was not able to take off the other earring as the queen was asleep on her side.

As soon as that was done, he ran for the door without even looking back. He ran and ran until he reached the sea. And there he crossed the sea and crossed all the other seas until he felt safe – away from the queen and her mosquitoes.

Meanwhile, the queen woke up and found her handsome guest had gone. His satchel was gone and to her dismay, so were her earrings! She was enraged and ordered all her mosquitoes to search for them man and retrieve her precious earring. “Do not return unless you have found him! And when you do, I want you to suck him dry of his blood!” she commanded in her fury.
          
          The mosquitoes banded together and then went split ways. They covered all the vast areas and went over many seas but still they could not find the young man. Which is why today, the mosquitoes are still buzzing in our ears. They are probably investigating to see whether their queen’s earring is dangling on our earlobe. Till they find it, these mosquitoes will be ever so fond of buzzing in our ears!

Adapted from Kadazan Folklore, RITA LASIMBANG,
Nookuo Tu’ Mongonging O Togonok Doid Thoingo, 1999,
Natural History Publications (Borneo)

(Courtesy from: www.sabah.edu.my)

Translated versions:


Sabah Folklore ~ Warum uns die Mücke im Ohr herum summt (DE)
By, Margit Schaafberg
Germany

Weißt du, warum uns die Mücke so gerne im Ohr herum summt? Hier erfährst du, warum das so ist.

Es war einmal vor langer Zeit, da verlief sich ein hübscher junger Mann in einem Wald. Er war auf der Jagd gewesen und hatte den Wald nicht rechtzeitig wieder verlassen können. Also suchte er sich einen guten Ort, an dem er die Nacht verbringen konnte. Zufällig fand er einen großen Baum und legte sich darunter schlafen.

In der Nacht kamen die Mücken und wollten ihn angreifen. Aber dann beschlossen sie, es sein zu lassen, als sie sahen, dass der junge Mann so hübsch war. Stattdessen beschlossen sie, ihrer Königin zu erzählen, dass dieser junge Mann im Wald war. Die Königin war ganz begeistert, als sie von dem hübschen jungen Mann im Wald erfuhr. Sie wollte ihn selbst sehen und flog ganz schnell zu dem Ort, an dem der Mann war. Als sie sah, dass er wirklich hübsch war, verwandelte sie sich mit ihren Zauberkräften in ein schönes Mädchen. Sie tippte dem Mann auf die Schulter, um ihn aufzuwecken. Oh was war er überrascht, als er tief im Wald ein schönes Mädchen traf. "Du bist ja ganz alleine hier. Bestimmt hast du im Dunkeln den Heimweg nicht gefunden. Komm mit mir nach Hause und ich gebe dir Essen und einen Platz zum Schlafen", sagte das Mädchen. Der junge Mann war so verzaubert von ihrer Schönheit, dass er gar nicht daran dachte zu fragen, wer sie war. Und er folgte ihr nach Hause.

Sie gingen einige Zeit und kamen dann zu einem großen, schönen Haus im Wald. Dann befahl die Königin ihren Mücken, die sich auch in Menschen verwandelt hatten, etwas zu Essen für den jungen Mann zuzubereiten. Der junge Mann genoss das köstliche Mahl und trank den Wein, den ihm die Königin serviert hatte. Die Königin und ihre Mücken-Diener tranken ebenfalls von dem Wein und wurden bald ziemlich betrunken.

Aber der junge Mann war nicht betrunken, sondern hellwach. Er sah, dass die Königin und ihre Diener fest in ihrem Sessel schliefen.

Also beschloss er, das Haus zu besichtigen. Er ging in dem Haus herum und fragte sich, warum ein so schönes Haus tief im Wald stand. Als er ein Zimmer betrat, erschrak er fürchterlich! Denn in dem Zimmer gab es sieben große Krüge voll mit Blut! "Was sind das bloß für Leute?", dachte er. "Und warum gibt es hier Krüge mit Blut?", fragte er sich. Da fürchtete er sich denn die einzigen Lebewesen im Wald, von denen er wusste, dass sie Blut saugten, waren die Mücken.

