In the Ifugao culture, kinship, familial ties, and religious and cultural values are highly valued.

They distinguish out among the various ethnic groups in North Luzon due to their remarkable
customs and traditions. The Spanish never had any real success dominating the Ifugao region.
 RITUAL: The Hudhud. The chants that make up The Hudhud are stories. It is used in
rituals and throughout the rice-planting season, harvest, and funeral wakes.
CHANTS OF THE IFUGAO, HUDHUD
- The Ifugao Hudhud Chants were included in the Representative List of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2008. The Ifugao people sing narrative
chants known as the Hudhud as a component of their cultural heritage. They are also
known for their rice terraces that cover the mountains of the northern island of the
Philippine archipelago. It is utilized in rituals, during the time when rice is planted,
during harvest, and at wakes for the deceased. Each of the 40 episodes that make up the
Hudhud's collection of more than 200 chants is assumed to have been written before the
seventh century.

CREATION MYTH OF IFUGAO

- According to the Ifugao creation story, the Ifugao gods first created the sky and the earth
before making man. When men were finally created, Wigan-i-abunyan, the patient deity,
was told to watch after them because most of the gods had no interest in them. Wigan-i-
abunyan sent Kagibat to earth to teach people how to utilize fire and build dwellings
because the early humans were not accustomed to their surroundings.
RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES
- Resources from the Ifugao people are heavily used in religious ceremonies that demand
agricultural plenty, successful hunting, augury, and good omens. Up to 15 priests may
partake in a single rite. They perform important rituals and tell myths because they are
familiar with Ifugao myths. During the myth performances, the priest will frequently
speak an incoherent hum for up to five hours. A ceremony that involves the scarification
of multiple pigs, a buffalo, and several chicks is unique.
FESTIVALS
- During ceremonies honoring the anitos, clan elders wear headdresses embellished with
wild pig tusks, hornbill beaks and feathers, and monkey skulls (spiritits). The hornbill is
regarded as the gods' messenger, while the monkey is a playful symbol. According to
custom and tradition, the monkey skull on a headpiece must face the same direction as
the wearer.
MARRIAGE
- Although the Ifugao are primarily monogamous, some wealthy families practice
polygamy. It is against the law for first cousins to have relations. Marriage to a more
distant cousin can only be arranged after paying the livestock fines. Potential mates
frequently get married in trial weddings. Courtship rites take place in the homes of the
females. In order to arrange weddings, wealthy families have long engaged matchmakers.
After a marriage, families still maintain strong ties and exchange presents. Newlyweds
usually spend some time living with their parents before moving into their own residence,
frequently next to a large rice field.