1. What do indigenous people believe about spirituality?

- Many people spoke of Indigenous Spirituality as a “way of life” and “way of

knowing” (or worldview) that was centered on a relationship with the
Creator, the land and “all our relations.” This usually included all other
beings and forms of life, including what are commonly perceived as
inanimate objects, which were generally seen to be imbued with a spirit or
soul. Most also viewed Indigenous Spirituality as being inseparable from
their traditional Indigenous culture and identity.

2. What is the spirituality of the Indigenous

Filipino people?
- Generally, these indigenous folk religions are referred to as Anito or Anitism
or the more modern and less ethnocentric Dayawism, where a set of local
worship traditions are devoted to the anito or diwata (and their variables),
terms which translate to gods, spirits, and ancestors.

3. Which is the most common belief among indigenous peoples?

- The animistic perspective. It is so widely held and inherent to most
indigenous peoples that they often do not even have a word in their
languages that corresponds to "animism" (or even "religion"). The term
"animism" is an anthropological construct.

4. What are indigenous beliefs and practices?

- Indigenous beliefs are the beliefs held by the actual inhabitants of the land
while practices refers to traditional knowledge, skills, and techniques
passed down through generations in a particular community or culture.
These practices are often closely tied to the local environment and
resources and are shaped by social and cultural factors.

5. What are the indigenous beliefs and practices in the Philippines?

- During the pre-colonial period the people of the Philippines practiced
polytheism, animism and worship the elements. Their beliefs and cultural
mores anchored in the idea that the world is inhabited by spirits and
supernatural entities, both good and bad and that respect is accorded to
them through natural worship. At present, only a handful of indigenous
 tribes continue to practice this. The religious life of these groups is
dominated by the rituals associated with rice-growing, and they have
specialists in the rituals accompanying the first planting and the harvest,
and also ensure various prohibitions that are observed during the growing
period. The pattern of social and family activities is also governed by the
crops. Usually, they have a supreme god who is venerated through the
intercession of other gods. The gods and spirits of the ancestors (anitos) are
addressed by particular individuals with occult powers. The anitos are
consulted on all events of importance such as a birth, some particular
desire or aspiration, to make a field fertile, etc. Only other people’s
ancestors may exert a baleful influence. The various divinities are
propitiated by dances, prayers and sacrifices (rice, poultry, a pig, a
carabao).

Some of the rituals performed before the arrival of the Spaniards (pandot) lasted
several days, sometimes involving the worshippers in trances and loss of
consciousness. The Filipinos revered a powerful creator god, who was attended
by numerous other gods, each of whom had a particular role in the various events
of life (birth, death, love) and in the interplay of the elements and the life of
nature (rain, rainbow, sun, and the wild animals). Thus, they would sometimes
throw food into the water for the crocodiles or set out dishes of food on
particular rocks. They also honoured the spirits of dead relatives, whose ill
humour might bring about illness or death. It was also necessary to secure the
favour of good spirits and appease bad spirits; and this was achieved by particular
ceremonies conducted by a priest or priestess (babaylan) in which the
worshippers responded to the priestly invocations. These ceremonies involved
precise rituals, varying according to the object to be achieved: the healing of a
sick person, an act of thanksgiving for success in war or a good harvest. The
entrails of sacrificial animals served for the purposes of divination. Carved
wooden statues of divinities were worshipped in the people’s houses (likha), but
the ancient religion had no temples.

6. What are examples of indigenous practices?

 - The indigenous practices of the Philippines are varied, as there are many
different indigenous peoples in the country with their own unique cultures
and traditions. However, some common practices among indigenous
communities include traditional agriculture, such as the use of swidden
farming techniques and the cultivation of upland crops like sweet potatoes
and cassava.
Other practices may include traditional medicine, weaving, and spiritual
practices.In terms of significant contributions to the development of science and
technology, the indigenous peoples of the Philippines have a long history of using
their knowledge of the natural environment to develop sustainable agricultural
practices, such as terrace farming and the use of traditional crop rotation
systems. They have also developed traditional technologies, such as the use of
bamboo in construction, and have made significant contributions to the fields of
traditional medicine and ethnobotany.
Additionally, many indigenous languages and traditional knowledge systems
contain important information about the environment and natural resources,
which can be valuable for conservation and management efforts.

7. What is the cultural belief of the indigenous people?

- The cultural beliefs of indigenous peoples around the world are incredibly
diverse and varied, as there are thousands of distinct indigenous cultures
with their own unique traditions, languages, and belief systems. However,
there are some common themes and principles that are often found in
indigenous cultures:

• Connection to the Land: Many indigenous cultures have a deep spiritual

and cultural connection to their ancestral lands. The land is often seen as a
living entity, and stewardship of the environment is a fundamental value.
• Oral Traditions: Indigenous cultures often pass down their knowledge,
stories, and history through oral traditions, including storytelling, songs, and
rituals.
• Spirituality and Animism: Many indigenous belief systems incorporate
animism, the idea that all things in nature have a spirit or consciousness.
This includes animals, plants, and natural elements.
• Community and Family: Indigenous cultures often place a strong emphasis
on community and family. Many indigenous societies are organized around
extended families and clans.
• Respect for Elders: Elders hold a special place in many indigenous
cultures. They are often seen as the keepers of wisdom and are highly
respected.
• Ceremonies and Rituals: Ceremonies and rituals play a central role in
indigenous cultures. These can include rites of passage, healing ceremonies,
and celebrations of the natural world.
• Sustainable Living: Indigenous cultures often have sustainable and
traditional ways of living that have allowed them to coexist with their
environments for centuries.
• Cultural Preservation: In the face of colonization and modernization, many
indigenous communities place a strong emphasis on preserving their
languages, traditions, and cultural practices.

It's important to note that there is no single set of beliefs that applies to all
indigenous cultures. The diversity of indigenous belief systems is vast and
should be respected and understood within its unique cultural and
historical context. Moreover, many indigenous communities are actively
working to protect and revitalize their cultures in the face of historical
injustices and ongoing challenges.