THE RELIGIONS OF THE PLACE AND THEIR CEREMONIES

RELIGIONS

Today, the Ivatan people are basically Catholic. Their strict devoutness can be ascribed to

the determined and devoted works of the early Dominican ministers. Be that as it may, there are

a developing number of other Christian sections particularly in the capital town. Notwithstanding

this, the Ivatan actually put stock in the influence of the universe of the anyitus which is the soul

of ancestors. Despite the fact that they don't love them, they lead ceremonies and contributions to

assuage or mollify an anyitu.

CEREMONIES
 The people celebrate seasonal festivals and traditions. One of which is the

“Kapayvanuvanua” – a ceremony held as the fishing season starts. This event is done as people

believes that it helps them obtain the blessings from the superior beings that own and controls the

waters along its riches. Fishermen claims the right to use a seaport by conducting a ritual by

slaying a pig and let its blood pour into the water.

For weddings, the Ivatans have this tradition called the “Mayprisinta” where the groom-

to-be visits his soon-to-be wife’s family. Another event called the “Manukud Su Churin” is the

time when the soon-to-be-groom chooses a spokesperson who’ll assure the man’s intention to

marry the woman. The main event called “Kapaychakuvuyut” – which means the wedding day,

is where selected people dance the “Fundanggo” upon holding the ceremony. These serving

people are called “manaynay”.

When a person reaches their 60th birthday, they celebrate the “Kapayretiru” – simply means

retiring from serving the government.

And finally, the “Kapachianyitu” is a tradition of acknowledging spirits; usually done when

heading to a farm.