"Das müssen Mücken sein! Wenn ich hier bleibe, verfalle ich ihrem Zauber und kehre nie nach Hause zurück. Und sie werden mir mein ganzes Blut aussaugen!", dachte er. Und so rannte er zur Tür. Er wollte den verzauberten Wald sofort verlassen! Als er an seiner schlafenden Gastgeberin vorbeikam beschloss er, den Ohrring der Königin als Andenken zu stehlen. Die Ohrringe der Königin glitzerten im Licht des Speisesaals. Mit einer schnellen Bewegung konnte er einen ihrer Ohrringe abziehen. Den anderen Ohrring konnte er nicht abnehmen, denn die Königin schlief auf der Seite.

Als er fertig war, rannte er zur Tür und sah sich nicht einmal um. Er rannte und rannte, bis er das Meer erreichte. Und dann überquerte er das Meer und alle anderen Meere, bis er sich sicher fühlte - fern von der Königin und ihren Mücken.

Inzwischen war die Königin aufgewacht und hatte festgestellt, dass ihr hübscher Gast verschwunden war. Sein Ranzen war verschwunden und zu ihrem Ärger auch ihre Ohrringe! Sie war wütend und befahl all ihren Mücken, den Mann zu suchen und ihre wertvollen Ohrringe zurückzubringen. "Kommt nicht zurück, bevor ihr ihn gefunden habt! Und wenn ihr ihn gefunden habt, werde ich ihm sein ganzes Blut aussaugen", befahl sie wutschnaubend.
         
          Die Mücken taten sich zusammen und flogen dann in unterschiedliche Richtungen auseinander. Sie durchsuchten alle Gegenden und flogen über viele Meere, aber sie konnten den jungen Mann trotzdem nicht finden. Und deshalb summen die Mücken auch heute noch in unseren Ohren. Vermutlich prüfen sie, ob der Ohrring ihrer Königin an unserem Ohrläppchen hängt. Und bis sie ihn finden, werden die Mücken gerne in unseren Ohren summen!

Sabah Folklore ~ Warum uns die Mücke im Ohr herum summt

Weißt du, warum uns die Mücke so gerne im Ohr herum summt? Hier erfährst du, warum das so ist.

Es war einmal vor langer Zeit, da verlief sich ein hübscher junger Mann in einem Wald. Er war auf der Jagd gewesen und hatte den Wald nicht rechtzeitig wieder verlassen können. Also suchte er sich einen guten Ort, an dem er die Nacht verbringen konnte. Zufällig fand er einen großen Baum und legte sich darunter schlafen.

In der Nacht kamen die Mücken und wollten ihn angreifen. Aber dann beschlossen sie, es sein zu lassen, als sie sahen, dass der junge Mann so hübsch war. Stattdessen beschlossen sie, ihrer Königin zu erzählen, dass dieser junge Mann im Wald war. Die Königin war ganz begeistert, als sie von dem hübschen jungen Mann im Wald erfuhr. Sie wollte ihn selbst sehen und flog ganz schnell zu dem Ort, an dem der Mann war. Als sie sah, dass er wirklich hübsch war, verwandelte sie sich mit ihren Zauberkräften in ein schönes Mädchen. Sie tippte dem Mann auf die Schulter, um ihn aufzuwecken. Oh was war er überrascht, als er tief im Wald ein schönes Mädchen traf. "Du bist ja ganz alleine hier. Bestimmt hast du im Dunkeln den Heimweg nicht gefunden. Komm mit mir nach Hause und ich gebe dir Essen und einen Platz zum Schlafen", sagte das Mädchen. Der junge Mann war so verzaubert von ihrer Schönheit, dass er gar nicht daran dachte zu fragen, wer sie war. Und er folgte ihr nach Hause.

Sie gingen einige Zeit und kamen dann zu einem großen, schönen Haus im Wald. Dann befahl die Königin ihren Mücken, die sich auch in Menschen verwandelt hatten, etwas zu Essen für den jungen Mann zuzubereiten. Der junge Mann genoss das köstliche Mahl und trank den Wein, den ihm die Königin serviert hatte. Die Königin und ihre Mücken-Diener tranken ebenfalls von dem Wein und wurden bald ziemlich betrunken.

