Pelesit is a type of familiar spirit in Malay folklore. It is believed to be a cricket or occasionally a grasshopper. The term “pelesit” literally means “buzzer” from the root word “lesit” meaning to buzz or whizz, as an insect does.
According to Malay animism, the belief in pelesit traces back to ancient times. It is said that these spirits are kept by females for the purpose of becoming more attractive to others. Pelesit is believed to have the power to make its owner popular and well-liked by others.
The pelesit is often compared to the bajang, another familiar spirit in Malay culture. However, unlike the bajang, the pelesit can only be kept by a female. It is also believed that the pelesit can be fed with blood from the tip of the fourth finger or with saffron rice. The spirit can also be forced to reveal the name of its owner through magical questioning.
Origins of Pelesit
Cultural Background
Pelesit is a type of familiar spirit in Malay folklore that is believed to have originated from the Malay animism belief system. The term “pelesit” literally means “buzzer” from the root word “lesit” meaning to buzz or whizz, as an insect does. It is generally depicted as a cricket, or occasionally a grasshopper, and is believed to be a powerful spirit that can cause harm to humans.
Mythological Roots
According to Malay folklore, Pelesit is created by a bomoh or shaman using black magic. The shaman would capture a cricket or grasshopper and then perform a series of rituals to imbue it with supernatural powers. Once created, the Pelesit would become the shaman’s familiar spirit and would carry out his or her bidding.
In some versions of the myth, the Pelesit is said to be the spirit of a person who has died a violent death. The spirit is then captured and bound to a cricket or grasshopper by a shaman, who uses it to exact revenge on the person responsible for the death.
Overall, the origins of Pelesit are deeply rooted in Malay culture and mythology. The belief in Pelesit continues to be a popular belief among many Malaysians, particularly those who live in rural areas.
Characteristics of Pelesit
Physical Description
Pelesit is a familiar spirit in Malay folklore that is generally depicted as a cricket or a grasshopper. The term “pelesit” literally means “buzzer” from the root word “lesit” meaning to buzz or whizz, as an insect does. Pelesit is usually small in size, with a length of only a few centimeters. They are often depicted as having black or brown bodies with long antennae and wings.
Supernatural Abilities
According to Malay folklore, pelesit has supernatural abilities that allow them to assist their masters in various ways. Pelesit is believed to be able to bring good luck and fortune to their masters, as well as protect them from harm. They are also said to have the ability to possess humans and animals, allowing them to control their actions.
However, pelesit is also believed to be capable of causing harm and mischief. They are said to be able to bring bad luck and misfortune to their masters’ enemies, as well as cause illness and even death. Pelesit is also believed to be able to possess humans and animals, causing them to behave in strange and dangerous ways.
In conclusion, pelesit is a fascinating creature in Malay folklore with both positive and negative supernatural abilities. Its small size and insect-like appearance make it a unique and intriguing character in the world of folklore.
Pelesit in Folklore
Pelesit is a type of familiar spirit in Malay folklore. It is generally a cricket or occasionally a grasshopper. The term literally means “buzzer” from the root word lesit meaning to buzz or whizz, as an insect does. They are also called Palasik.
Folk Tales
There are many folk tales associated with the Pelesit. One popular story tells of a woman who was given a Pelesit by a bomoh (shaman) to help her with her daily chores. The Pelesit was able to complete all of her tasks in a matter of seconds, leaving her with plenty of free time. However, the woman soon realized that the Pelesit was actually stealing from her neighbors and causing mischief around the village. She eventually had to return the Pelesit to the bomoh.
Another tale tells of a man who was given a Pelesit by a friend. The Pelesit was able to help him win every game of chance he played. However, the man soon became greedy and began to use the Pelesit to cheat others out of their money. He was eventually caught and punished for his actions.
Moral Lessons
The stories of the Pelesit often contain moral lessons about the dangers of greed and the consequences of taking shortcuts. They also highlight the importance of being content with what one has and not seeking to gain an unfair advantage over others.
In Malay folklore, the Pelesit is often portrayed as a mischievous spirit that can bring both good and bad luck to its owner. While it may be tempting to seek out such a spirit for personal gain, the stories of the Pelesit serve as a warning that such actions can have serious consequences.
Rituals and Summoning
Summoning Process
Pelesit is a supernatural being in Malay mythology that is said to be created from the tongue of a dead child. The summoning of Pelesit involves two rituals, both of which include the recitation of the correct incantations and biting off the tongue of a dead child. The tongue, if kept properly with the appropriate rituals, is what becomes the Pelesit.
Pelesit is known to attack their victims by entering the person’s mouth tail-first. Summoning Pelesit is not an easy task and requires specific conditions. Summoning ghosts is simple, but summoning Pelesit is different. The summoner must have the guts to perform the ritual, and the ritual must be performed at the right time and place.
Protective Measures
Pelesit is a dangerous supernatural being that can harm people, and therefore, it is essential to take protective measures before summoning it. The summoner must be well-versed in the rituals and should have a good knowledge of the supernatural being.
Before performing the ritual, the summoner should take a bath and wear clean clothes. They should also light candles and incense sticks to create a sacred environment. The summoner should also draw a protective circle with salt and recite protective mantras to keep themselves safe from the Pelesit’s attack.
In conclusion, summoning Pelesit is a complex and dangerous process that requires the summoner to take protective measures. The summoner must be well-versed in the rituals and must take necessary precautions before performing the ritual.
Pelesit in Modern Culture
Literature
Pelesit, a familiar spirit in Malay folklore, has been a popular subject in literature. In recent years, several books have been published that feature Pelesit as a central character. One such book is “The Girl and the Ghost” by Hanna Alkaf. The story revolves around a young girl who befriends a Pelesit and together they embark on a journey to find the spirit’s true identity.
Media and Entertainment
Pelesit has also made appearances in various forms of media and entertainment. In the Malaysian horror movie “Toyol”, a Pelesit is depicted as a small creature that is used by a witch to do her bidding. Similarly, in the TV series “Jangan Ketawa”, a Pelesit is shown as a mischievous spirit that causes trouble for the main characters.
Pelesit has also been featured in video games such as “DreadOut”, where it is portrayed as a malevolent spirit that haunts a school. In addition, Pelesit has been incorporated into various forms of art, including paintings and sculptures.
Overall, Pelesit continues to be a popular figure in modern culture, with its appearances in literature, media, and entertainment showcasing its enduring appeal.
Comparative Mythology
Pelesit, a familiar spirit in Malay folklore, is a type of cricket or grasshopper. The term “Pelesit” means “buzzer” from the root word “lesit” meaning to buzz or whizz, as an insect does. Pelesit is also known as Palasik.
Similar Entities in Other Cultures
Comparative mythology is the comparison of myths from different cultures in an attempt to identify shared themes and characteristics. The study of comparative mythology reveals that many cultures have similar entities to Pelesit.
In Hindu mythology, there is a similar entity called “Kutkutari,” which is a type of spirit that takes the form of a bird or insect. Kutkutari is believed to bring good luck to those who keep it as a pet.
In the Philippines, there is a similar entity called “Tikbalang,” which is a creature that takes the form of a horse with a human head. Tikbalang is said to be a mischievous spirit that enjoys playing pranks on humans.
In Japanese mythology, there is a similar entity called “Kodama,” which is a tree spirit that takes the form of a small, humanoid creature. Kodama is believed to bring good luck to those who encounter it.
Overall, the study of comparative mythology reveals that many cultures have similar entities to Pelesit, which suggests that there may be universal themes and characteristics in human mythology.