The deep religious convictions [of the Kristang], have until a generation ago, led them to possess the secret art of self-defence, known as Orsang de horas. ... It is said that a few generations ago, this art was the privilege of many in the community. There are several types of Orsang. One of which are known to those that retreat into the hills and jungles to meditate. They are so powerful, for power is derived from emotional, mental and spiritual piety; their power transcends fear of the wild beasts, whom are known to be docile at the sight of them and would not attack them. In order for one to possess the art of Orsang, he has to be very clean in thoughts and deeds.
Bernard Santa Maria
My People, My Country (1982), pp. 220-221
Osu,
ke ostia Kristang.
Korpu ja kebrah,
sanggi ja tomah na onsong sa mang
pra fazeh sapatu di kureh,
pra bistih galang di mureh,
kung floris di omi diseh di Vahang.
What will it take for you to start
to respect my language and culture as legitimate:
maybe a food, a dance,
and now literally a martial art?
Bos pidih pra ropa.
And then said we have no ethnic costume.
Ki yo mistih falah kung bos?
What on earth do I have to assume
in your words and in the way that you speak?
I guess I need to learn Orsang now,
pra judah kung bos sintih
that my blood may be a mix,
and my culture's history tragic,
but if there's one thing that I hope this makes clear
it's that we absolutely believe in the magic
of an inner world alive and free.
Of a hope for all humanity, of a liberated psyche
and of the chance for all people to learn to see
that language only becomes self-defense
when they threaten your heritage, your inheritance and your family.
Otherwise it is ocean.
The armour of pure dream.
The fire of non-Western psychology.
Ngua kaminyu di atri.