Traditions of the Tinguian: a Study in Philippine Folk-Lore by Fay-Cooper Cole
page 16 of 359 (04%)
page 16 of 359 (04%)
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The details of the extended _Sayang_ ceremony are nowhere given,
but so much is made plain:--At its beginning many people pound rice, for use in the offerings and for food, and _da-eng_ [19] is danced (p. 40). After the _Libon_ [20] invitations are sent out, by means of betel-nuts covered with gold, to those whose presence is especially desired (p. 62). When the guests arrive at the village spring or gate they are offered food or drink, and then while they dance they are sprinkled with water or rice, after which all go up to the town (p. 41 note 2). A medium who knows the customs and desires of the spirits constructs a bamboo mat, which is known as _talapitap_, and on it offers food. To call their attention she frequently strikes the ground with the _dakidak_--split sticks of bamboo and _lono_ [21] (p. 40). The guests are not neglected, so far as regards food, for feasting and dancing occupy a considerable portion of their time. The ceremonial dance _da-eng_ is mentioned, but the _tadek_ [22] seems to be the one in special favor (pp. 41, 59). One tale tells us that the _Sayang_ was held immediately following a head hunt; and another, that Aponitolau went out to get the head of an old man before he started this ceremony (pp. 69, 76); however, the evidence is by no means conclusive that it is related to warfare. On page 105 we are told that Kanag's half sister is a medium, and the description of her method of summoning the spirits tallies with that of to-day. At the _Sayang_ ceremony she is called to perform the _Dawak_ [23], with the assistance of the old woman Alokotán (p. 106). The _Dawak_ is also held in order to stop the flow of blood from Aponitolau's finger (p. 113). The only other ceremony mentioned is that made in order to find a lost switch (p. 91). |
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