Aber der junge Mann war nicht betrunken, sondern hellwach. Er sah, dass die Königin und ihre Diener fest in ihrem Sessel schliefen.

Also beschloss er, das Haus zu besichtigen. Er ging in dem Haus herum und fragte sich, warum ein so schönes Haus tief im Wald stand. Als er ein Zimmer betrat, erschrak er fürchterlich! Denn in dem Zimmer gab es sieben große Krüge voll mit Blut! "Was sind das bloß für Leute?", dachte er. "Und warum gibt es hier Krüge mit Blut?", fragte er sich. Da fürchtete er sich denn die einzigen Lebewesen im Wald, von denen er wusste, dass sie Blut saugten, waren die Mücken.

"Das müssen Mücken sein! Wenn ich hier bleibe, verfalle ich ihrem Zauber und kehre nie nach Hause zurück. Und sie werden mir mein ganzes Blut aussaugen!", dachte er. Und so rannte er zur Tür. Er wollte den verzauberten Wald sofort verlassen! Als er an seiner schlafenden Gastgeberin vorbeikam beschloss er, den Ohrring der Königin als Andenken zu stehlen. Die Ohrringe der Königin glitzerten im Licht des Speisesaals. Mit einer schnellen Bewegung konnte er einen ihrer Ohrringe abziehen. Den anderen Ohrring konnte er nicht abnehmen, denn die Königin schlief auf der Seite.

Als er fertig war, rannte er zur Tür und sah sich nicht einmal um. Er rannte und rannte, bis er das Meer erreichte. Und dann überquerte er das Meer und alle anderen Meere, bis er sich sicher fühlte - fern von der Königin und ihren Mücken.

Inzwischen war die Königin aufgewacht und hatte festgestellt, dass ihr hübscher Gast verschwunden war. Sein Ranzen war verschwunden und zu ihrem Ärger auch ihre Ohrringe! Sie war wütend und befahl all ihren Mücken, den Mann zu suchen und ihre wertvollen Ohrringe zurückzubringen. "Kommt nicht zurück, bevor ihr ihn gefunden habt! Und wenn ihr ihn gefunden habt, werde ich ihm sein ganzes Blut aussaugen", befahl sie wutschnaubend.
         
          Die Mücken taten sich zusammen und flogen dann in unterschiedliche Richtungen auseinander. Sie durchsuchten alle Gegenden und flogen über viele Meere, aber sie konnten den jungen Mann trotzdem nicht finden. Und deshalb summen die Mücken auch heute noch in unseren Ohren. Vermutlich prüfen sie, ob der Ohrring ihrer Königin an unserem Ohrläppchen hängt. Und bis sie ihn finden, werden die Mücken gerne in unseren Ohren summen!



Sabah Folklore ~ The White Crocodile of Pengalan


Once there was a very dry period in Sabah which lasted for three years. People could hardly find food or grow crops because the soil was too dry. All the streams had dried up, except for the Pegalan River which was also very low. Some people had built little huts on the river bank so that they could get water easily. They also fished in the river for food.

          Among those who came to live on the river bank was a poor old couple. Each day they went to the river to fish. Sometimes they had a good catch. Other times luck was just not with them. And when this happened, they had to go hungry for the day. One very hot day, they went fishing in the river as usual. They fished for several hours, but did not catch anything. Instead, on the river bank they found an egg which looked like a goose egg. They took it home, cooked and ate it. A few minutes later, their bodies began to itch. After a few days, white spots began to appear on their bodies. Their skin became very coarse and then they changed into crocodiles. But they had no tails! And they were white in colour!
          When this happened, they refused to leave their hut as they did not want the villagers to see them. After a week of not seeing them, their neighbors began to be suspicious. Thinking that something might have happened to them, the neighbors went to their hut to look for them. When they found the two crocodiles inside, they were shocked and wanted to run away. But the crocodiles assured them they would not be harmed and told the story about the strange egg. Still uneasy for their safety, the villagers suggested that the crocodiles should move into the Pegalan River.

          The two crocodiles realized they had no other choice but to leave. However, they wanted everyone to know that they were still their friends and they promised to protect the villagers from other crocodiles. In return, the villagers must promise not to kill crocodiles without good reason.

