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  • Discovery of Hanging Coffins in The Philippines

    Discovery of Hanging Coffins in The Philippines

    The Igorot clan from the Mountain Area in northern Philippines has a unique tradition. They have long practiced covering their dead in hanging caskets. These coffins are nailed to the sides of bluff faces high over the ground. The discovery of hanging coffins in the Philippines is a fascinating testament to this ancient practice. Easily originating before the appearance of the Spanish, the method can likely be followed back over two centuries.

    Right up to the present day, the deep-rooted custom keeps on being performed. However, it is now on a lot more limited scale than previously. While investigating the new Harsh Manual for the Philippines, Kiki Deere aimed to learn more. She explored the traditions surrounding the discovery of hanging coffins in the Philippines.

    Conventional entombments in hanging caskets just happen like clockwork or so presently. Yet Soledad Belingom, a retired septuagenarian teacher of the Igorot clan, has invited me to her humble house in Sagada. She wanted to educate me concerning her clan’s remarkable internment rehearses. These burial methods capture interest. They continue the story of the hanging coffins’ discovery in the Philippines.

    This practice is likely fueled by a belief. Moving the groups of the dead higher up carries them nearer to their hereditary spirits. However, Soledad accepts there are other contributing variables. “The old dreaded being covered in the ground.

    When they passed on, they did not want to be buried in the ground. They knew water would eventually saturate the soil. As a result, they would quickly spoil. They needed where their cadaver would be protected.”

    The final resting places are either tied or nailed to the sides of bluffs. Most measure somewhere around one meter long, as the body is covered in the fetal position. The Igorots accept that an individual ought to leave the same way he entered the world. The hanging coffins are a key part of the discovery of hanging coffins in the Philippines’ history.

    At the point when somebody bites the dust, pigs and chickens are generally butchered for community festivities. For old individuals, custom dictates that this should be three pigs and two chickens. However, the people who can’t stand to butcher such countless creatures may choose to butcher two chickens and one pig. Soledad lets me know the number must constantly be three or five, which is part of the legacy of the hanging coffins discovery.

    The departed is then put on a wooden sangadil, or hot seat. The body is attached with rattan and plants. Afterward, it is covered with a cover. It is from that point situated confronting the primary entryway of the house for family members to offer their appreciation. The body is smoked to forestall quick deterioration. This is done as a way to disguise its spoiling smell.

    The vigil for the dead is held for various days. After this, the carcass is removed from the hot seat to be conveyed to the casket. Before entombment, it is placed in the fetal position. The legs are pushed up towards the jaw. It is then wrapped again in a sweeping and attached with rattan leaves. A small group of men creates openings in the cliff’s side. They do this to secure support for the coffin. This discovery highlights how hanging coffins reveal a lot about the Philippines.

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    “The body is wrapped like a ball”, says Soledad. “On the way there, grievers give their all to get it. They convey it because they accept it is best of luck to be spread with the dead’s blood.” The liquids from the cadaver are remembered to bring achievement. They also transfer the abilities of the departed. These abilities go to the people who come into contact with them during the memorial service parade.

    At the point when the parade arrives at the entombment site, young fellows move up the side of the bluff. They spot the carcass inside an emptied-out blunder final resting place. The bones are broken to squeeze the cadaver into the little space, which is then fixed with plants.

    The most current caskets measure around two meters. Soledad makes sense of this: “Nowadays, final resting places are long. Family members of the departed are reluctant to break the bones of their friends and family. Not many decide to follow that custom at this point. Yet the tradition of hanging coffins’ discovery continues to highlight these traditions.” Below is the information and some talk about Hanging Coffins

    Today, Sagada’s older folks are among the last specialists of these old customs. Youthful ages have taken on current lifestyles and are impacted by the country’s significant Christian convictions. “Youngsters need to recall their grandparents. However, they like to cover them in the burial ground and visit their burial chambers on All Saints’ Day. You can’t climb and visit the hanging caskets. A practice is gradually reaching a conclusion. It’s ceasing to exist.” For more details on the hanging coffins, consult the Harsh Manual for the Philippines. It provides insights into this unique discovery.

  • Hanging Coffins History of Sagada

    Hanging Coffins History of Sagada

    Exploring the Hanging Coffins History of Sagada offers insight into a fascinating cultural heritage. The Hanging Coffins of Sagada in the Philippines offer a rare glimpse into an ancient cultural tradition. It is still preserved by the Igorot people today. This unique burial practice, where coffins are suspended on the sides of cliffs, represents deep spiritual beliefs. It also reflects a connection to the afterlife. Visiting these coffins offers a chance to witness a remarkable cultural phenomenon. It also allows visitors to explore Sagada’s stunning landscapes.

