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..::The Sunken Longhouse of Patau::..
Long time ago, people believed in all kinds of superstition. They worshipped the trees, rocks, the stars and even the moon. Many of the people believed that if they did not give sacrifices to the devil and evil spirits, they won’t be left in peace and will suffer. One may laugh at their beliefs, but the people of Patau in Tambunan point to a swamp as a testimony to the truth of their beliefs.
The swamp was where a longhouse once stood. The people of this longhouse practiced a strange kind of custom. They would send their children to a remote place deep in the jungle and these children would then be called children of the devil. In this manner, the people worshipped the devil and practised all kinds of strange ceremonies. Even women and children were sacrificed to the devil.
One day, a stranger came to the village. When he saw what was going on, he thought, “I will take up residence and change the people. The devil worship has to stop!” He stayed in the village and become friendly with the inhabitants of the village. He helped them and even joined them in their devil worship ceremonies. This, however was just to win their trust and friendship.
Some time later, the people of the village decided to choose a new leader. One of the elders said, “Let the stranger be the leader among us. He has helped us. He is wise too.” So the stranger was appointed to be the leader.
The stranger met a beautiful girl in the village and married her. They had two children. They were very happy. However, the man’s mind was never at peace. He wanted to change the people from their diabolical worship.
He summoned the people one day and told them, “From now onwards, we shall stop sacrificing our women and children to the devil and the evil spirits.”
Everyone was surprised. Some were even shocked. “This cannot be. They will not leave us alone. The evil spirits will haunt us and there will be no peace in the village.” they commented.
The stranger told the people not to fear. “The devil is not as strong as we think he is. If we are united and not afraid of him, we should have no problems.”
The people listened to their new leader and obeyed his words. They stopped sacrificing their woman and children. Happiness and joy came to the village.
