Superstitions often feel like myths and legends that were often told by our elders. In a world full of technology and almost everything can be explained with Science, some question these very beliefs. Yet, it is still being passed down and shared to anyone who would believe. Bukidnon, who worshipped a range of supernaturals that include ancestral spirits, nature spirits, and a high god.
Magbabaya
Is the supreme being, but Bukidnon cosmology includes a layered spirit: Tumanod being personal guardian spirits, Busao are malevolent spirits that cause illness or misfortune, Gimokod has multiple souls within a person that can wander and must be called back by a baylan (Spirit healer) to prevent death. The Magbabaya is not only worshipped but also invoked during rituals like pamuhat or kaligaon.
Pamuhat Rituals
A ritual where they offer food and drinks to spirits, still practiced before planting, harvesting, or major life events. It’s not just symbolic, but is also believed to directly influence outcome.
Baylan’s Role
In villages, with limited access to priests, the baylan still performs healing and spirit appeasement rituals. They also interpret which spirit is involved in a situation and performs the correct ritual.
Spirit Zones
Certain forests, rivers, or mountains are said to be spirit heavy and must be approached with caution. Locals avoid making noise, building, or passing through these areas at night. The guardian spirits (timamanuwa & migayad) protect these places and disturbing their domain without permission may result in illness or misfortune.
Palina After Cemetery Visits
Spirits may follow you home after the cemetery. People often stop somewhere else before going home to “shake off” spirits and confuse them. A small bush that emits smoke and people having to jump over or swing their leg across the smoke, before leaving the cemetery is seen and still widely practiced, especially during All Souls Day or after funerals and sometimes even after visiting wakes. Parents even sometimes just swing their children into the smoke to avoid getting them hurt. They often used dried weeds, dried leaves, and cardboard boxes that were thrown to light it to make a small fire and they put it out to make smoke.
Offering at Graves
The belief that the dead need food, betel nuts or coins to be at peace. These offerings are left at graves during visits. Still observed in rural areas, often alongside candles and prayers.
Sometimes even leaving their favorite snacks or food to help them at least feel that they were also being part of the gathering. A fond memory that they had once love to eat when they were still alive.
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