Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Batak Religion


Before the entry of religions to the Land of Batak (Moslem in 1820s and Christioan in 1850s), Batak’s society has particular religious belief, named Malim as theirs ugamo (religion).  Parbaringin and Pelbegu/Pelebegu  is part of Malim, where Parbaringin as the priest of an agricultural rituals and Pelbegu/Pelebegu is a kind of spirits worship.  The adherent of Malim called Parmalim (the pious).


Malim believing and worship the highest God, Ompu Mulajadi Na Bolon as the great creator of universe, earth and its contents, including human.  Ompu Mulajadi Na Bolonas supreme ruler, that does not begin and ending (na so marmula jala na so marujung), reigns from the highest level in the heavens (hundul di tatuan, di ginjang ni ginjangan, di langit ni parlangitan).

Parmalim is forbidden to eat (subang) dead animals (not slaughtered or hunting), porky, dogs, and blood.  Specified based on parhalaan (Batak’s Calendar) they required “magorom” (fasting/lent).  Currently the Malim referred to as “the Batak’s belief (as culture not a religion).

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