[240] The Dáyas of Borneo still hold particular kinds of birds in high veneration, and draw omens from their flight, and the sounds which they utter. One of the principal of these is a species of white-headed kite, which preys on fish, snakes, and vermin. Before the Dáyas enter on a journey or engage in any war, head-hunting, or indeed any matter of importance, they endeavour to procure omens from these kites, and, for this purpose, invite their approach by screaming songs, and scattering rice before them. If these birds take their flight in the direction they wish to go, it is regarded as a favourable omen; but if they take another direction, they consider it as unfavourable, and delay the business until the omens are more suitable to their wishes.—Transactions of the Batavian Society, vol. vii.
[241] The manner in which the mountaineers of the Súnda districts still spring and shout to the sound of this rude instrument, as already described, corresponds with this account; and on occasions of public rejoicings or ceremony, the native princes of the eastern part of the island frequently introduce a party of wild men, with dishevelled hair, and covered with leaves, shaking the ángklung, and shouting, springing, and distorting their limbs in the rudest manner: the object being to exhibit the original inhabitants, in contrast with what they have been rendered by civilization.
[242] Asiatic Researches.
[243] Kempfer's Japan, vol. i. p. 148.
[244] This history, which is written in the Mahomedan style of inspiration and prophecy, commences by a declaration on the part of Jáya Báya, that it is clearly ascertained, the island of Java will be annihilated in two thousand one hundred years from the date of its first existence; and after detailing every event, down to the Javan year 1743 (the present year, A.D. 1816), has the following extraordinary conclusion.
"The whole of the above chronological relation of events, from the first year to the present date, was written by the inspired Aji Jáya Báya, who himself lived about the year 800. What follows is a continuation of events which were foretold by him, and which are still to happen, viz.
"In the year 1801, Sura-kerta being no more, the seat of government will be removed to Katáng'ga, which being afterwards demolished, the seat of government will be removed in 1870 to Kárang Báya.
"In 1950, the seat of government will be removed to Kedíri, where it was of old. The Pringi people (Europeans) will then come, and having conquered Java, will establish a government in the year 1955. The Prince of Kling, however, hearing of the conquest and ruin of Java by the Príngis, will send a force which will defeat and drive them out of Java; and having given up the island once more to its Javan government, will, in the year 1960, return to his own country.
"On regaining possession of the country, the new Javan government will desert the former capital of Kárang Báya, as being an unlucky site, and remove it to Waríngin Kúbu, which is near the mountain N'gmárta Láya. This will take place in 2020.
"By the year 2100 there will be an end of Java entirely."