Betel Leaves
in Balinese Tradition
Mr.I
Made Darmayasa
MA
student in Indian Studies Program
RILCA,
Mahidol University, Thailand
Chewing
betel leaves, commonly known as menyirih, is one of the unique habits owned by
some tribes in this earth planet. Balinese people are also having this habit
called “nginang” It’s quite difficult to find ones doing it nowadays but this
habit at least is still done by priests and spiritual people in Bali.
In
chewing the betel leaves, the leaves are not chewed alone, in fact some
companions are mixed together like areca nut and lime (lime that is processed
from skin shell, different than the material used for building a house).
Another companion is gambir which is got from the extract of leave and stem of
gambir tree (uncaria gambir). From som sources it’s known that gambir is added
lately as companions and not as the main part of chewing process. Papua
community is not using gambir in chewing.
In
past time every house in Bali had asset of chewing compartment called “pabuan”
along with the unique knife to cut the areca nut and the stem of leaves. Betel
leaves as well as the complete companions neatly stacked inside the “pabuan” is
an important dish to serve to the guests in a ritual traditional occasion.
Though
it looks just as a light habit however chewing betel leaves has health
advantages. Betel leaves has antiseptic function, kill germs and bacteria. Lime
has the function to Keep the teeth strong and avoid the teeth plaque. Areca nut
has a good influence in digest process, anti-parasite and worms. Areca nut has
an enzyme to stimulate passion. Gambir has the function to avoid sprue and
dysentery.
Betel
leaves are also used by Balinese community in the form of “banten” (an offering
to God). There is always a small portion of betel leaves in every banten in the
form of “porosan”.
Porosan
is the main facor arranged inside banten. From the name :porosan”. Taken from
poros, it has the meaning as focal/main part of banten made from small piece of
betel leaf, a small slice of areca nut also lime. “Porosan” has the philosophy
meaning as the symbol of Tri Murti (God). Betel leaves symbolize Visnu, areca
nut symbolizes Brahma and lime is for Isvara/Civa.
“Base
tubungan” is the complement of “banten” made from some leaves of betel after
filling up with areca nut and lime rolled them together and put inside the cone
shape called “kojong” which is also made from betel leaf.
If
the position of rolled betel leaf is turned pu-side down, the tip of the leaf from
one roll will be equal to the end of another roll hence this “banten” element
is called “base tulak” which can be found inside “banten Byakala”
There
is another one also called “base tampel” or “base tampelan”. It’s a symbol of a
praying person. Consisting of 2 betel leaves; one is filled by areca nut as
well as lime and another one is as the layer/base. Betel leaf consists of areca
nut and lime then is folded and tied with “semat” (bamboo tied). Used in “banten
daksina”. Peras”, etc.
“Lekesan”
is two leaves filled with lime and ganbir rolled with “benang tukel” (string
from cotton with white color). Areca nut and clove are kept next to it in a
separate place.
Combination
of betel leaf, areca nut and lime is believed to have a high spiritual power
and able to prevent the negative power from supernatural world. Inside the Book
of Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rawuh is told that He put the “ganten” (the betel
leaf chewing) in four directions of Gading Wani village to send away “bhuta
kala” (low level spirits that disturb human being).
Balinese
people also believe that betel leaves can be functioned as a talisman/charm. Particularly
the form where in the two leaves are met. It is used by keeping it inside the
pocket when meeting with particular person or the superior one. While negotiating
or looking for life partner. As a talisman, it should be used wisely and in
special condition. It’s like a knife or weapon made for goodness but it can be
dangerous in the wrong hand.
As
a medicine, betel leaves can be used to cure the sore throat or cough by having
5 betel leaves, squeeze them, add 5 spoon full salt then boiled with 1, 5 liter
water. Suggest to use soil or ceramic pot to boil since the reaction of salt
and metal could result rusty which is dangerous for human body. Five minutes
after boiling, it can then be used as mouthwash by heading up position, mouth
opens and exhale the throat air to the mouth. Do it carefully so that water
will not go inside the lungs. Do the mouthwash without drinking it in the
morning time. Afternoon and evening till the sore throat is gone.
Publisher
and Contact
Centre for Bharat Studies, Research
Institute for
Languages and Cultures of Asia ,
Mahidol University,
Phutthamonthon 4 Road, Nakhonpathom
73170,
Thailand
Tel : 02-800-2308-14 Ext 3505
E-mail : bharatmahidol@gmail.com
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