Customs, Beliefs, and Practices
Birth Practices:
The birth practices of the community involve a combination of traditional methods and herbal remedies aimed at ensuring the health and well-being of newborns. One such practice involves the use of a "natadim nga bulo," a sharp knife made of bamboo, for cutting the baby's umbilical cord. This bamboo knife, crafted with precision and care, serves as a symbol of the community's resourcefulness and ingenuity in utilizing natural materials for essential tasks. The use of bamboo reflects the close connection between the community and their natural environment, as bamboo is readily available and versatile in its applications.
After the umbilical cord is cut, herbal medicines are applied to the baby's navel to promote faster healing and prevent infection. These herbal remedies, passed down through generations, harness the healing properties of local plants and botanicals, which are believed to possess medicinal qualities. The application of herbal medicine underscores the community's holistic approach to healthcare, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural world. By incorporating herbal remedies into birth practices, the community not only ensures the physical well-being of newborns but also honors their cultural heritage and ancestral knowledge.
Burial Practices:
In the past, the community used to bury their deceased loved ones in the available areas around Banquero, often within the farmlands. It was a tradition deeply rooted in their culture and history. However, the frequent flooding in the area posed a significant problem. During floods, the rising waters would dislodge the buried corpses, causing them to float in the inundated fields.
This unsettling occurrence forced the community to reconsider their burial practices. They realized that the risk of bodies floating during floods not only disturbed the peace of the deceased but also posed health and environmental concerns. As a result, they began exploring alternative burial methods that would ensure the dignity and safety of their departed loved ones, even in the face of natural disasters.
Finnuyugan:
Bayanihan, known as "Finnuyugan" in the Gaddang culture, is a deeply ingrained practice that exemplifies the spirit of communal unity and cooperation. In Finnuyugan, members of the community come together to help one another in various tasks and endeavors, pooling their resources, labor, and expertise for the collective benefit of all.
Sussuwa:
The "Sussuwa" practice in Gaddang culture is a traditional custom that entails a forceful removal of the trespasser's attire if they enter a property without seeking permission from the owner. This practice serves as a form of immediate consequence for the trespasser's actions and emphasizes the seriousness of the intrusion.
Marriage Practices:
In Gaddang culture, the practice of giving gifts to the bride's family holds significant meaning and serves as a tangible demonstration of the groom's ability to support and care for his bride. These gifts, which can include land, carabaos (water buffalo), or other valuable materials, symbolize the groom's commitment to providing for his new family and ensuring the well-being of his wife.
By presenting such gifts, the groom showcases his financial stability and readiness to take on the responsibilities of marriage. It is a gesture of respect towards the bride's family, acknowledging their role in raising and nurturing their daughter and expressing gratitude for entrusting her to the groom's care.
Moreover, these gifts also serve as a symbol of the bride's transition from her family of origin to her new marital home. In exchange for the valuable properties bestowed upon the bride's family, it is understood that she is now officially "owned" by the groom, entering into a new phase of her life as his wife.
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