Philippine E-Journals

The Traditional Marriage Practices of the Lubuagans of Kalinga

Romel D. Salbang | Kenneth L. Maslang

 

Abstract:

Using the ethno-historical method, this study identified and described the traditional marriage practices of the Lubuagans of Kalinga in the contracted and uncontracted marriages, particularly in the pre-marriage, marriage proper and post marriage stages; traced the socio-cultural transformation of the marriage practices from the late 1920s to the present; and explored the advantages and disadvantages of the marriage practices in terms of the socio-cultural, economic and political aspects. The study found that some traditional marriage practices of the Lubuagans have withstood the test of time; while the others have adopted modernized ways. Still, others shifted to different forms but few elements are still evident. The Lubuagans are more lenient now in terms of the strict performance of the traditional marriage practices. Parental arrangement is still mostly performed by the influential ones. The number of pigs and pots of rice to be prepared depend on the financial capability of both parties. Generally, only the peyalus chi asawa, the normal ceremony to mark a significant event in one’s life, is strictly performed.