Indonesian culture is rich with various beliefs and superstitions. One of the most popular is the belief in the “pocong.” Pocong is a ghost that is said to be wrapped in a white cloth from head to toe, with only the eyes visible. The pocong is believed to be the soul of a deceased person who has not been properly buried according to Islamic tradition. But what is the story behind the pocong? Why is it so popular in Indonesian culture?
Source: bing.comThe Origin of the Pocong
The origin of the pocong can be traced back to the Islamic belief that the soul of a person who has passed away will roam around the earth until the funeral rites are properly observed. In Indonesia, it is believed that if the funeral rites are not done correctly, the dead person’s soul will not be at peace and will return to haunt the living. This is where the pocong comes in.
According to legend, the pocong is the soul of a deceased person who has not been properly buried. The white cloth wrapping the body is actually the shroud used to wrap the deceased person’s body during the funeral. The pocong is said to be trapped in this shroud and cannot escape until its soul is set free through proper burial.
The Appearance of the Pocong
The pocong is known for its distinctive appearance – a figure wrapped in white cloth with only its eyes visible. The reason for this appearance is said to be because of the shroud used to wrap the body during the funeral. The cloth is tied tightly around the body and if the deceased person’s soul is still trapped inside, it will have a hard time moving around. This is why the pocong is depicted as hopping instead of walking.
It is also believed that the pocong is blind and can only sense the living through their scent. This adds to the fear and mystery surrounding the pocong, making it a popular figure in Indonesian horror stories and movies.
The Fear of the Pocong
The fear of the pocong is deeply ingrained in Indonesian culture. Many people believe that encountering a pocong is a sign of bad luck or impending death. This fear has led to various superstitions surrounding the pocong.
One such superstition is that if you see a pocong, you should turn your clothes inside out to confuse it. Another is that you should sprinkle salt around your house to ward off the pocong. Some people even believe that you should stay indoors during the month of Ramadan to avoid encountering the pocong.
The Pocong in Popular Culture
The pocong has become a popular figure in Indonesian horror movies and TV shows. It is often depicted as a vengeful ghost seeking revenge on those who have wronged it in life. The pocong is also a popular figure during the Indonesian holiday of Ramadan, where people reenact the pocong’s hopping movements in a traditional game called “lompat pocong.”
Despite the fear surrounding the pocong, it has become a beloved part of Indonesian culture. It is a reminder of the importance of respecting the dead and properly observing funeral traditions.
In Conclusion
The pocong is a fascinating figure in Indonesian culture. Its origins can be traced back to Islamic beliefs about death and the afterlife. Its distinctive appearance and hopping movements have made it a popular figure in horror movies and TV shows. Despite the fear surrounding the pocong, it is also a reminder of the importance of respecting the dead and properly observing funeral traditions.
