Jakarta (ANTARA) – The phenomenon of fireballs that seem to float in the middle of the forest often arouses fear in some people in Indonesia.
This figure is known as banaspati, a fiery creature that has long lived in the legends of the people of Java and Kalimantan.
Although the story has a mystical flavor, science apparently has an explanation behind the appearance of this “fireball”.
Banaspati in the beliefs of the Javanese people
In Javanese tradition, the banaspati is depicted as a mystical creature in the form of a flying fireball or a burning human figure in an inverted position, with its feet pointing upwards.
This figure is often associated with evil forces, teluh or black magic sent to harm someone. There is also a public belief that calls banaspati the guardian of the forest.
Banaspati is believed to appear among the trees and float from one place to another. For this reason, many residents do not want to walk alone in the forest at night, especially when they see mysterious lights moving slowly from afar.
The banaspati shape is also found in the reliefs of Javan temples, especially on the entrance threshold.
The carving functions as a protective symbol believed to ward off evil spirits or negative energy that attempts to enter this sacred area.
In the world of shamanism, banaspati is said to be part of black magic, used by people who have supernatural powers to send spells or black magic. His fiery figure is considered dangerous because he can burn anyone.
The size of this fireball is estimated to correspond to the size of an adult’s hand, but it can become larger when the victim is afraid.
While in the form of a burning human, the banaspati walks with both hands and feet pointing upward as it extends tongues of flame to devour its target.
In Javanese society there are three types of banaspati, namely geni (fire) banaspati, clay banaspati and water banaspati.
The scientific explanation behind the phenomenon of the appearance of banaspati
Although it is often associated with mystical stories, the existence of the fireball known to the public as banaspati appears to have a scientifically logical explanation.
In scientific studies this phenomenon is called “Ignis Fatuus” or “Will-o’-the-Wisp”, i.e. natural light that usually appears in humid areas such as swamps, forests and burial areas.
This light comes from the presence of methane (CH4) and phosphine (PH3) gases which are produced by the process of decomposition of organic materials in nature, such as dead plants or animals.
When these gases rise to the surface and meet the oxygen present in the air, a combustion reaction occurs which gives rise to a small bluish flame.
Methane gas has a lighter mass than air, the flame appears to float, giving the impression that the fireball is alive and moving on its own.
From the point of view of atmospheric science, environmental conditions also play a role in giving rise to this phenomenon. Moist air, warm temperatures and low air pressure at ground level can accelerate the gas combustion process.
Not only that, layers of hot air can also reflect light, creating an optical illusion in the form of a fireball that appears to move slowly at night, a phenomenon that often makes many people believe they are seeing the apparition of a supernatural creature.
This condition is common in tropical regions such as Indonesia, especially on calm, humid nights. For this reason the banaspati phenomenon often appears in the forests of Java and Kalimantan.
It turns out that a similar phenomenon is not only found in Indonesia. In several countries such as Ireland, England and Japan, this mysterious light is also part of folklore.
In Europe, for example, the light is known as “Will-o’-the-Wisp”, which is believed to be a wandering spirit that deceives people in the midst of the swamp.
Although different cultures have their own interpretations, science provides an explanation that all these phenomena are rooted in natural chemical reaction processes found in nature.
Banaspati is not only a scary legend but also shows how nature and human beliefs are interrelated.
On the one hand, banaspati lives in the mystical traditions of society, but on the other hand, science has proven that fireballs are only the result of the reaction of gases and air combining naturally.
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Reporter: Putri Atika Chairulia
Publisher: Alviansyah Pasaribu
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