    History of the Hanging Coffins:

    The tradition of the Hanging Coffins dates back over 2,000 years. It is deeply rooted in the indigenous Igorot culture. The Igorot people believe that hanging the coffins on cliffs brings the deceased closer to the spirits of their ancestors. It also connects them to the gods in the sky.

    The old people often prepare their coffins, and their bodies are placed in a fetal position. This symbolizes the return to their origin. These coffins are then hung on the cliffs of Echo Valley in Sagada. This makes the practice one of the few surviving ancient burial traditions in the world.

    Location and How to Visit:

    The Hanging Coffins are located in Echo Valley. They are just a short hike from the center of Sagada. Sagada is a town in the Mountain Province of the northern Philippines. To visit, travelers can take a bus or van from Baguio or Manila to Sagada.

    Once in Sagada, guided tours are available to help visitors explore the Hanging Coffins and learn more about their history. The hike to Echo Valley is moderate and takes around 30 minutes. It allows tourists to marvel at the stunning cliffs and dense greenery surrounding the area.

    Visiting the Hanging Coffins in Sagada is more than just a trip to see a historical site. It is a journey into the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Igorot people. The combination of history, tradition, and breathtaking mountain scenery makes this experience truly unforgettable. Visiting the Hanging Coffins is essential for those wishing to connect with the deep-rooted customs of the Philippines. This visit is also ideal for exploring one of the most unique burial practices in the world.

    You can visit this map for the location.

    It’s important to clarify the terminology first: these are not called “ghost coffins.” The term can be misleading and even slightly disrespectful. They are known as “hanging coffins” or “coffin burials,” and the practice is a sacred ancient burial tradition.

    Here’s a detailed explanation of why the Igorot people of Sagada practice this:

    1. Spiritual and Religious Beliefs

    • Closer to the Spirit World: The primary belief is that placing the coffins high on the cliff faces brings the deceased closer to “Apo Kabunian”. Coffin placement also connects them to the spirits of their ancestors. He is considered the supreme deity and god of the sky. Additionally, it brings the deceased closer to the spirits of their ancestors. The elevation is believed to facilitate the soul’s journey to the afterlife.
    • Ancestor Veneration: This practice is a profound form of respecting and honoring ancestors. By keeping their loved ones in a visible and revered place, the living maintain a spiritual connection with them. It is a way of ensuring the ancestors remain a part of the community’s daily life, watching over their descendants.

    2. Practical and Cultural Reasons

    • Protection of Remains: In the past, the rocky, mountainous terrain made digging deep graves difficult. Placing coffins on cliffs protected them from scavenging animals like wild dogs and prevented damage from natural elements like flooding.
    • Conservation of Land: The practice conserves fertile flatland for farming and building homes, which is scarce in the mountainous region. Using the vertical cliffs for burial was a practical solution.
    • Status and Honor: Not everyone was granted this burial. Traditionally, it was an honor reserved for respected community elders. These elders lived a long life and had many grandchildren. They also died of natural causes. Individuals who died from accidents or illness were often buried in the ground. The size and ornamentation of the coffin could also signify the person’s social status or wealth.
    • The Fetal Position: In the traditional practice, the body of the deceased was cleaned and then smoked to slow decomposition. It was then tied into a fetal position— knees tucked to the chest, arms wrapped around them. This symbolizes a return to the earth in the same position one was born, completing the cycle of life.

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    Why the Mountain Cliffs Specifically?

    The cliffs of Echo Valley and other areas around Sagada are not random choices. They are:

    • Sacred Grounds: These specific locations are considered holy and are designated solely for this purpose.
    • Durable and Permanent: The limestone cliffs are strong and stable. They ensure the coffins remain secure for generations. Some have remained secure for over hundreds of years.
    • A Legacy in Sight: The visible coffins of their ancestors serve as a constant reminder of their heritage. They recall their history and the lives of those who came before them.

    A Crucial Note on Respect

    For the Igorot people, these are not tourist attractions but sacred cemeteries. It is crucial for visitors to understand this context.

    • The term “ghost coffin” is a misnomer; the Igorot do not view their ancestors as “ghosts” but as revered forebears.
    • When visiting these sites, you are often with a local guide. You are expected to be quiet and respectful. You should never touch or disturb the coffins.

    In summary, the people of Sagada keep coffins on the mountain cliffs as a deeply spiritual act of honor. It is also a practical solution from their ancestors. This powerful, living tradition connects them to their past and their identity. It is a profound expression of their unique cultural heritage.