THE SOWING OF THE RICE-SEED
The ceremony to be observed at the sowing of the rice-seed was thus described
to me by the Pawang who performed the reaping ceremony described below:—
“First arrange four poles upon the ground, so as to form a rectangular frame
(galang dapor), in the middle of the clearing. Then plant in succession at the
four corners—
“1. A young banana-tree.- A plant of lemon grass (sĕrai).
- A stem of sugar-cane (of the kind called lanjong).
- A plant of saffron (kunyit).
Perform the operation carefully, so that they are all likely to live.
“In the centre of the ground enclosed by the frame deposit a cocoa-nut shell full
of water.
“Early next morning go out and observe the omens. If the frame has moved aside
(bĕrkuak) ever so little, or if the water has been spilt, it is a bad omen. But if not,
and if the water in the cocoa-nut shell has not been spilt, or if a black ant (sĕmut)
or a white ant (anei-anei) is found in the water, it is a good sign.
“When good omens have been obtained, proceed by planting rice-seed in seven