Binukid Words

Happy New Year!

So recently, I attended a "ritual" to bless an agricultural land. A ritual in the Binukid language is usually called a " pamuhat ." Apparently, the root word is "buhat" which loosely translates to, "to do." A pamuhat or buhat can be for different purposes but I am in no position to discuss it as I am but a curious person from the outside trying to take a look. Hehe. 

But I have participated in various tribal rituals which are basically prayers, petitions, conversation, seeking of permission and guidance, thanksgiving, and so on. They are lovely.

Anyway, here are some words that my curious self has encountered during that day and the hours after.

1. pure - true, genuine.
Example: Yan ka sa wagas Magbabaya (You are the true God.)

Note: I may have (or have not) mentioned that Magbabaya is what the lumads  call their Supreme Being. Magbabaya is the Creator but  baya  also means pasya in Filipino (Magbabaya = Nagpapasya) or the Decision Maker.

2. matata-o - knowledgeable
Example: Matatao ki mamuhat ho mga kanta (We are knowledgeable in creating songs)

3. dunya - world (Filipino - mundo, sanlibutan)

4.  immaturity - people (Filipino - humanity)

5. gagaw - love
Note: For almost a decade, I thought gagaw is care. But apparently gagaw is love based on my conversations with some lumad friends <3

That's it for now. Maayad ha bag-ong tuig, 2021!