The Mantra clan traces its ancestry to Mertang, the original magician, whose lineage stems from the union of Drop of Water and Clod of Earth. This ancestral myth highlights their conviction in the intrinsic connection between humanity and the natural elements.
In the Mollucas region, Earth is worshipped as a divine feminine being. During the west monsoon, she symbolically conceives through the celestial Lord Sun, embodying the cyclical rhythm of creation and fertility.
Among the Trojas community in Celebes, a dualistic perception of supreme powers emerges—the Man and the Maiden, symbolizing the Sun and the Earth respectively. This dualistic perspective encapsulates the equilibrium and order perceived in the natural realm.
The Dayaks of Borneo present an alternative viewpoint, attributing the genesis of the world to the cosmic union of Father Sky and Mother Earth. This belief resonates throughout the Malay world, reflecting the fusion of Sanskrit influences with indigenous Balinese traditions.
In Malay society, these cosmic beings transcend mere abstraction; they are revered entities invoked by both shamans and masters of shadow play. Before the enactment of epics like the saga of Rama and Sita, homage is paid to Father Sky and Mother Earth. Notably, within the shadow play, the performer embodies Vishnu, highlighting the interconnection between Hindu mythology and Malay cosmology.
In summary, the belief in Father Sky and Mother Earth serves as a fundamental principle uniting the spiritual heritage of the Malay people, fostering profound reverence for the cosmic energies shaping their existence.
The Cosmic Harmony: Malay Belief in Father Sky and Mother Earth
