The Malaysian Ghosts
|
Malaysia is an active cultural crossroads between the Orang Asli (aborigines) Malays,Chinese,Indians,Sabahan and Sarawakians and other minorities of the land converge ,interacting and assimilates in each other. This long history of collision creates a treasury of intercultural belief of ghost and ghost stories. A heritage that is uniquely Malaysian.
Note: There are more than 90 types of ghost in Malaysia. The illustrations below depicts some of these ghosts base on artist's own interpretation. New illustrations will be posted on daily basis. |
Hantu Jerangkung ( Skeleton ghost)
Hantu Jerangkung ,are spirits of murdered person, taking the form of skeleton corpses. It is believe that Jerangkung are summoned by shaman for purposes of protecting him or herself from harm,especially when being cursed upon by others. Jerangkung are graveyard ghosts and can only be called upon during a full moon.Once the spirit is resurrected, a jerangkung can cause harm to whomever's body they possess.
Ancient Ghosts
Hantu Jembalang Tanah ( Earth spirit)
If Hantu Hutan ( Jungle spirit) protects the jungle realm,the Hantu Jembalang, also known as Hantu Tanah is the enforcer. An ancient being, like the Jungle spirit and Mountain spirit, Jembalang will bring destruction to those who ravages the earth. Offerings are made by villagers and aborigines, whenever the soil is disturbed.
|
|
Hantu Hutan ( Jungle spirit )
Hantu Hutan,also known as Hantu rimba are spirit of the jungle.It is widely believed that the Hantu Hutan is the oldest and most powerful of all ghosts, and must be respected by all who enters its domain. Those who enter the jungle must always seek permission or make offering before cutting down trees, hunting animals,gathering fruits from trees or crossing paths.
Hantu Hutan protects the jungle realm, able to shape shift into anything including animal, plant,trees,insects, as well as human form. Among other ancient ghost that fall under this category are the Hantu Gua (Cave ghost), hantu laut ( Spirit of the Sea ), Hantu Keramat (Tiger ghost) and Hantu Gunung (Mountain spirit). These beings, roamed the earth long before the existence of mankind. |
Hantu Gunung ( Mountain spirit)
Hantu Gunung, are spirits that roamed the mountains. Just like the Hantu Hutan, they belong to the group of ancient ghosts that inhabits the earth before the coming of men. Powerful, Hantu Gunung are capable of causing landslides, avalanche and earthquakes when angered.They are the protector of the mountain realm.Therefore,climbers must be vigilant when hiking mountains. Hantu Gunung often take form of fog/mists, attempting to discourage hikers from climber further. Sometimes, they shapeshift into a beautiful woman, singing on the mountain peek,inticing and confusing climbers. There are often reports by hikers of voices, music and singing during expeditions.
|
Hantu Denai ( ghost of wild beast tracks )
Hantu Denai is the demon of hunting, an ancient ghost associated with the jungle.Preying on hunters,it lies in wait in the tracks left by wild animal.When opportunity presents itself, the Hantu Denai attack the hunter as he is following his prey. Hantu Denai intimidates its prey by transforming into a hideous creature, imitating sounds of wild animals to drive the hunters away from the forest.
|
Hantu Tinggi ( Tall ghost )
Hantu Tinggi, akin to the Hantu Galah are tall ghosts that resides deep within the forests. They are said to be so tall,that its head touches the sky. At this height, humans are only able to see the Hantu Tinggi from waist below. Sometimes,their feet are mistaken for a tree trunk.
The Hantu Tinggi grows taller as a person approaches it. Its supernatural abilities would grow stronger after it has gain its height. A direct eye contact with the being may cause severe illness. If threatened, the Hantu Tinggi grabs the person and immediately teleport them to some other nearby place where the person will land disoriented. To prevent from being attacked, walk directly at the Hantu Tinggi and do not look at it. If you do, your neck will be permanently tilted upwards. Stories about Hantu Tinggi are often told to children, not only as cautionary tale,but also to prevent them from climbing tall trees at night. |
Disease causing ghosts
Hantu Bisa ( Venomous Ghost )
Hantu Bisa, which in Malay means poison, are evil spirit associated with terminal illness. It is believed that Hantu Bisa harms the body of those who lingers outdoors at dusk or individuals who fancy taking cold bath after midnight. The body is most vulnerable when its cold and wet,allowing the evil spirit to enter with ease through their toes. Victim experience difficulty in breathing and severe pain throughout their body .One way to prevent the evil spirit from entering the body is either to sleep cross legged or cover the feet with cloth when sleeping.
