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Bua-Malus (Betel Nut and Betel Leaf Practice)
Bua Malus (Piper betel and Areca catechu) is literally translated as betel leaves and areca betel nut; it is used in every ritual across the whole country. Bua Malus (Bitternut betel-pepper or leaf) is metaphorically representing the idea of peace, prosperity, good health and protection from bad luck and other misfortune or misery in life.
Commonly people used Bua-Malus as; offerings for welcoming guests, “buka urat” (ritual ceremony for healing people), “kuta” (mark of blessing on someone’s forehead), “kakaluk/biru” (a spiritual item) and etc. Generally, Bua-Malus (Bitternut betel-pepper or leaf) is used as a welcoming element to welcome guests, besides, it’s an important element in all traditional rituals and ceremonies.
Timor-Leste