The Ceremonies 327 



2. The Great Ceremonies 



In addition to the ceremonies and rites which may be celebrated by 

 all the people there are a number of more elaborate observances, which 

 can only be given by those who have the hereditary right, or who have 

 gained the privilege by a certain definite procedure. 



In general these ceremonies are restricted to the villages in or 

 close to the valley of the Abra, the lower reaches of the Tineg, Malanas, 

 and Sinalong rivers. As one proceeds up the tributary streams into 

 such settlements as Baay, Likuan, and Lakub, it is noticeable that the 

 typical spirit houses become fewer in number, while the participants 

 in the accompanying ceremonies are limited to recent emigrants from 

 the lower valleys. The same thing is found to be true on the western 

 side of the coast range of mountains, as one goes north or south from 

 the Abra river, although there is evidence here that some of the settle- 

 ments formerly had these rites, but have allowed them to fall into 

 disuse, as a result of Uocano influence. 



This distribution of the great ceremonies seems to give a hint that 

 they are intrusive; that they probably were at one time restricted to 

 the families of emigrants and even to-day are barred from a part of 

 the people. They have not yet extended far into the interior, despite 

 the fact that in the lower valleys they almost completely dominate the 

 life of the people during a portion of the year. 



In all the valley towns one sees little houses and platforms, 

 apparently of no practical value, yet occupying important places, while 

 in the period following the rice-harvest elaborate festivals are carried 

 on about them. Soon it develops that each of these structures has a 

 definite name, is associated with a particular ceremony, and is built 

 and kept in repair in honor of certain powerful spirits. 



The culmination of these rites is the great Sayang ceremony which 

 extends over seventeen days and nights. When this is held, it includes 

 all the minor events of this class, and the smaller spirit structures are 

 then built or repaired. This supreme event can only be celebrated by 

 a few families, but all the townpeople are welcome guests, and all, 

 regardless of age and sex, may witness or take part in the proceedings. 



Since all the great events occur after the harvest, a time of leisure 

 and plenty, they become the great social events of the year. A person 

 who does not have the hereditary right to the ceremonies may gain the 

 liberty if he be warned in a dream or be notified by the spirits that it 

 is their wish. Since all the expenses of such a gathering fall on the 

 giver, it is imperative that he be well-to-do. Such a one gives the 

 ceremonies, in order, during a term of years, and eventually obtains 



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