The Cocoa-nut Palm
The following instructions to be followed by toddy-collectors (who tap the
Cocoa-nut palm for its juice, which is boiled into sugar) were given me by a
Kelantan Malay (’Che ʿAbas of Klanang):—
“When you are about to set foot against the base of the trunk (i.e. to start
climbing) repeat these lines:—
“Peace be with you, O Abubakar!
Drowse not as you keep watch and ward in the heart of this tree (umbi).”Here climb half-way up and say:—
“Peace be with you, Little Sister, Handmaiden Bidah,
Drowse not as you keep watch and ward in the middle of the trunk,
Come and accompany me on my way up this tree.”Here climb up among the leaf-stalks, lay hold of the central shoot, give it three
shakes, and say—
“Peace be with you, Little Sister, Youngest of the Princesses,
Drowse not as you keep watch and ward over the central shoot,
Do you accompany me on my way down this tree.”