The religious culture of the Yami - Essay Example

?. The Yami creation myth fails to explain how the universe was created. However, it gives details on how humankind came into being. The “Legend of Imulud,” is a common narrative among Yami, which is shared as a tradition. It continues to remind the Yami people how they came into being. Additionally, the “Legend of Imulud” demonstrates explains why bamboo, fish, iron, and silver are considered by the people of the Yami tribe to be of great importance. Silver which is assumed to have been discovered by the Son of Bamboo, is frequently used by the Yami for purposes such as ornamentation of helmets for ancestral ceremonies as well as when performing religious rites. On the other hand, Iron, which is alleged to have been discovered by son of Stone, is considered insignificant. The myth demonstrates the importance of Bamboo. Yami as well as many Asian cultures use bamboo for several purposes such as a delicacy for many households. The creation story depicts a harmonious association between the Yami and the fish. This is because the Yami value maline food. Therefore, the Yami culture is greatly embedded in the Yami creation myth. Therefore, the “Legend of Imulud” is crucial in explaining the creation of man as well as clarifying the social mores observed by the Yami society. The “Legend of Imulud” clearly explains the history of the Yami and the reasons why they respect certain objects. However, it fails to explain the Yami cosmology. By this, I mean that the concept of how the gods came into being is lacking. However, the myth is quite similar to the creation story in the bible, which also fails to explain the origin of God. Therefore, the myth demonstrates that not everything can be explained (Yami Culture Web). The Belief System The Yami belief system comprises of cosmogony that is considered as underdeveloped. However, some researchers argue that the cosmogony could have been developed but has regressed. The belief system is based on belief in aspects such as demons. However, the belief has some features that are reflective of Christianity practiced by denominations such as Protestants and Catholics. The Yami describe a pantheon comprising of numerous divine layers inhabited by different deities. The firs layer is considered the habitat for the main god who is referred to as Simo-Rapao. This god is considered in charge of all other gods. The other gods are supposed to report to him on all matters regarding the Irala people. Ayami myth claims that Simo-Rapao was responsible of creating the first two people. As aforementioned, the first two people were created from stone and bamboo. Simo-Rapao follows instructions from other gods and punishes wrongdoers as advised by the other gods. The punishments could be in terms of calamities that are capable of affecting the entire tribe. The second layer in inhabited by Sio-Mima, who is considered in charge of the world comprising of islands of Japan, America, Formosa, Ivatan. Si-Toriao is considered the occupant of the third layer. He is responsible of bringing rain as well as lightning. Si-Lovolovoin is considered the messenger of the gods. The Yami invoke Si-Lovolovoin in their chants especially during the fishing season when the natives request for plenty of flying fish (Leeming 278; Kuang web). Other gods such as Si-Videy and Si-Pariod occupy the lowest layer. The Yami myth claims that these two gods plenty of yams and taro and leave the people with very little food to survive on. When caterpillar invade the Yami territory, they blame it on Si-Videy and Si-Pariod. Pina-Langalangao and Sinan-Maniray are two female supernatural being that the Yami believe in. Although the two female gods are not considered part of the deities, the Yami believe that the two control the birth as well as the lifetime of the humans. According the Yima, the two female supernatural entities crack a coconut during birth and measure the juice that outpours. Additionally, the entities can assess the water-containing capacity and use it to determine the lifetime of an individual. The Yami rarely talk of the Gods. However, they hold a yearly celebration, which is done in December when they sacrifice to all the gods (Charette Web). This ceremony is held at the start of the season for millet sowing. The sacrifice comprised of foods such as pork, goat millet, and taro in addition to yams. Even during the sacrifices, the Yami do not refer to the gods in their names. Instead, they call them grandfathers or as tawo, which means “person from above.” The Yami also believe that when people die, the soul flies to a place called Malavanga while the body turns into anito-ghosts, demons or into evil spirits (Yami Culture Web). These spirits are capable of causing harm to humans. This explains the practice of prohibiting people from visiting graveyards and taboos that are associated with funerals. The great fear of death amongst the Yami can also be explained by this myth (Leeming 278). Ritualistic Life The Yima have numerous ceremonial occasions. Moreover, the ceremonies are divided into groups depending on what is being celebrated. There are those lacking specific celebration date, those with specific date, as well as those performed during the fishing period. Those without specific date include the ceremonies performed for purposed of inaugurations of boats, house, new clothing, funeral, during naming and when inaugurating new objects (Charette Web; Yami Culture Web). The ceremonies that have specified date include those conducted in search of safety during the beginning of fishing season. Additionally, celebrations performed during opening of flying fish season and for cleansing against violation of any taboos regarding the fishing season. Other celebrations with specific dates include those performed for summoning of the fish, the start of angling and for bring the catch home. Most of the celebrations are performed as a way of seeking favor from the gods. This is because of the existence of several myths that shape the cultural practices. Therefore, by understanding the Yima myths and interpreting them appropriate, we can gain insights into their culture or understand why they perform certain cultural practices (Charette Web). Conclusion Anthropology entails examination of the human behaviour of how individuals do things.  To understand anthropology often requires the understanding of social and biological sciences, which help explain the diversity of behaviour also related to culture. Studying myths helps us understand the existence of humans and other things. Myths depict the emotional as well as spiritual experiences and beliefs of a given group of people. Additionally, myths are crucial since the provide insight on why people do certain things. Different cultural practices amongst the Yami give insight on the concept of myth. The Yami are known as a Stone Age culture. This group of individuals believe that their song of the ancestors is true. Additionally, they have numerous myths shaping their beliefs. The Yami culture that prohibits marriage between immediate family members also helps us understand the myth surrounding the prohibition of marriage among relatives in the present society. The Yima believe that hard work makes people always respect you. They find water to drink from fish, rain, and do not drink seawater. Yami are not very industrialized. There are too many bugs and pests on the island. It is clear that the Yami are organized in clear social structures and social organizations that coexist collectively as a society in the villages. Equally, it is evident that culture fades up with time, since the Yami are currently not as conservatives as were before inline of their culture. The myths that were originally held are slowly fading up because of the infiltration of other cultures, thus the projection that the Yami preserved culture may be extinct in the next three decades By analysing the religious culture of the Yami that demonstrates the presence of a supernatural being, we can be able to understand the myth behind the Imulud. The myth also explains that conflicts arose in the ‘Legend of Imulud’ that angered the Imulud after the emergence of the women. The extreme fear of the supernatural demonstrated by the Yima can help us explain the myth of the deities occupying different layer and with different roles. Read More