Godhong Jarak Gundhul
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.
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The leaves of the castor plant, also called white castor leaves by the people of Dusun Ledok and even Desa Sidorejo, are believed to protect against lightning, especially for farmers. In the past, farmers often used these leaves when going to the rice fields during the rainy season. They believed that placing a white castor leaf on their heads would prevent them from being struck by lightning. Today, this belief in the protective power of the castor leaves has spread to farmers in other regions as well.
The myth of the lightning-protecting power of castor leaves is believed to have originated from the story of Eyang Selayuda, a powerful figure from Ledok, who made Eyang Sarananya Seyeg his brother. One time, Ledok experienced a long period of rain accompanied by frequent lightning strikes. This situation made the villagers afraid to leave their homes, especially the farmers, who were forced to abandon their fields temporarily. As a respected elder, Eyang Selayuda did not remain idle while his community was trapped in fear.
It is said that to calm the people of Ledok, Eyang Selayuda used his power to catch the lightning mid-strike. Once held, the lightning became still. The lightning then spoke to Eyang Selayuda, saying, “I will not strike your descendants for seven generations. Therefore, give a sign for your descendants.” Upon hearing this promise, Selayuda replied, “The white castor leaf shall be the sign for my descendants.” After making this agreement with the captured lightning, Eyang Selayuda advised the villagers, “Whoever uses this sign—the white castor leaf—during rain will not be struck by lightning.”
From this story, even today, some people in Sidorejo, especially farmers, still believe in the words of Eyang Selayuda. They believe that by carrying or wearing a white castor leaf during rain, lightning will not strike them because it will recognize them as his descendants. This belief is often passed down by elders to their children, and some still maintain the belief, even if they no longer know its original story.