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VERNACULAR PRACTICES/BELIEFS - Coggle Diagram
VERNACULAR PRACTICES/BELIEFS
List of superstitions in Brunei
Do not walk over food
This may in line with Islam because food is considered a blessing (
rezeki
)* so therefore we need to respect it
Soon to be bride/groom, pregnant women and women on post-natal care are discouraged to go out from their houses
From cultural points of view, this is to avoid getting disturbed by entities as their blood is seen "sweet". In Islam, pregnant women or those who are under post-natal care are prone to djinn disturbances. Therefore, it could be argued that they are aligned.
Do not point the rainbows
This may be viewed as "silly", but usually when parents told their children not to point to the rainbow, they make it sound as if it is a dangerous thing to do
When someone doesn't eat food (whether they don't want it or because they are full), they should perform "sia-sia pun" where they put their pointed finger on their forehead, nose and mouth 3 times. This is believed to avoid bad incidents as a result of not eating the food
This is more onto custom practices. In fact, not all ethnics in Brunei practice sia-sia pun. This is can be a bit questionable as the movement from forehead to mouth kind of imitates prayers movement from Hinduism and Christian
You must finish eating your rice or it will cry
Similar to respecting food, it may be in line with Islam because it is encouraged for people to eat what they prepared for. In addition, failing to finish your food may be considered as "wasteful"
However, the superstition that rice will cry is often regarded as "silly"
Do not lie on your stomach
This may in line with Islam as the prophet Muhammad discouraged his followers to lie on their stomachs.
Do not go out during Maghrib (sunset)
Relatable with Islamic perspectives as sunset time is where the djinn are mostly active. However, sunset time is also closer to prayer time.
What does superstition mean?
Oxford Dictionary defines superstition as "excessively credulous belief in and reverence for the supernatural."
Widely popular among locals, especially the elderlies
Shaped everyday experiences
usually relating actions to luck; some actions may produce good luck or bad luck
May not be in line with local religious beliefs
Often viewed as "ridiculous" or "outdated" by the younger generation
Done by:
18b0013 Zaliqah
18b0039 Balqis