BY ANTHONY KALAWAT
(Courtesy from: www.sabah.edu.my)

Sabah Folklore ~ The Tale of Two Birds


In a deep valley surrounded by thick jungle, there was a little house in which a lonely orphan lived. In time, he grew up to be a strong and handsome young man. However, he was always sad for he had no friends to talk to. He felt as if he was the only person living in the whole wide world. Sine his parents died, he had not seen any living being other than wild animals in the jungle. He longed for his parents whom he missed and loved very much.

          One night, an old woman appeared to him in a dream. She asked him to fell a certain coconut tree not far from his home. So the next morning, he woke up early, took his parang and went to look for the coconut tree. When he found it, he saw that there was a bird’s nest perching on top of the tree. It took him a long time to fell the tree but he finally succeeded, he quickly took the nest. Inside were two beautiful nestlings. He took them home and made a very nice cage for them. He also fed them with little insects.

          As the days went by, the birds grew bigger and began to learn how to fly. One morning, the young man heard them talking. They asked him to go fishing in a small stream behind his house. In the afternoon, he went fishing and returned with two big fish. Upon seeing the fish, the birds volunteered to take them to a chieftain living not far from the house. But the young man refused to let them go for he feared they would not return. The birds promised not to fly away. In the evening, they returned with golden rings and earrings, as well as beautiful clothes presented to them by the chieftain’s wife. The young man was very happy.


          Sometime later, the young man caught another two very big fish. The birds were so pleased that they took them to the chieftain’s house immediately. Again, his wife gave them more presents. This time however, she asked them to have a bath in a small stream behind their house before they went back to the young man. So on their way home, the birds went for a little dip in the stream. As they came out of the water, they were changed into two beautiful young ladies. But they were very shy and did not know what to do. They went up the house and hid behind the door. The young man who was waiting at home did not hear them come in, for he was fast asleep. When he woke up and realized they had not returned, he was very sad. Taking his parang, he decided to go out and look for them. However, just as he was about to close the door, he saw the two young ladies hiding behind it. He was surprised and asked who they were. When he heard their fascinating story, he was so delighted that he invited them to stay with him. He also showered them with the presents he received from the chieftain’s wife.

          A few weeks later, a message was found on the door. It said that a young chief from a nearby village was coming to marry one of the ladies. In the meantime, the young man had asked the girl he loved most for her hand in marriage. Not long after their marriage, the chief came and took the other young lady away. But before they left, the chief used his magical power to change the little house into a big and beautiful mansion. The young man and his wife lived happily for the rest of their lives.

BY MARY GAKOI
(Courtesy from: www.sabah.edu.my)

Sabah Folklore ~ Tanaki


In a lonely village somewhere near Tambunan, there was an old woman who was believed to have possession of some very potent charms. For this, she was greatly feared by most of the villagers. This woman also had a son called Tanaki.

          At that time there was aterrible drought. It was so hot that even the water in the ponds and wells had completely dried up. All the crops had turned yellow. The soil cracked and was as hard as stone.

          Now, this old woman had asked her son to go into the woods to look for a stream. But he could not find any stream, so he cam home feeling hopless. Meanwhile, his mother several times tried calling the spirits for rain but to no avail.

          One night, while she was praying for rain, she heard a voice telling her that if she wanted water, she must offer her son to the spirit of the rain as a sacrifice. But she did not want to do that for she loved her son very much. However, as she looked around her and saw the sufferings of her people as a result of the drought, she realized she must do something immediately. After much thought, she decided to surrender her only son as an offering to the deity. With tears flowing down her wrinkled cheeks, she looked at her son’s sleeping face lovingly. It would be the last time she saw him, for the next morning when the sun rose, her dear son was gone. She called out his name several times. But he was nowhere to be seen. Then she remembered the spirit’s promise.

          As she stepped out of her house, she wondered what had possibly become of her son. Suddenly, she heard the sound of running water. To her surprise, there was a big stream in front of her house. Her sacrifice had not be in vain after all. In memory of her son the villagers named the new stream Tanaki. This stream is still flowing in Tambunan.

BY PAUL TOM
(Courtesy from: www.sabah.edu.my)

Sabah Folklore ~ The Tale of Two Suns


There was once a young couple who were very much in love. During their early married life, they spent all their time talking about having a prosperous family.
       
