[3] The rice-spoon is a favourite weapon against spirits of evil, v. Maxwell in J.R.A.S., S.B., No. 7, p. 19, which describes how a woman in travail is armed with a [rice-] spoon during an eclipse. [↑]
[4] Pĕngiran Chĕmcha, which I translate Prince Rice-spoon, appears to be a mock title of Bornean origin. Thus we read that “Pĕngiran” or “Pangeran” is the title of the four Ministers of State (wazirs) in Brunei, one of whom was called Pĕngiran Pamancha, of which the present name (Pĕngiran Chĕmcha) looks like a corruption.—J.R.A.S., S.B., No. 20, p. 36. [↑]
[5] Inverted (I was given to understand), by way of symbolising the vault of heaven—a good example of sympathetic magic. [↑]
[6] For other superstitions about the cat, vide pp. 190–192, infra. [↑]
[7] The mĕranti is a fine hard-wood forest tree. [↑]
[8] i.e. “May we be well sheltered.” [↑]
[10] The proverbs referred to are to be found in the collections of proverbs sent by Mr. Maxwell to Nos. 1, 2, and 3 of the Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. The numbers are consecutive.
4. Apa guna-nia merak mengigal di hutan?
“What is the use of the peacock strutting in the jungle?”