The Origin of Danau Laut Tador

The Power of Tador's Tears: Do Not Neglect Your Children

Edisi Indonesia >> Asal-usul Danau Laut Tador

Folklore from North Sumatra

Once upon a time, in a village, there lived a husband and wife who were farmers. Tador, their son, was born. Tador's grandparents looked after him because his parents had to go farming. He was raised by neighbors who had no children after his grandparents died.

Until, at the age of ten, the neighbor who looked after him moved away from the village, leaving Tador alone at home all day. Because the fields were far away and Tador was considered too young, his parents were hesitant to take him there.

Despite his disappointment, Tador complied and spent his days playing with his friends. Tador discovers new things while playing in his village. Tador improved his swimming, tree climbing, and fishing skills as a result of his diligence.

Tador, on the other hand, kept all of his abilities hidden from his parents, promising to reveal them when he was old enough. This is because Tador's parents forbade him from doing anything dangerous for the sake of his only child.

Tador told his father and mother about his abilities when he was considered mature enough, at the age of twelve. Tador's parents, however, were upset because he never told them and accused him of lying. Because he is still considered a child, Tador is not allowed to assist his father and mother in the fields. Tador was also left alone at home while his parents went to the farm.

Soon after, ahead of the month of Ramadan, the village of Tador will hold marpangir, which is a shared bath with a mixture of flowers and spices followed by a communal meal. Tador's family intends to cook chicken curry and papaya vegetables to share with the riverbank residents.

Tador was extremely happy because this was his first marpangir; in previous years, he had been prohibited from participating, unlike other children in his village. Tador was delighted to assist his parents in getting ready, but on the appointed day, Tador became ill and his body temperature became high. He could only lie down, but deep down he wished he could join the marpangir.

Tador's body was weak and getting weaker as he tried to get up. His father and mother were puzzled as it approached noon and the rice and side dishes had been prepared. Finally, his father and mother said, with a heavy heart, that they would still go to the marpangir without Tador. They reasoned that because Tador was used to being left alone at home, it was fine to leave him alone. Tador was sad and disappointed to learn this; he had hoped to go marpangir like other kids his age.

Tador was in tears when he realized his parents were leaving without him. The mother persuaded the father to carry Tador and join them. His father, however, refused because he was concerned that Tador's illness would worsen. They eventually clashed, and the sound of his parents arguing exacerbated Tador's cries.

Tador couldn't stop crying despite his parents' efforts. Eventually, the mother became angry. Tador's mother rushed to tell his father to leave right away, leaving Tador in a locked house. Tador was still crying in his bed, his body limp and unable to move. No one heard his cries because the entire village had apparently left for the marpangir.

His strength eventually ran out. Despite this, Tador's tears continued to fall, wetting his clothes and the bed on which he slept. Tador was unable to hold back his tears, and his body was becoming weaker. Her tears couldn't stop falling because her sadness was so intense. 

Tador's parents and the villagers celebrated the marpangir elsewhere. The joy they feel causes them to lose track of time until dusk arrives. They then return home, overjoyed by the excitement of the fasting month. When they arrived at the village gate, however, they were astounded to discover that their village was under water. Houses and livestock were also lost.

Tador's mother and father were troubled because they couldn't find their only child. Tador's tears have drowned his village, but his body has vanished. The flood waters rose further, and residents screamed as they saw their village flooded without rain or storms.

"The sea! The sea!" they shouted, giving a warning because their vast village was already filled with water like an ocean.

Meanwhile, Tador's mother and father continued to call out the child's name out of desperation and guilt.

"Tador! "Tador!" they cried, hoping the child would answer.

This resounding call of people who saw the rising floodwaters that formed like the sea in the village is now known as Danau Laut Tador, or the Lake of Tador Sea.

This folklore then serves as a reminder that God has entrusted children to parents and that they should not be neglected.

Moral Message:

The story of Lake Tador Sea teaches a valuable lesson about the responsibility parents have toward their children. Children are a gift from God that must be cared for and treated with love. Neglecting a child's feelings and needs can lead to unforeseen consequences. Just like Tador, whose deep sadness and tears drowned the entire village, parents must listen to their children, respect their desires, and give them the attention they need, as childhood is a precious time that should never be overlooked. 

Did you know?

Marpangir is a traditional bathing ritual practiced by the people of North Sumatra, particularly ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The word "Marpangir" is derived from two words: "Mar" and "Pangir." In the Indonesian language, "Mar" functions similarly to the prefix "Ber," which is used to form verbs or adjectives. Meanwhile, "Pangir" refers to "Ramuan," meaning ingredients or herbal concoctions.

For the Marpangir ritual, natural ingredients such as pandan leaves, ylang-ylang flowers, vetiver, and coconut dregs are dried and then boiled to make an aromatic and purifying mixture. This herbal water is then used for bathing.

Traditionally, Marpangir is performed either alone at home, in public baths, or in communal Marpangir locations, often near rivers. It is not only a cleansing ritual but also a social activity where families and communities gather. In some areas, it is combined with water sports and festivities, making it an important cultural event that brings people together.

Marpangir