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Brilio.net - Rice is a staple food that is highly respected by society. Parents in the past always taught their children not to waste rice. It is no wonder that many myths are told that rice that is thrown away will cry and complain to Dewi Sri (Goddess of Rice).
The goal is none other than to teach everyone to appreciate food and not to waste it. In addition, many believe that throwing away rice is disrespectful to the efforts of farmers who have worked hard to grow rice.
Rice is considered a symbol of sustenance, so wasting it is the same as inviting bad luck. This prohibition has become part of the culture that has been passed down through generations in families. The origins of this myth cannot be separated from traditional values that emphasize the importance of being grateful and appreciating blessings.
The stories that circulate are usually spiced with mystical stories to make them more convincing. Although it sounds simple, this myth is a reminder not to take more food than you can finish.
Here is the origin of the myth that throwing away rice can make someone cry, reported by brilio.net from various sources on Saturday (8/11).
photo: freepik.com/KamranAydinov
The origin of the myth that throwing away rice can make him cry is rooted in traditional values held by Indonesian society. This myth first emerged as a form of teaching to appreciate food, especially rice which is considered a symbol of prosperity and sustenance.
Parents often advise their children not to leave any rice, let alone throw it away, with the story that the remaining grains of rice will 'cry', intended so that through this story children have a sense of respect for the food on the table, because rice is considered the result of long hard work from the planting process to serving.
photo: freepik.com/jcomp
Historically, Indonesia is an agricultural country where most of its people depend on farming, especially rice farming. Therefore, rice is not only considered a staple food, but also part of the life and identity of the community.
In Javanese culture, for example, there is a belief that rice is a blessing given by Dewi Sri, the goddess of fertility and protector of rice plants. From this belief, throwing away rice is the same as not appreciating the blessings and efforts of farmers, so it can bring bad luck or bad fortune.
photo: freepik.com/jcomp
On the other hand, this prohibition also reflects moral and ethical teachings that are trying to be instilled in society. Parents convey this myth so that children do not overdo it in taking food and always finish what they have taken.
Throwing away food, especially rice, is seen as an act of disrespecting the blessings that have been given. Therefore, the myth of "rice cries if thrown away" is not actually meant to scare, but rather as a reminder for everyone to be wiser and not wasteful in consuming food.
(brl/lut)
