Selebrita Siang On The Weekend I Sejarah&Mitos - Warga Lamongan Pantang Makan Lele | 22 Agustus 2021

Summary

The video delves into the cultural and mythological significance of the catfish (lele) in Indonesian folklore, particularly focusing on a well-known legend from Lamongan. The myth, stemming from the teachings of Sunan Giri, tells of a sacred encounter between a local figure, Joko Luwuk, and the catfish, which led to a generational ban on consuming lele in Lamongan. The script explores the intertwined nature of history, religion, and belief, revealing how this ban has persisted for generations. While some continue to believe in its consequences, others view it as mere folklore, with the myth remaining a part of local tradition.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lele (catfish) is a popular freshwater fish in Indonesia, known for its slippery body, flat and elongated shape, and distinct whiskers around its mouth.
• 😀 Lele is highly nutritious and considered a staple in Indonesian cuisine, often served as Pecel Lele, a dish believed to originate from Central Java or Lamongan, East Java.
• 😀 A myth suggests that people in Lamongan avoid eating lele due to a historical event involving Sunan Giri, a member of the Walisongo, and a mystical event with an enchanted keris (sword).
• 😀 According to the myth, a sacred keris was left behind by Sunan Giri in the house of a woman named Mbok Rondo Barang, which led to a series of events involving a legendary figure, Joko Luwuk.
• 😀 Joko Luwuk, a disciple of Sunan Giri, swore never to eat lele after it helped protect an antagonist (Baya Pati) during a chase in a river filled with lele, which led to his escape.
• 😀 The myth, passed down through generations, has created a strong taboo against consuming lele in Lamongan, with people believing that eating it could result in serious health issues like skin diseases.
• 😀 The health consequences of breaking the taboo are believed to include skin irritation, itching, or the appearance of white spots on the skin, which some associate with lele’s fins.
• 😀 The myth and taboo surrounding lele consumption are linked to local beliefs, including the historical significance of lele in the culture of Lamongan, where the fish was considered sacred.
• 😀 The existence of ancient inscriptions like the Jayanegara and Wa Lambangan stone tablets suggests that lele was once revered, with some believing the fish held spiritual importance for the region’s early inhabitants.
• 😀 Over time, some people in Lamongan have stopped believing in the myth, while others still strictly adhere to it, reflecting a divided attitude towards the cultural and health-related implications of eating lele.

Q & A

What is the origin of the dish 'Pecel Lele'?

The dish 'Pecel Lele' is believed to have originated from Central Java. However, there are also claims that it comes from Lamongan, East Java, where it is widely served on the streets.

Why do the people of Lamongan avoid eating catfish (lele)?

The avoidance of eating catfish in Lamongan is based on a myth related to a historical event. It is believed that Joko Luwuk, a disciple of Sunan Giri, swore never to eat lele after it protected an enemy from a deadly attack, and this oath was passed down through generations.

What historical figure is connected to the myth about catfish in Lamongan?

The myth involves Joko Luwuk, a disciple of Sunan Giri, who made a vow not to eat catfish after it protected an enemy, leading to a local tradition of avoiding the consumption of catfish.

What was the consequence of breaking the taboo on eating catfish in Lamongan?

Those who break the taboo are believed to suffer from health problems, such as skin diseases like rashes or white spots, which are said to resemble catfish fins.

How is the story of Joko Luwuk and the catfish linked to a larger religious and cultural context?

The myth is not just a local legend but is tied to the religious and cultural practices of the region, reflecting beliefs about respect for ancestral oaths and the consequences of defying them.

Is there any historical evidence to support the myth about Joko Luwuk and the catfish?

While the myth is deeply ingrained in local culture, historical evidence is mixed. The discovery of the Jayanegara inscription from the 13th century, which mentions the worship of a sacred fish, may be connected to the belief in the sacredness of the catfish.

What is the significance of the Jayanegara inscription in relation to the myth?

The Jayanegara inscription, found near Lamongan, mentions the worship of a sacred fish, which some believe could refer to the catfish. This reinforces the idea that the catfish was considered sacred by ancient Lamongan society.

What role does the myth of the catfish play in the community's beliefs and practices?

The myth plays an important role in shaping community beliefs, particularly in how the people of Lamongan perceive their heritage and respect for the ancestral oath. It is a part of their cultural identity, even if some people no longer believe in its supernatural consequences.

How has the belief regarding catfish consumption changed over time in Lamongan?

While many people in Lamongan still adhere to the belief and avoid eating catfish, others no longer follow the myth, treating it as a mere story or superstition and enjoying catfish dishes without fear of consequences.

What are the possible origins of the term 'lele' and its connection to the mythological figure, Kali?

The term 'lele' may have connections to 'Kali', a name referring to the goddess Durga in Hindu mythology. Kali is associated with death, and the catfish might have been seen as a symbol of death or the afterlife, reinforcing the idea of its sacredness in Lamongan.