The Crying Stone

Tale of the Crying Stone: Selecting Doors Wisely

Edisi Indonesia: Batu Menangis

Folklore from the Hubula Wamena tribe, Papua

Once upon a time, in a village near Lake Habema, in the Trikora Wamena Peaks, lived a pair of siblings. They experienced tranquility within their family and a village known for its hospitality.

This village was renowned for its adherence to traditions and belief in the mystical. They revered their ancestors' spirits and held firm beliefs in animism.

One day, the village chief planned a grand feast called ewe ako, a time-honored tradition of the Hubula tribe held every five years to settle debts and disputes among them using pigs.

The siblings ventured into the forest to gather vegetables for the feast, exploring until they reached the foothills of Mount Trikora.

Mount Trikora held sacred grounds that required cleanliness. No littering or desecration was allowed.

While gathering vegetables, the younger sibling felt discomfort. Their older sibling warned them about the prohibition.

"Wait until we return to the village," advised the elder.

However, unable to wait, the younger one relieved themselves in the bushes.

Upon finishing, they cleansed themselves at the nearest stone but suddenly found themselves unable to stand.

"Sister!" they cried out.

The elder sibling rushed to them.

Yet, there was no remedy. The girl wept, embracing her sibling. She understood that their sibling had become one with nature for breaking the customs. Nature would resist anyone who defied it.

When one felt cold, the tears of the child would flow, and rain would pour in their village and beyond.

It's said that the cries echoed around, yet they disturbed no one, only altering the temperature around them.

Moral Lesson: Choosing wisely

Choosing the doors we enter wisely is crucial, as we never know where they might lead us. Choosing doors wisely is a metaphor for making informed decisions in life. It underscores the importance of making sound choices that will impact the direction and outcomes of our life journey. It might be about choosing life paths, deciding among various options, or making significant decisions that will shape our future. It teaches us to weigh our options carefully, comprehend the consequences, and make choices aligned with our values and goals.