          In time, the wife became pregnant and gave birth to their first child. One morning, she had to go out to dry some padi from the barn. It was a good distance from their house. Before she set forth, she left word for her husband that she would not be back until midday for she also had some cleaning to do. When she reached the barn, the suns were already high and were very hot. In those days, there were two suns. They would rise at the same time and emit the same amount of heat. It is said that the amount of heat we get today is equal to that emitted by the two suns then.

          While the woman was spreading padi on the mat, the two suns became terribly hot. They were so hot that she had a stroke. The suns became still hotter. As she was lying on the ground, her stomach suddenly burst. Blood splashed all over her body and she died. Since the barn was quite far from her house, this terrible witnessed by anyone.

          Meanwhile, back home, her dear husband was wondering what could have happened to his beloved wife for it was past noon already but there was still no sign of her. He began to feel worried so he set out to look for her. As he approached the barn, he was surprised to see the door wide open. But there was no one in sight. He came closer and then he saw the horrible sight. There, in front of him was his wife’s dead body. He was so overcome with shock that for a moment he could not think or move. Then pulling himself together, he took her in his arms and cried aloud. He slowly carried her back to the house.

          That night, he tried to think what had possibly caused the death of his wife. It must be the two suns, he thought. If so, then he must confront them. In the morning, he took his best blowpipe and some darts, and set forth to find the suns. He walked for hours before he came to a spot where he could wait for the suns to rise. He waited anxiously. When the suns’ ray were just glimmering over the horizon, he took his best dart, and taking a careful aim, blew it towards one of them. To his relief, it struck one of the sun’s eyes. At that very moment, there was a sudden change in temperature. The earth became cooler. He uttered a loud cry in Kadazan, saying, Nah, nokohusi zou noh diozu do baino om purimono noh! (I have had my revenge and now feel it!). Relieved by the success of his vengeance, he decided to go home.

          Since then, the sun which was partially blind only shows up at night as our silvery moon. The other appears during the day and that is our lovely sun.

          When the villagers were told about what happened, they were very happy. They thanked the young man for making this world a more comfortable place in which to live.

BY NICHOLAS PALIKAT
(Courtesy from: www.sabah.edu.my)

Translation:

D'Etranges Jumeaux

Translated into French by Allison VUILLAUME
United States of America

Il était une fois à Sabah un jeune homme qui se cherchait une épouse. Il en chercha une dans son propre village mais n’en trouva aucune qui lui convînt. Il se rendit dans d’autres villages mais ne trouva aucune femme à son goût. Ceci commença à l’inquiéter et il décida de consulter la sorcière-guérisseuse.
“Je cherche une épouse mais n’en trouve aucune. Les dieux ne souhaitent peut-être pas que je me marie,” lui dit-il.
La sorcière-guérisseuse lui répondit: “Les dieux désirent que tu prennes une épouse mais ta femme vit à Papar. C’est là qu’elle t’attend.”

Le jeune homme se rendit à Papar. Il y vit une jeune femme qui lavait son linge près d’un puits. Elle était belle et il tomba immédiatement amoureux d’elle. Il la suivit jusqu’au village et alla directement chez elle.
En rentrant à la maison, la jeune fille dit à son père qu’un étranger l’y avait suivie.
Son père sortit de la maison et vit le jeune homme planté là.
“Pourquoi suis-tu ma fille et que veux-tu?” demanda le père.
L’homme répondit: “Je suis venu parce qu’on m’a dit que c’est ici que je rencontrerai ma femme. Quand je suis arrivé, j’ai vu votre fille près du puits. Je suis tombé amoureux d’elle et je l’ai suivie jusqu’ici dans l’espoir de l’épouser. A présent, j’aimerais avoir votre permission de l’épouser.”
A ces mots, le père fut très surpris.
Il dit à l’homme: “Entre et nous parlerons davantage de cette question.”
Le jeune homme était beau et honnête. Le vieil homme consentit à cette union et la jeune femme était heureuse aussi.
“Tu peux prendre ma fille pour épouse. Prends bien soin d’elle et assure-toi qu’il ne lui arrive rien,” lui dit le père de la jeune fille.
Le jeune homme promit de prendre soin d’elle. Le mariage fut célébré à Papar. L’homme y demeura pendant deux mois, puis il retourna dans son village avec son épouse.

