Philippine E-Journals

Indigenous Healing Ritual in the Context of Ecological Disaster

Jaime Doctolero

 

Abstract:

The Kankanaey rites have displayed a healing ritual following Typhoon Ompong that devastated the communities in Ucab, Itogon, Benguet on September 15, 2018. The rites highlight the importance of harmonious relationality between the communities and the adikaila (unseen)—the nature spirits, the ancestors and Kabunyan—in a ritual meal. The rites have the popular animal butchering which has become a gesture to signify the desire for healing from the effects of the disaster. It means embarking into a moment when one community anchors itself again in their primal and foundational narratives. The meal strengthens the communities’ allegiance with the adikaila and fosters the healing of the afflicted communities. The communities harmonize their relationship with the adikaila, with those who perished, and with nature. Keeping in harmony with the adikaila, the community comes to terms with the tragedy and draws healing unto itself.