Myths and Taboos in Karangkamulyan Village, Ciamis
Kampung Kuta in Ciamis is also known as the “Village of a Thousand Taboos.” Similarly, Karangkamulyan Village, located in Cijeungjing District, Ciamis Regency, has a plethora of prohibitions and myths that are still believed by some residents to this day.
The abundance of myths and taboos in Karangkamulyan Village is closely tied to the history of the Galuh Kingdom. In Karangkamulyan, there is the cultural site of Ciung Wanara, which is said to be a remnant of the Galuh Kingdom.
Karangkamulyan Village is situated along the National Road connecting Ciamis to Banjar City. Travelers heading east from the western regions to Central Java will inevitably pass through Karangkamulyan Village.
The village head of Karangkamulyan confirmed that there are many urban legends, myths, and taboos in the area, which are still adhered to by some residents. Examples include the prohibition for Kedungcaung hamlet residents from eating bebeong (baung) fish and the restriction on building multi-story houses near the cultural site.
“These urban legends, myths, and taboos are ancestral legacies that have become part of our history and local wisdom. These prohibitions from our elders carry valuable lessons and meanings,” he explained.
Here are some of the myths and taboos in Karangkamulyan Village:
1. Prohibition on Multi-Story Houses
Residents of Karangkamulyan hamlet are prohibited from building multi-story houses. It is said that those who violate this taboo will face misfortunes such as illness or even death.
Believed or not, this myth has been widely accepted by the locals. Most residential houses in the area surrounding the Ciung Wanara Cultural Site in Karangkamulyan are single-story. Although there are two or three multi-story houses, many of them have been abandoned.
The philosophical reasoning behind this myth is to remind the people of Karangkamulyan to remain humble and avoid arrogance, as building a tall house might symbolize pride or haughtiness.
2. Prohibition on Eating Bebeong (Baung) Fish
Residents of Kedungcaung hamlet in Ciamis refrain from eating bebeong (baung) fish. According to the myth, consuming this fish will bring misfortune.
Bebeong (baung) fish, a type of freshwater catfish from the Citanduy River in Ciamis, is believed to have many benefits. However, the people of Kedungcaung choose not to eat it, fearing calamities or bad luck.
The myth is deeply rooted in Kedungcaung’s community and has been passed down for generations. Even those who have moved away from the village refuse to eat this fish. Violators are believed to suffer from skin conditions resembling water-borne infections or face financial difficulties.
“It’s true that the original residents of Kedungcaung, even their descendants, have never eaten bebeong fish. They fear skin rashes and financial hardships,” a local confirmed.
3. Prohibition on Expanding Buildings to the West
Another taboo in Karangkamulyan prohibits expanding buildings toward the west, even if there is available land. Violators are said to bring misfortune to their families.
“In our village, you are not allowed to extend your house toward the west. It is believed to invite misfortune. To this day, most residents avoid building westward, although other directions are permissible,” said a resident.
4. Prohibition on Removing Rice Field Boundaries
Residents of Karangkamulyan are forbidden from merging or removing rice field boundaries, known as galengan in Sundanese. Although the reason is unclear, this taboo has been upheld by many in the community.
It is said that those who remove or merge field boundaries will fall ill. This belief is backed by anecdotes of individuals who experienced ailments such as breathing difficulties after violating the taboo.
“People here are advised not to remove galengan (rice field boundaries),” said the village head.
5. Prohibition on Catching and Keeping Perkutut Birds
Residents are also prohibited from capturing or keeping perkutut (zebra dove) birds. These birds were believed to be protected during ancient times, and anyone violating this taboo is said to face illness or misfortune.
Aside from these prohibitions, other urban legends are also prevalent in the community, such as the belief that fire stoves should not face west, bathing in the Cipanyipuhan Well brings blessings, and lifting the Batu Pamangkonan stone at the Ciung Wanara Site can lead to success.
All of these myths and taboos are part of the cultural narrative in Karangkamulyan Village. Whether one chooses to believe or not depends on their individual perspective.
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