Quand il arriva à Sabah, ce fut la fête au village. Les villageois furent surpris de voir comme sa femme était belle. Ils le félicitèrent de ce choix.
L’homme et sa femme vécurent heureux. Malheureusement, ils n’avaient pas d’enfants. Ils en étaient très attristés et se sentaient découragés. L’homme alla consulter de nombreuses sorcières-guérisseuses. Tous lui répondirent que sa femme n’était pas faite pour avoir un enfant.

Un jour, son épouse rencontra une amie qui lui donna des herbes. Elle prit les herbes et fut bientôt enceinte.
A cette époque, l’homme fit un rêve étrange. Dans son rêve, il vit deux étoiles. L’une était grosse et brillante, l’autre était petite et sombre. L’homme se demanda ce que ce rêve pouvait signifier. Il en fut très contrarié et en parla à sa femme.
Celle-ci lui dit : “Pourquoi ne vas-tu pas voir la sorcière-guérisseuse? Peut-être pourra-t-elle nous aider.”
Le jour suivant, l’homme alla voir la sorcière-guérisseuse. Il lui parla de son rêve.
“Ce rêve est un mauvais augure. Votre femme attend des jumeaux. L’un d’eux sera bien plus fort que l’autre. Le plus fort contrôlera toujours le plus faible.”
L’époux était vraiment triste. Il ne savait pas comment l’annoncer à sa femme. Il décida de n’en parler à personne. Dans ces temps-là, quand une femme donnait naissance à des jumeaux, on considérait cela comme maléfique.
La femme eut donc des jumeaux. L’un était normal, l’autre avait un long cou et des griffes au lieu des ongles. L’enfant normal était faible. L’autre marchait en crabe et les enfants du village ne l’approchaient pas.
Les parents aimaient beaucoup leurs enfants. Plus les années passaient, plus le garçon grandissait et sa mère s’affaiblissait. Un jour, alors qu’elle lavait le linge, elle tomba à terre et mourut. Son mari et ses enfants furent très tristes.
Il était alors coutume, quand une mère mourait dans le village, d’emmener ses jumeaux dans un endroit isolé de la forêt et de les abandonner à une mort certaine. Le père refusa. Il aimait trop ses fils.
Quand les villageois entendirent parler de ceci, ils vinrent voir le père.
Ils lui demandèrent: “Pourquoi as-tu gardé les jumeaux dans ta maison? Ils sont une malédiction pour ta famille. Tu dois suivre la tradition. Envoie-les loin avant que quelque chose de terrible n’arrive au village.”
Le père était très triste. Il emmena ses fils dans la forêt. Ses fils lui demandèrent de ne pas les abandonner. Le père accepta alors de rester avec eux. Ils marchèrent longtemps et arrivèrent à une grotte. Les anciens du village disaient que cette grotte se trouvait quelque part près du tunnel ferroviaire de Papar. Cependant, personne ne l’avait trouvée. Le père et ses fils restèrent dans cette grotte. Ils récoltaient des fruits dans la forêt et tuaient des animaux sauvages pour se nourrir. Le jumeau le plus fort s’occupait du plus faible.
Plusieurs années passèrent et le père se fit vieux. Il appela le jumeau le plus fort et lui dit: “Tu es plus fort que ton frère. Je suis devenu vieux. Tu dois toujours prendre soin de ton frère.”
Sur ces mots, l’homme mourut. Les deux frères pleurèrent longtemps. Le jumeau le plus fort prit grand soin du plus faible. Il allait chasser puis, de retour à la grotte, il préparait à manger pour son frère.

Un jour, alors que le jumeau le plus fort était à la chasse, un tigre entra dans la grotte. Il attaqua le jumeau le plus faible et le tua.
Quand l’autre jumeau revint et trouva son frère étendu sur le sol, mort, il fut pris d’une immense colère. Il partit à la recherche du tigre et le tua. Puis, il enterra son frère dans la grotte. Il était très triste et pleura pendant plusieurs jours. Il vécut dans la grotte jusqu’à sa mort.