Ifugao folks revive cultural practice of choosing spouse

By Dan B. Codamon

HINGYON, Ifugao --After decades of not practicing certain Ifugao traditions due to influence of modern and western culture, the people of this municipality revived  an ancient tradition of choosing a spouse called “ballihung.”

           

Held recently at Barangay Piwong, during the recent town fiesta, all eligible male and female who were ready to settle down were invited to join and experience the cultural practice of their ancestors and select their future spouses.

           

The “Ballihung” is an ancient Ifugao culture which involves a “mumbaki” or native priest who prepares young people to get married by getting them to know their future partners in life. 

           

In case an available young lady known as “maddikit” or young gentleman called “bulalaki n ginid” is ready to be wed, the family celebrates the “ballihung” and invites all people in the community to participate and witness the celebration.

           

The celebrant chooses from among invited “bulalaki n ginid,”  in case of a lady or from among the “ma-maddikit” , in case of a gentleman.

           

The chosen lady  gives  a valuable necklace known as “inipul” to the gentleman to show her love and affection in case the gentleman proposes to her, then they exchange “momayahapid” (betel nut and betel leaf) to signify their union.

           

Ceremonies are held after the couple agrees to become husband and wife as depicted in the olden Ifugao practice of courtship and marriage rites.

           

Councilor Emilio Bay-ong, one of the organizers of the event, said they decided to include this ancient cultural practice as an added activity in their recent town fiesta to give more entertainment to the people and visitors and let the youth have a glimpse of the cultural ceremonies and practices of their ancestors in the olden days.

           

He said since this was the first time they conducted this event and many people enjoyed it, they will again perform during the town fiesta next year with more improvement and more participation.