AETA Cultural Beliefs and Practices

CULTURAL BACKGROUND

A defining characteristic of an indigenous group is that it has preserved its unique traditional ways of
living, belief system or pertinent rituals amidst the presence of modernity. One of the indigenous group
residing in the Philippines are the Aeta people, found scattered in the archipelago and is often described
as its earliest inhabitants. Aetas are pygmy people, nomadic in nature and are traditionally animist.

#1 The Health Ritual of “Pag-aanito”

In time of illness, therefore, a healer, the mang-aanito, is often called to help in restoring the harmony
with the anito and return the individual back to health. Brosius (1990) describe this curing séance, the
anituan, as a dramatic performance which involves trance, dances and dialogues between the healer,
the anito and the audience.

#2. Giving Birth

When in labor, the Aeta mothers use chili pepper leaves and stroke the abdomen and the lower back
following the sign of the cross to avoid premature labor. The informants also wrap a piece of cloth or
“bigkis” above the waist just below the ribs so that the baby may continue its descent. On the other
hand, when contractions become frequent and painful, the expectant mother is made to take one fresh
whole egg from a native chicken or “tanglad” (lemon grass) in the belief that this will hasten childbirth.

#3. Breastfeeding

Most of the informants have all breastfed their newborns and are prohibited to eat salty foods which
they believe hinders the flow of milk. Eating vegetables is also believed to improve its flow.
Furthermore, they breastfeed their newborns for 6 months or until they eventually wean themselves.
Weaning is by using chili on her breast to wean her child. They all agree that breastfeeding is the best
way to promote emotional and physical bonding with their newborn.

IMPLICATIONS OF THESE CULTURAL BELIEFS/PRACTICES TO HEALTH EDUCATION

The key question with respect to any healing system or practice is “Does it work?” The effectiveness of a
healing practice is embedded in a larger cultural system that identifies different types of malady or
affliction and prescribes appropriate interventions.
REFERENCES

https://osf.io/q32kd/download/?format=pdf

https://ww.healthynewbwornnetwork.org/hnn-content/uploads/Maternal-and-Infant-Care-Beliefs-
Aeta-Mothers-in-Philippines.pdf