A descriptive Study of the Ilocano Death and Burial Customs and Rituals in Mangato, Laoag City

Abstract

This paper is a descriptive study about the death and burial practices of the Ilocanos in Barangay Mangato, Laoag City. Its primary goal is to give an in-depth view about the beliefs and practices of the Ilocanos in burying their dead. This had been determined through 6 main points: (1) the concept of death among the Ilocanos in Mangato, Laoag City, (2)the different beliefs related to death and burial, (3) taboos behind the death and burial practices, (4)reasons and meanings behind these beliefs, (5) the patterns of behavior performed during the ritual, (6) and the procedures or steps they perform during the death and burial. Ilocanos in Barangay Mangato were chosen purposively, ranging within the age of 50 and above. Through data gathered from questionnaire and non-participative interview (patanong-tanong), the research revealed the different parts of the Ilocano death and burial practices. These are (1) agbugbugsot (when the person is dying), (2) mansayag (wake), (3) umras (ninth or final day of wake and offerings), (4) pinagtabon (burial), (5) malpas punpon (after burial). The research was also able to determine the different reasons behind these rituals.