PANGHAWAN-HAWAN (CLEARING RITUAL)
CMPG
Panghawan-Hawan is a ritual performed to honor and ask spirits to leave an area before building, cutting trees, or exploring new land. It involves burning blessed palm leaves and hardened sap in a clay pot while reciting prayers to respectfully request permission and clearance from the spirits. This practice is mainly performed by babaylans in San Joaquin, who pass the knowledge down through generations. The ritual is featured in local cultural events like the Bayluhay Festival and reenactments of the Purchase of Panay, reinforcing its social and spiritual importance. Although widely known, only those with hereditary babaylan roles seriously observe ...
Read More
