Cultural dispatches from Sidorejo

Every year during Ruwah, on Friday Kliwon, the residents of Padukuhan Ledok believe a spiritual tiger passes through their village. No one knows its appearance, only its roar is heard. Bu Siti, one resident who has both heard and seen the tiger, believes it will not harm anyone and is merely visiting, as the elders say. From these experiences, the story of the “Passing Tiger” (Macan Lewat) in Padukuhan Ledok was born.

During the colonial period in western Yogyakarta, the warok—local warriors known for their strength—resisted the colonizers and hid in the forests. Two Islamic scholars, Kyai Jo Tirto and his brother Kyai Udan Mongso, joined them, teaching Islam and helping establish a settlement called Kwarakan. They later became the founders of two cemeteries, while Kyai Jo Tirto’s children continued spreading Islam in the region.

The leaves of the castor plant, also called white castor leaves, are believed by the people of Dusun Ledok and Desa Sidorejo to protect against lightning, especially for farmers. This belief originates from the story of Eyang Selayuda, a powerful figure who once caught lightning and designated the white castor leaf as a sign for his descendants. Even today, some people still believe that using this leaf during rain will protect them from lightning strikes.