Sawan: exploring the knowledge and wisdom of Javanese traditional healing practices
Cogent Arts & Humanities January 21, 2025 Suyami Suyami, Fakhriati Fakhriati, Ninawati Syahrul et al.
In Java, Indonesia, belief in traditional healing for 'mystical' illnesses persists despite modern technology and education. This qualitative case study, based on interviews with 40 informants across Java, identifies five types of sawan: sawan mayit, sawan bayi, sawan manten, sawan sambaing dalan, and sawan candhikala/sawan celeng. Preventive and curative measures include mantras and traditional herbal remedies called singgul. The research provides a foundation for further study of sawan, including outside Java and the origins of its terminology.