222 Journal of the F.M.S. Museums. [Vol. VII, 



river ; but, if it is on a small side-stream, a cord, from which 

 rags are suspended, is frequently stretched from bank to bank. 



Nowadays only a one day's bela kampong is allowed at 

 Pianggu and the prohibitions with regard to persons arriving 

 at, or leaving, the village are no longer in force. 



It appears that bela kampong on the Endau is performed 

 rather with a view to keeping the local spirits of the soil in a 

 good temper, and gaining their aid against invading evil, than 

 with a view to banishing troublesome and evilly disposed 

 supernatural beings, a not uncommon practice in many parts 

 nf the Malayan region, and one which is resorted to on the 

 Endau if epidemic disease appears, when the villages are 

 placed under a seven days' tabu, and spirit-ships launched. 

 These are supposed to carry away the haittu (spirits) which 

 are causing the trouble. 



I mentioned the custom of the yearly purification of 

 villages by means of spirit-boats to the Pawang of Pianggu 

 and he said, "Lain pawang. lain adat" (other Pawangs, other 

 customs). 



I obtained very few details with regard to the ceremony 

 proper, but it appears that the Pawang makes a round of the 

 village, collecting small offerings of food from each house- 

 holder, and that towards evening on the third day he places, 

 or hangs, these in the jungle, asking the spirits to accept the 

 presents made to them, and to protect the village throughout 

 the ensuing year. 



