CHAPTER IV

INTRODUCTION

Chapter 4 of this thesis will present the results, analysis, and discussion of the Maulud

celebration among the Badjao families in Karagasan. This chapter will provide a detailed account

of the Maulud celebration, including the various rituals and customs observed and the meanings

and interpretations attached to them by the Badjao people. The analysis will focus on the cultural

and religious significance of the Maulud celebration and how it reflects the values, beliefs, and

social organization of the Badjao people. Finally, the discussion will explore the implications of

the Maulud celebration for the cultural identity of the Badjao people and the challenges they face

in preserving and transmitting their cultural heritage to future generations.

I. INFLUENCE

CULTURE

For badjao families in Karagasan, Zamboanga City pagmaulud celebration is considered

as cultural practice handed down by their forefathers from generations to generations. The

celebration should be not missed every year.

“Pyagbin sin kamaasan namuh subay tuud dih kalupahan in pagtumtum ha nabi

Mohammad (SAW)” (Our ancestors told us that we should never forget the remembrance of the

Prophet Mohammad (SAW). says informant 5. The said statement reechoes by informant 1 and

7, claiming that maulud is empirical to the life of the badjao as a Muslims. Informant 2 adds “

Amun aini in siyuligan namuh, kitah namuh ah mga kamaasan namuh. Mangi tanam isab malawa
ini”. (This is what we are following based from what we saw from our ancestors. It will feel bad

if we lose this practice). Informant 4 further explains that “Subay tuud ini dih malawa iban

baugbugan sin mga bata bagu sampay pa huling jaman kita aini mag maulud tuud pusaka ini”.

(This should never be lost and it should be practiced by the new generation up to the last

generation because, for us Badjao the maulud celebration is one of our cores.

No one from the informant claim that pagmaulud as part of their spiritual activities.

Nevertheless, Badjao families’ believe that pagmaulud celebration is an inheritance, a cultural

practice that shall not be forgotten.

II. ACTIVITIES

1. PAGLUGU (PENCE)

The maulud celebration or also known as mawlid which means the birth of prophet

Mohammad (SAW) Cherish by almost Muslims in the in entire world including Muslims in the

Philippines. Among the Muslim celebrants is Sama Badjao of Karagansan , Zamboanga City.

According to informant 3 the maulud is part of their cultural practices handed down by their

forefather associated with Paglugu. “Daing ah kamaasan pa hangkan na awn in paglugu” (The

reason why we practice paglugu is because of our ancestors). She also added that the said lugo is

based on Qitab pusaka (heirloom).

 Informant 2 also shares his paglugu experience during maulud celebration of which he

uses jamjam versions was thought by his father. He further explains that “magpakay kami

dabbana sahbu kami nag jijikr”. () Jikr here he is referring to a nasheed (song) a form of salawat

or a greeting to a prophet Mohammad (SAW). This use that the locals is having a pay respects to

the prophet of Islam in commemoration of his birthday.

The locals also use verses from the holy quran for paglugu exclusively for male elders.

Informant 4 states “Quran in pag pakayun namuh maglugo, sila adja mga kausugan in maglugo”.

(The Quran is our guide in practicing paglugo). On the other hand informant 1 expresses “ Dih

ako maingat maglugo sah mataud maingat mag lugo kamu”.(I do not know how to practice

paglugo but many individual knows) Informant 1 utilizes dabbana as an alternative to lugo.

Locals admitted although they are practicing paglugu, however only a few of them has a

talent. This implies that the new generation is crucial on preserving this beautiful culture.

2. PAGKISSA (STORY TELLING)

Informant 1 confesses kissa is part of maulud activities he expresses that their late imam

leads the reading of kissa. However he enlightens “ Magkissa kami, sumagawa byaun bukun na

ha waktu maulud. In pagkissa namuh duun na ha adlaw Isra Wal Miraj”. (We do storytelling, but

not during the times of mawlud. We do story telling in the day of Isra Wal Miraj). The said

statement is tested by informant 2 and 4 says that kissa is no longer practice during the maulud

after the death of kissa experts. In addition informant 3 shows her old maulud hand written
manuscript. According to informant 7 the said manuscript traditionally read by 7 to 10 imam lead

by community imam.

Although pagkissa on the lifestyle of the prophets is significant activity during the

celebrations, however becoming less important due to lock of potentials in poor gradually loss

eventually cannot be seen in the map of particular activity.

3. PAGJAMU (SOCIAL GATHERING)

Among the pagjamu is badjao culture this happens in every pag imun-imun (social

gathering) including the pagmaulud. Badjao belief says that pagjamu strengthening social

solidarity among badjao families and community. During the pagmaulud, informant 3 explains

badjao families in karagasan, Zamboanga City bring dulang (Traditional foods). Describe the

dulang “in dulang yan taga sampul (yellow rice), itlog, manok ginisan istah, pancit, kasayul

sayulan iban panyam”. (The contents of a dulang vary depending on the occasion and the

preferences of the Badjao community. However, common dishes that are typically served on a

dulang include rice, fish, vegetables, and meat. Some popular dishes among the Badjao people

include grilled fish, seaweed salad, and beef or chicken stew.) Informant 5 witnesses’ badjao

families gather together bringing their childrens and relatives to share the blessings. Informant 2

and 4 explain, the objective of the pagjamu strengthening the bondings the family members

together with the group of elders and entire community. Exchanging foods connect the last

fortunate with those having resources. Moreover the pagjamu took place after the paglugo.
 Pagjamu during the celebrations of maulud becoming signature of badjao families in

Karagasan, Zamboanga City towards reciprocal obligation that celebrates happiness and

harmony in the community. The spirit of this healthy social gathering not only reminds to follow

the footsteps of the prophet Mohhamad (SAW) it also preserve their commendable culture.