Why is there a place called Pontianak?

Etymology. The city was formerly the capital of the independent Sultanate of Pontianak and was founded on 23 October 1771 around an old trading station on the western coast of Borneo. In Malay mythology, the Pontianak is also the name of an astral creature that is said be a spirit of a woman who died while pregnant.

Which country is Banjarmasin?

Indonesia
Banjarmasin, also spelled Bandjarmasin, or Banjermasin, kota (city), capital of South Kalimantan (Kalimantan Selatan) propinsi (or provinsi; province), Indonesia. It is situated on the eastern side of the Barito River, about 13 miles (22 km) from the southern coast of the island of Borneo.

How can Pontianak be avoided?

The Pontianak is associated with banana trees, and her spirit is said to reside in them during the day. According to folklore, a Pontianak can be fought off by driving a nail into the hole on the nape of her neck, which causes her to turn into a beautiful woman and a good wife until the nail is removed.

What is Pontianak English?

British Dictionary definitions for pontianak (1 of 2) pontianak. / (ˌpɒntɪˈɑːnæk) / noun. (in Malay folklore) a female vampire; the ghost of a woman who has died in childbirth.

What is the language of Banjarmasin?

It is thought that the name “Banjarmasin” is a corrupted version of “Bandar Masih” (Port Masih). “Masih” originates from the Ngaju language. Oloh Masi refers to the coastal dwelling Malay population.

How do you fight Pontianak?

In lores, it was said, to defeat Pontianaks, iron weapons can be used to defeat them. Some lores said they must stabbed in the neck by iron nail. Some others (mostly Indonesian lores), said that they must stabbed at the apex of head (crown).

Is Banjarese a Malay?

Although Banjarese is sometimes considered to be Malay, it is not particularly close to other Malayan languages. It is divided into two major dialects: the upper river (Banjar Hulu) and down river (Banjar Kuala) dialects.