Kahusayan Hu Lidu: The Peace Ritual of the Talaandig Tribe in Lantapan, Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract

This study aims to present and examine a significant ritual that the Talaandig community in Lantapan, Bukidnon, practices. The research examined the historical context, procedural aspects, and specific behaviors related to this ritual. This research aimed to address the following questions to achieve its objectives: (1) What are the components of the Kahusayan hu Lidu ritual carried out by the Talaandig in Lantapan, Bukidnon? (2) What terminology and expressions are associated with this ritual? (3) What beliefs and cultural practices are embodied within it? The study primarily employed a qualitative design with a descriptive research approach. It also used an ethnographic method, as the researcher made several visits to the study site to interact with and interview the informants personally. The researcher actively participated in the tribe's featured rituals. Moreover, researchers conducted interviews and focus group discussions to enhance data comprehension and facilitate precise interpretation. Based on the study's results, the tribe continues to perform this ritual, which plays a significant role in maintaining peace within the Talaandig tribe in Lantapan, Bukidnon. Only the Datu, the Balaghusay, can lead and perform the ritual. Unique terms within the ritual reflect the tribe's identity as Talaandig. The study also demonstrates how deeply ingrained the tribe's beliefs and practices are in this location, which explains why the tribe holds it in such high regard. The study's conclusions suggest further investigation into more ceremonies of the Talaandig tribe to comprehensively understand and, crucially, value the tribe's culture.