b1)GODS, GODDESSES AND SPIRIT THAT MADE AN IMPACT TO BENGUET TRIBES
April 1, 2007· The gods (male Kabunian)
Ø Baditok/Balitok
He is the god of gold and the god of mines. As believed by the old folks, he owns the minerals on earth. These are the minerals like gold, copper, silver, pearls and others. It is believed that, he would hide his property if he doesn’t want it to be taken by people especially the miners. However, he can be generous to give some of his property (gold/copper) when ethnic tribes would perform rituals in his favor.
Ø Kabigat As told by B. Buacas, according to Oras Disok (an old mariba or maktom in Kabayan), Kabigat is considered as the god of sky and the underworld. He uses weapons to fight other god and goddesses whenever necessary. These are the lightning and thunder, and the earthquake. It is also said that, he causes these phenomena to happen if he wants to attain an objective. So he is also known as the god of lightning and thunder. To the native priests, he is also the god of morning and the evening. As believe he is one of the life providers. He can also do some miracles and wonders like gods.
Ø Dumawig/Lumawig
Traditional people regard him as the god of war, god of trader, god of hunter and god of healing. When needed, he fights for or against other gods. So he is considered as a warrior. By praying in rituals, he can be asked for more power and strength. It is said that when he favors the Benguet people, they can defeat any enemies from outside their territory. It is emphasized that Dumawig/Lumawig regulates the actions and activities of the Benguet tribes.
a)GODS, GODDESSES AND SPIRIT THAT MADE AN IMPACT TO BENGUET TRIBES
March 31, 2007· Kabunyan/Kavunian/Kabunian
The supreme god,who is also called Adikaila or Egma-on-an. He is described as someone who looked over the world. He has the power to do good and to punish the bad people. He oversees the god and goddesses and has influence over them. Even evil spirits can be punished by Kabunyan. His assistance or intercessions was always invoked first before asking the favors of other lesser gods and spirits.
· Apochius
Many manbunong and old folks say that Apochius or Chius created man. It was said that he resides in the sky and could see everything on earth or in the universe.
HOW DID THE NAME BENGUET CAME ABOUT?
In the book of Biano L. Baucas, there are four meanings of the word “benget” or “bengnget” to the different ethnics in Benguet. These meanings lead to the four versions on how did the name “Benguet” originate.
The four versions
a. It came from the word “benget”. *“Benget” is a noun word for a dam or a blockade to the Ibaloy tribe. According to some few living senior citizens of La Trinidad, the present outlet of the river of Kanggas, near the provincial capitol was so narrow. So it is often blocked or dammed by dirt, twigs, roots and logs of trees during typhoons. As told, the early inhabitants called this dam or blockade of the outlet-“benget”. It is further stated by the respondents, that whenever the old inhabitants of Pico and Puguis, La Trinidad celebrated canaos or rituals, they would say “jo ulop I nan baley shi “Benguet” (go invite our neighbors at the dam site). b. It came from the word “benget” which means the beads worn by women around their heads.
c. It came from the Ibaloy word “benget” which means smelly or odorous. It was narrated that the surroundings of the swamp or valley at the La Trinidad was so smelly or “manbenget” and so “benget” came out. d. It came from the Kankan-ey word “benget” which means “edge.” As narrated, during the olden times, Kankana-ey travelers used to pass through the edges surrounded by swampy area. Since they pass there day and night, the swamp was popularized as “benget” and the residents around the lake are called, “I-benget”.
_NOTICE_
March 29, 2007*In coming up with this topic, we have referred to the books “Traditional Beliefs and Cultural Practices in Benguet” written by Mr. Biano L. Buacas and “Treasury of Beliefs and Home Rituals of Benguet” by Mr. Wasing Sacla.
