Traditions and beliefs differ from culture and location. Some may even be different from what we believe in. Yet some are even things that we had never thought about, and beliefs that sound so out of this world.
The Philippines has always been full of religious beliefs and have different cultures that correlate with the place they reside. Being so full of various folklore, stories that were passed down from generation to generation, practices that were passed down to each leader, and even rituals passed down through families and communities. Here are unique practices that are found in Visayas and Mindanao:
Offering for the Better
This is a pre-colonial offering ritual that is performed before fishing, farming, or travelling. Unlike other rituals, Pamuhat is still actively practiced today, especially by fishermen seeking safe voyages. This practice is done by Cebuano and Hiligaynon together with the Pulangiyen groups in Bukidnon communities in Cebu, Bohol, and Negros.
Appeasing the Spirits
The Daru ritual involves animal sacrifices to appease spirits and ancestors, often performed during conflicts, illness, or major decisions. With a distinct feature that is deeply rooted in tribal leadership and governance. Groups like the Lumad tribe, Manobo, Bagobo, Talaandig and Higaonon in Bukidnon, Davao, and Cotabato.
The “Pang-alay” Ritual Dance
This ritual is performed by Tausug and Maranao communities as an offering to spirits or deities. This ritual dance emphasizes slow, fluid movements that mimic waves that symbolizes spiritual connection. It had originated in the Sulu Archipelago and is known as the “Fingernail Dance” people that practice this dance involve the Tausug and Maranao people in Sulu, Zamboanga, and Lanao del Sur.
Giving Thanks
Performed on an elevated wooden platform, the buklog ritual is a thanksgiving ritual where participants dance to invoke spirits. This is highly communal and involves the entire village. It is exclusive to the Subanne people and was inscribed in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List because of its cultural significance. The Subanen people in Zamboanga Peninsula do this ritual.
The “Tatag” Ritual
A ritual performed for healing that has a shamans chant and perform symbolic gestures to drive away illnesses caused by spirits. The Tatag ritual has trance-like states and spirit possession. People in Agusan and Bukidnon, specifically the Manobo people are those who do this practice.
With a country full of culture and beliefs, we have distinct features that differ from theirs. From the difference of focus, area, or even events, these traditions and practices are what makes them unique and differ from others. They may have similarities but are done differently.
