Myths and realities, modernity and backwardness

Jakartans might appear relatively modern on the outside, flaunting their fancy techno doodads and strutting around in fashionable brand-name outfits. But deep inside, most still retain their old-fashioned superstitions and those are alive and well.

It is ok not to believe me. I was not really aware of how prevalent this kind of thing was either, not until my friend told me that I should never, ever give a handkerchief as a present.

As expected, my immediate response was, "Why? What's wrong with a handkerchief?"

"You should never do that. Giving a handkerchief will destroy your relationship. Believe me," she replied confidently.

Well, I did ask her to explain, but she could not come up with a single logical explanation, but instead just kept up the mantra, "trust me on this, will you. I know. I've been told about this by many people".

I guess this little myth is not very good news for handkerchief producers, but it did suddenly occur to me that in 30 years of my existence here, I never have received a single handkerchief as a present.

And that's not all. The same friend then went on to aver with great reverence, that perfume was also a big no-no, for the same reason; it will sour a good relationship with the person receiving the present.

"If you get perfume as a present, you have to pay him or her the full cost of it before you can take it," she said.

I decided not to question her on this one either because I was quite sure of her response.

But myths are all around us, like the air that we breathe.

When I was pregnant, I received so much "advice" from people around me on things I should and should not do.

"Don't buy anything until your pregnancy reaches seven months, or you might experience a miscarriage," advised one. "Never harm animals or the worst thing might happen to your baby," said another.

And that is not all. Another friend, who was sent to study abroad by his parents, confessed that his present name was not his birth name.

"Before, I was named Bima," he said. He was named after one of the strongest of the five Pandawa brothers in the Mahabharata epic.

He got his name changed at the age of six, after, according to his parents, he suffered from so many illnesses. For that, his parents had to take part in certain rituals (which included, changing his birth certificate).

There are many more myths around us, like when a couple want to get married, their parents will insist on finding "an auspicious date", and when someone experiences bad luck, he or she will be advised to hold a ruwatan ritual to ward off bad luck.

So when President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono disclosed this week he had been advised to slaughter 1,000 sheep and hold other rituals to prevent a repeat of earthquakes and disasters that have hit the country, it was no surprise.

Many myth believers think some rituals will put an end to the many disasters in the country.

A television show even interviewed an expert on Javanese history, who claimed the country was suffering because it was proclaimed on "bad" day.

The country has suffered a lot in recent months. After the Dec. 26 tsunami, another massive quake hit western Sumatra in March. Now, several of the country's volcanoes are showing significant activity, with one of them, Mount Talang in Solok regency in West Sumatra, spewing hot ash and gases.

If sacrificing sheep or holding other mystical rituals will put to an end all these sufferings, it might be an easy way out. But, who can be sure it will really work? I suppose being a President in this country is not easy, he or she does not only have to deal with realities, but also old-fashioned superstitions.

-- Stevie Emilia