When I started my research on the culture of the Kadazandusun tribe, I also began compiling whatever data and findings that I came across.
I was at the same time very keen to listen to the many stories from the old folks especially at family gatherings and at cultural events. As I started writing this article I realized that there are many stories about the SEVEN (7) numbers. It has been quite fascinating for me to discover that there is so much more to learn of the mystical numbers than what has been generally acknowledged and told from generation to generation in the story of the Kadazandusun.
For today's article, let me begin with the Seven-in-One Bambarayon (The Rice Soul).
Kinoingan thus sacrificed His only daughter so that the people could have food to survive on earth. Her body parts were planted as seeds and these became the multi-purpose resource plants of the world. Her flesh became red rice, and was perceived to be the most sacred of all. Her spirit dwelled in the paddy fields and became the Seven-in-One Bambarayon - The Soul of Rice.
Ponumpuan thus became Huminodun (The Transformed Sacrifice) in the context of Kinoingan, being the salvation of the Kadazandusun people. This is the mystical body of Bambarayon-turned-Huminodun. Bambarayon being Ponumpuan or Huminodun is a constitution of the seven-in-one-spirit and they have their respective specific residential precincts within the mystical paddy plant such as;
- Son - guas
- Son - puun
- Son - gi'ih
- Son - watu
- Son - putul
- Son - bilao
To understand better the Seven-in-One Soul of Rice, I have shared below a picture that I have copied from the book of Kaamatan by KDCA. Every part of the paddy plant, carries its own meaning.
During the course of the season, it is inevitable that some paddy is damaged and parts become separated and stray away and along with it the spiritual components of Bambarayon. This can happen for many reasons; natural, accidental, plain or through violence and neglect. Thus immediately after harvest, it is very important that after the Bambazon harvest, the mystical spirit should spread and to be collected by Shaman (Bobolian / Bohohizan). So the tribe's Shaman (Bobolian / Bobohizan) perform the Magavau , Modsuut and Humabot ceremonies, travelling through the levels of the spirit world to rescue the severed and strayed parts of the rice soul (Bambarayon). Intact, this ceremony is to ensure the next harvest is equally bountiful.
For the rest part of the story, join me to appreciate the beautiful views of Sabah's paddy fields photographed by our young local talent Nelson Michael Jr.
The beautiful view of the paddy field terrace in the district of Tambunan, Sabah. Photo Source
Paddy field in Kota Belud district of Sabah with a stunning view of Mount Kinabalu. Photo Source
Before I sign off, reminiscing my childhood memories that make me who I am today and feel blessed to have the spirit of Bambarayon in me.
For the first 17 years of my life, the paddy field was my playground. The sunsets, paddy field, mud, pipit (type of bird), koruk (type of fresh water fish) were my good friends. This picture was taken behind my parent's house in Papar a few weeks ago.
Thank you for visiting my blog and stay tuned for Series #05.
Love and light
Kindly visit KOPISUNDUAN Series #01, #02, #03
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