348 The Tinguian 



the individual is symbolized by the rice, which is only partially taken 

 away and is again returned. The next act is always carried out, but 

 its meaning appears to be lost. The eight dishes are filled with rice, 

 and are placed on the frame together with sixteen coconut shells of 

 water, and eight men and eight women seat themselves on opposite 

 sides. First they eat a little of the food, then taking a small amount 

 in their fingers, they dip it into the water and place it in the mouth of 

 the person opposite. 



The fourteenth day is known as Palay-lay — "the seasoning" — and 

 during the next twenty-four hours the people remain quietly in the 

 village while the bamboo used in the balaua "becomes good." 



Next day is one of great activity. The roofing of the balaua is 

 completed, all necessary repairs are made to the dwelling, for dire 

 results would follow should any part of the house break through dur- 

 ing the concluding days of the ceremony. The balance of the day is 

 taken up in dancing and in the construction of the following spirit- 

 houses : the Aligang, Balabago, Talagan, Idasan, Balag, Batog, Alalot, 

 Pangkew and Sogayob (cf. pp. 308-31!). Also a little bench is built 

 near the hearth, and on it are placed coconut shell cups and drinks for 

 the use of the Igorot spirits who usually come this night. 



The evening of this day is known as Lxbon— "plenty" or "abund- 

 ance." Toward nightfall the mediums, and their helpers enter the dwell- 

 ing and decorate it in a manner already described for the great cere- 

 monies. Cords cross the room from opposite corners and beneath, where 

 they meet, the medium's mat is spread. On the cords are hung grasses, 

 flowers, girdles, and wreaths of young coconut leaves. When all is 

 ready, a small pig is brought into the room, while the men play frantic- 

 ally on their gongs and drums. On the medium's mat are many articles, 

 alangtln leaves, a rooster, a branch filled with young betel-nuts, cooked 

 rice moulded into the form of an alligator, but with a wax head and 

 seeds for eyes, a spear, and a bundle of rice straw. Taking up a dish 

 of water, the medium pours a part of it into the pig's ear; then, as the 

 animal shakes its head, she again catches it in the dish. Rolling up a 

 mat, she dips it into the water, and with it touches the heads of all 

 members of the family, for in the same manner that the pig has thrown 

 the water out of its ear, so in a like fashion will illness and misfortune 

 be thrown from all the family who have been sprinkled with it. This 

 act finished, the medium dances before the doors and windows, while 

 she waves the chicken, betel-nuts, or other objects taken from the mat. 



At her invitation, the host and his wife join her, but previously they 

 have dressed themselves in good garments, and on their heads and at 



