‘Domog’ done in Kalinga astrodome rites

Tabuk, Kalinga - A ritual to drive away evil spirits was performed during the inauguration of the provincial astrodome in Tabuk, Kalinga on February 13, the opening day of the 16th Kalinga Foundation day.

The ‘domog’ is one of the ‘must-do’ rituals done in Kalinga. This is conducted before a family occupies a newly built house or a public structure is opened for public use to drive away or appease spirits who are believed to have dwelt in it during its construction stage.

An animal is usually sacrificed and blood is spilled on the four corners or pillars of the structure to appease the spirits.

Families who have more in life butcher carabaos, cow or pig with an indigenous spiritual leader doing the ritual. A celebration follows afterwards.

Old folks say that if the ‘domog’ is not performed, the spirits inflict harm or cause sickness on the members of the family. Or the spirits disturbs the tranquility of the home to the extent of demanding the family to perform other rituals.

In the case of the astrodome ‘domog’, a chicken was sacrificed. Elder Gummuwang of the Dacalan tribe interpreted the bile of the sacrificial animal to mean that the astrodome was clean of evil spirits.

Columbus Sallidao of the Madokayong tribe then pronounced a pact with the spirits that the ‘domog’ is about to commence for them to see the authenticity of the ritual.

Jose Pangsiw also of the Madokayong tribe chanted the words of the ‘domog’ and in a language understood by the spirits simultaneous with the beating of the gongs and the spilling of the chicken blood.

A group of old women in Kalinga costume did the patching of ground rice on the walls of the gymnasium for the spirits to see proof that ‘domog’ was indeed performed. They also spoke to the spirits in chant telling that the ‘domog’ is complied and appealed for them to move out from the building and go to where they belong.

Likewise, chanting, the old women appealed to the spirits not to come back and give the benefit and opportunity for the house or building occupants to live freely in peace and health.

Rice cakes were distributed for everyone to partake of the successful driving of the spirits signaling the safety of the occupants and a fulfillment of the ‘domog’ that everything eaten in the structure is safe. **by Peter Balocnit, ZZW