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.
