Tag: nasi pulut kuning

Jambalang Wayang

~ The Koboi Project



Among the spirits propitiated in the Pokok Pauh Janggi performance were the Jambalang Wayang (spirits of the stage). An offering consisting of nasi pulut kuning (glutinous rice), daun sireh (betel leaf), and a soft-boiled egg was presented on an old ceramic plate. At the start of the performance, the egg was broken open, the offering was brought to the panggung on a tray and placed to the rear of the performance area, between the two cushions. Koboi lit a red candle and placed in the glutinous rice offering (nasi pulut kuning) while crying out,

Aku minta’ ampun juga kapada sagala Jambalang Wayang!
I ask forgiveness from the spirits of the Wayang!

Wayang Kulit Kelantan in 1956

~ The Koboi Project

Some aspects of my Pokok Pauh Janggi performance were gleaned from this early cinematic record of Kelantanese Wayang Kulit from 1956.

  1. The puppets are painted only on one side – the side viewed by the Tok Dalang, so that he might be inspired during the performance.
  2. There is a blessing of the panggung (puja) with kemenyan (benzoin resin), food offerings and incantations (mantra).
  3. The puja involves a food offering consisting of telur rebus, nasi pulut kuning, daun sireh and a lighted candle on a ceramic plate.
  4. Bomoh and Dalang sit together during the upacara membuka panggung.
  5. The bomoh covers his head by draping his head cloth (destar) over himself at the climax of the ritual.