The Ifugao people have a profound connection to the land, viewing it as sacred and imbued with spirits. This enduring spiritual connection shapes not only their agricultural practices but also their social cohesion and cultural identity, fostering a unique worldview rooted in tradition and respect for the natural world.
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MARRIAGE
In the realm of marriage, the Ifugao people traditionally exchange a dowry of at least 10 pigs, symbolizing the importance they place on various facets of the union. However, there are exceptions to this practice. For instance, if the groom is of Ilocano descent or from another tribe, negotiations between both sets of parents ensue to determine the appropriate arrangement.
Furthermore, should a girl become pregnant before marriage, her family must undergo a HINUOP ceremony, during which the prospective groom is expected to provide at least one pig for the child. Additionally, two more pigs may be offered as compensation for the woman's virginity. Both families engage in dialogue to establish conditions regarding the dowry, whether the groom can provide one pig initially or opt to present all three pigs at once.
FESTIVALS
Due to the influence of Christianity, the traditional practices of the Ifugao people have undergone significant changes. As a result, they now actively engage in various Christian customs during festivities, such as incorporating their traditional attire like bahags into street dance parades and utilizing their gangsa for musical performances. Additionally, while they still perform the mumbaki ritual during fiestas, its prevalence has gradually diminished over time due to the spread of Christianity within their communities. Mumbaki is an Ifugao religious specialist meaning "sayer of prayers".
DEATH
When there is a death, they usually prepare pigs for consumption, depending on the number of people attending the wake. Even if they don't invite others from the community, they will automatically come, as it largely represents the good and healthy relationships built among one another. This also occurs during marriage celebrations.
Some of the practices include prohibiting the family from eating the slaughtered pig during the wake and abstaining from consuming vegetables. The wife is also prohibited from bathing if her husband has passed away, and she must stay beside the coffin without leaving or walking around.
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