Journal of the Federated Malay States museums - Sabrizain.org

222 Journal of the F.M.S. Museums. [Vol. VII,
river ; but, if it is on a small side-stream, a cord, from which
rags are suspended, is frequently stretched from bank to bank.
Nowadays only a one day's bela kampong is allowed at
Pianggu and the prohibitions with regard to persons arriving
at, or leaving, the village are no longer in force.
It appears that bela kampong on the Endau is performed
rather with a view to keeping the local spirits of the soil in a
good temper, and gaining their aid against invading evil, than
with a view to banishing troublesome and evilly disposed
supernatural beings, a not uncommon practice in many parts
nf the Malayan region, and one which is resorted to on the
Endau if epidemic disease appears, when the villages are
placed under a seven days' tabu, and spirit-ships launched.
These are supposed to carry away the haittu (spirits) which
are causing the trouble.
I mentioned the custom of the yearly purification of
villages by means of spirit-boats to the Pawang of Pianggu
and he said, "Lain pawang. lain adat" (other Pawangs, other
customs).
I obtained very few details with regard to the ceremony
proper, but it appears that the Pawang makes a round of the
village, collecting small offerings of food from each householder,
and that towards evening on the third day he places,
or hangs, these in the jungle, asking the spirits to accept the
presents made to them, and to protect the village throughout
the ensuing year.