The Enchanted Brahman’s Son

            In the city of Radschagriha there lived a Brahman by the name of Devasarman. His childless wife wept bitterly whenever she saw the neighbours’ children. One day the Brahman said to her, “Dear one, stop your grieving. Behold, I was offering a sacrifice for the birth os a son when an invisible being said to me in beauty and virtue, and good fortune shall be his.”

            After hearing this, the Brahman’s wife was overjoyed, and she said, “Such promises must come true.” In the course of time she became pregnant and gave birth to a snake. When her attendants saw it, they all cried out, “Throw it away!” However, she paid no attention to them, but instead picked it up, had it bathed, and filled with a mother’s love toward her son laid it in large, clean container, fed it milk, fresh butter, and the like, so that within a few days it had reached its full growth.

            Once when the Brahman’s wife witnessed the wedding feast of a neighbor’s son, her eyes clouded over with tears, and she said to her husband, “You treat me with contempt, because you are not making any effort at all to arrange a wedding for a my dear child!”

            When he heard this, the Brahman said, “Honored one! To achieve that I would have to go to the depths of hell and beseech Pasuki, the King of Snakes, for who else, you fool, would give his daughter in marriage to a snake?”

            Having said this, he looked at his wife with her exceedingly sad face, and for the sake of her love and in order to pacify her – he took some travel provision and departed for a foreign land. After travelling about several months he came to a place by name of Kukutanagara. There, as evening fell, he was received by an acquaintance, a member of his caste. He was given a bath, food, and every necessity, and he spent the night there.

            The next morning he took leave and was preparing to set forth once again, when his host said, “What brought you to this place, and where are you going now?”

            The Brahman answered, “I have come to seek an appropriate bride for my son.”

            After hearing this, host said, “If that is the case, then I have a very appropriate daughter. I have only respect for you. Take her for your son!” Acting upon these words, the Brahman took the girl, together with her servants, and returned to his home city. However, when the inhabitants of this region saw the girl, who was beautiful, gifted, and charming beyond comparison, they opened their eyes wide with love for her, and said to her attendants, “How could you deliver such a jewel of a girl to a snake?”

            After hearing this, all of her companions were horrified, and they said, “She must be rescued from the murderer set up by this old Brahman.”

            Hearing this, the maiden said, “Spare me from such deception, for behold:

            King speaks but once. The virtuous speak but once. A girl is promised in marriage but once. These three things happen but once. And further: No even wise men and gods can change the decrees of fate. And moreover, my father shall not be reproached for his daughter’s falseness.”

            Having said that, and with the permission of her attendants, she marriage the snake. She showed him proper respect, and served him milk and similar things.

            One night the snake left his large basket, which was kept in the bedroom, and climbed into his wife’s bed. She cried out, “Who is creature, shaped like man?” Thinking it was a strange man, she jumped out. Shaking all over, she tore open the door and wanted to rush away, when the snake said, “Dear one! Stay here! I am your husband!” To convince her of this, he once again entered the body that he had left in the basket, then left again. He was wearing a magnificent diadem, rings, bands, and bracelets on his upper and lower arms. His wife fell at his feet. Then together they partook of the joys of love.

            His father, the Brahman, had arisen earlier than his son, and saw everything. He took the snake skin, which was lying in the basket, and burned it in the fire, saying, “He shall not enter it again.” Later that morning, filled with joy, he presented his son to his family. Vitalized by unending love, he became an ideal son.

Gawai Dayak

            Gawai Day or Gawai Dayak, is a festival celebrated in Sarawak. It is both religious and social occasion. Gawai Dayak literaly means “Dayak Festival”. Dayak visit their friends and relatives on this day. Those far away receive greeting cards. The mode of celebrations varies from place to place.

            The festival is celebrated on the 1^st of June every year. However, it actually starts on the evening of 31^st of May. Gawai Dayak celebration may last for several days.

            On the evening of 31^st of May, the ceremony to cast the greediness spirit away (Muai Antu Rua) is held. Then, offering ceremony (miring) is conducted. Thanking gods for the good harvest, guidance, blessings and long life is done through sacrifice a cockerel. At midnight spirit welcoming procession (Ngaluh Petara) is held. Then, the celebration gets merrier as people start singing and reading poems.

            On the 1^st of June, the homes of the Dayaks are opened to visitors. Cock-fighting, blowpipe skill demonstration, and ngajat competitions are held. It is also during this time of the year that many Dayak weddings take place. Today, it is an integral part of Dayak social life. It is a thanksgiving day marking good harvest and a time to plan for the farming season or activities ahead.

Lake Toba

            There are many tourist resorts in Indonesia. One of them is Lake Toba in North Sumatra. It is the largest lake in the country, about 75 kilometers long and 25 kilometers wide, with a large island in it, the island of Samosir. It is not too difficult to get to the lake. An excellent road, partly winding through the mountains, links it with Medan the capital of the province. A taxi will easily cover the distance in three and half hours. Medan it self only two hours flying time from Jakarta.

            Lake Toba is situated in a mountainous area, 900 meters above sea level. Thus it has a pleasant climate. A hotel of international standard found at Prapat, is on the east bank. People who wish to get away from modern comforts Western ways can find accommodation at more modest places.

            What has Lake Toba to offer to the traveler from distant places? It is really worth visiting? First of all, there is the beautiful grandeur of nature. The mountains around the Lake, the mountain streams, the forests, and the island in the lake, all possess a beauty which is a challenge imagination. Relaxing on boat, watching the tops of the mountains or the clouds above, creates sensations of contentment rarely felt before. Those who are more actively may find enjoyment in water-skiing, rowing, or exploring the island.

            Ethnologist may care to study the people and their customs, language, social culture, and so on. The large family houses have always been one of the greatest attractions for visitors to the region.