Note 109 — Chapter VI · Magic Rites as affecting the Life of Man

A jugful of eagle-wood (gharu) and sandal-wood (chĕndana) water is then prepared, a small piece of each wood being taken and grated on a stone over the jug until the water becomes appreciably scented; about twenty leaves of the sweet-scented pandanus (pandan wangi) are then added, together with a bunch of fragrant areca-palm blossoms, and other scented flowers, such as the champaka and kĕnanga, which are shredded (di-iris) into a wooden tray and mixed together, whilst fragrant essences, such as rose-water (ayer mawar), lavender water (ayer labenda), attar of roses (minyak attar or turki) are added when obtainable. A betel-leaf tray containing all the articles required for chewing betel is then prepared, together with a new mat of pandanus-leaf, in which are rolled up five hasta109 of white cloth, and a brass bowl or alms box, in which latter are to be placed the contributions (sĕdĕkah) of the deceased’s relations. The preparations are completed by bringing in the bier (usongan), which has to be made on purpose, except in towns where a bier is kept in the mosque.