Hantu Buta ( Blind ghost )
Hantu Buta are ghost that causes blindness and terminal illness to its victim. Hantu Buta or Ghost of Blindness are said to manifest in the form of a thin old man with large protruding eyes.
|
Hantu Cika ( Inflatable ghost )
Hantu Cika or Hantu Kembung are also ghosts that are associated with illness. They can cause severe colic to the abdomen as well as pain to the head of their victims.This normally happens on a cold night during or after rain. Elders who're outdoor during these times are more likely to be disturbed by Hantu Cika.
|
Hantu Bungkus (Bundle ghost)
Hantu Bungkus, or more popularly known as Hantu Pochong are graveyard ghosts, spirits of the dead.Arguable one of the more popular and feared amongst other ghosts in South East Asia,most notably Malaysians and Indonesians. The Hantu Bungkus appears as a bundle of white cloth ( the corpse in its shroud) to prey upon the living. It is said Hantu Bungku's shrouds would come alive and wraps the body of their victim until they suffocate. However, Hantu bungkus are more likely to disturb their victim rather than harm them.The bundle ghost, like the Chinese ghost, move either by by hopping or rolling on surfaces ( land/water) at speeds that are said to be as fast a speeding car. Anyone who's not strong spiritually or posses self confidence are more likely be disturbed by these ghosts. The Hantu Bungkus was, and still is popular amongst today's generation, that spawned stories in form of books, articles, comics, television programs and even made it to the silver screen.
|
Hantu Daguk ( Ghost of murdered man)
Certain clouds, when of very quaint or changing form are believed to be the ghosts of murdered men. Known as the Hantu Daguk, these ghosts would form mist on roads and highways, making visibility difficult for drivers.This may lead to accidents or worst,fatality.
|
Hantu Batu ( stone spirits )
Hantu batu or stone spirits are playful spirits that throw objects particularly stones and pebble. Harmless but annoying , Hantu batu are capable of throwing countless stones at an alarming pace. In villages, these type of poltergeist are notorious for causing rains of stones on to rooftops of houses.
Being territorial , they are prone to throwing stones at passing vehicles that invades their turf. So if you're driving on the road and suddenly felt as if the your car windscreen got hit by pebbles, they are likely to be the work of an angry Hantu Batu. |
Hantu Belian ( Tiger demon )
Hantu Belian, a spirit that takes on form of tiger. The word Belian originates from indonesia,an ancient word for shaman. Hantu Belian are powerful spirits invoke by shaman for healing purposes. Besides tiger, Hantu Belian is said to also take form of a bird.This bird is said to be like the raquet-tailed king crow that sits on the tigers's back. According to Malay culture, when a person runs Amuk, it is believed that an evil tiger spirit entered one's body causing heinous acts. Because of this deep rooted spiritual belief, Amuk is tolerated and death with the after effects with no ill will towards the assailant. |
Hantu Beruk ( Spirit of pig-tailed monkey)
Hantu Beruk is the demon monkey. Beruk being what is generally known as the coconut monkey, a domesticated pig-tailed monkey . It is sometimes suppose to take possession of dancers or performers,and enables them,whilst unconscious, to perform spontaneous acrobatic feats.
Invoking the hantu beruk was very common in the northern east of Malaysia (Kelantan and Terenganu). This is because the practice of traditional performances such as dikir barat,wayang kulit and makyong was part of villagers daily lives. Events like these, villagers come together as a community to socialize,participate and be entertained by the performances. It is during these performances that a hantu beruk temporarily enters the body of a performer ,allowing the spirit to take over and manipulate the movements of the performer, all the way till the end of the show. |
Hantu Bangkit ( graveyard ghost )
Hantu bangkit, are ghost of murdered person. These spirits, are prone to restlessness and malicious intent. It is believe that when a black cat jumps over a grave, it will resurrect the dead. Cats, particularly black ones are believed to carry tormented souls. In Sarawak, Hantu bangkit also known as Hantu Koyang possesses its own unique back story. It was said that long time ago, in a small village in Kuching, a villager had one time chopped down a big kedondong tree (or great hog plum) that was blocking sunlight to their kampong (village). There were spirits living in the old tree and this made it unhappy. The man and his future generations were cursed into becoming hantu bangkit when they died. This story has been passed down from one generation to the next and has become an urban legend . After funeral, everyone stayed home after dark, safely locking themselves in, as they knew the hantu bangkit will roam the kampung at night. |
|
|
Hantu Apu ( Mat Ghost )
Not much is being told regarding the Hantu Apu or 'mat Ghost', except that its considered a harmless and playful entity that enjoys being in the presence of a crowd. It is said that Hantu Apu appears at houses when a social gathering such as weddings or mass circumsicion is taking place. A shapeshifter, Hantu Apu normally disguises itself as traditional mat, made of woven pandanus leaves. It will only go away if people begin to sense or notice their presence. |
Hantu Bajang ( Civet Ghost )
Hantu Bajang or Civet Ghosts are mischievous spirits that roams the night and enjoys taunting children specially if they are still playing after dark.Sometimes,an encounter with a Hantu Bajang will result of that person being ill for weeks. Some say they take form of a Civet,while others a Polecat. It said that Hantu Bajang also appears during rain and produces sounds the resembles a child's cry during. So, if you ever listen carefully to the sound of the rain, you may hear the sound of a child crying.Thats when you know that a Civet Ghost is present. |
|
|
