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 peaceful village near Lake Habema on the majestic slopes of Mount Trikora in Wamena, lived two siblings with an unbreakable bond. Their lives were filled with peace, surrounded by family and neighbors who lived harmoniously in a village rich with warmth and culture. The village was well-known for strictly preserving ancestral traditions and upholding deep-rooted beliefs in the supernatural. The villagers held a deep reverence for the spirits of their ancestors and their animistic beliefs, which taught that every element in nature possesses a spirit and must be treated with respect.

One day, the village chief announced that they would hold a grand celebration known as ewe ako. This festival was one of the sacred traditions of the Hubula tribe, held every five years. Ewe ako was a time when all disputes and debts among villagers were settled through a ritual offering of pigs—a symbol of unity and peace for the community.

In preparation for the festival, the two sisters were asked to go into the forest to gather vegetables and leaves for the feast. Filled with enthusiasm, they set off together, entering the cool, shaded forest. The deeper they ventured, the closer they came to the base of Mount Trikora, a place the villagers regarded as sacred. There, everything had to be maintained with cleanliness and respect. No one was allowed to litter or perform any act that would be seen as violating custom in that place.

While they were busy picking wild vegetables, the younger brother began to feel uneasy. She felt an urge that couldn’t be resisted and tried to tell her older sister.

“I can’t hold it any longer, Sister,” he said, his voice tinged with worry.

His older sister turned to her, speaking seriously, “Hold on, little brother. We’re in a sacred place. We must show respect and wait until we’re back in the village.”

But the younger brother couldn’t hold back. He eventually wandered a little further into the bushes, disregarding the warning she had been given. After finishing, he cleaned herself on a nearby rock. But shortly after, something strange occurred—his feet seemed bound, as if rooted to the spot, and she found herself unable to stand up.

"Sister! Sister!" he cried out, her voice trembling with fear.

Hearing his cries, the older sister rushed to her side. When she saw his brother unable to move, a small, sinking feeling of understanding filled her heart. Her brother had broken the sacred rules in this hallowed place. The forest and Mount Trikora had been angered. With a heavy heart, she embraced her brotherr, who had started to weep, their tears flowing freely.

“Sister, forgive me... I didn’t mean to break the rules…,” whispered the younger brother, his voice barely audible.

“It’s all right, little brother,” said the older sister, her own voice trembling yet gentle. “Nature has spoken. You are now part of it. We must accept its will.”

Slowly, the younger brother’s body seemed to merge with the earth, becoming one with the surrounding landscape. From that moment on, it is said that whenever someone felt a sudden chill or when dark clouds gathered, the younger brother’s tears would descend in the form of rain, showering the village and forest. His regretful cries could be faintly heard in the quiet of the woods, like whispers of the wind through the trees, spreading a somber calm throughout the village.

The villagers came to believe that when the rain fell unexpectedly, it was a sign that the younger brother’s spirit was mourning her transgression, a gentle reminder to the living to honor and protect nature. Her spirit never disturbed anyone; instead, she offered a sense of coolness, harmonizing the air around her as if to remind everyone that nature deserves respect and that every living thing has its place and order in the circle of life.

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.