We have already referred to the important part the limokon plays in the selection and clearing of a new plot of ground,[2] and to the offerings made to the spirits when it becomes necessary to cut down certain trees.[3] The crops, aside from the rice, are planted and harvested without further reference to the spirit world, but the cultivation and care of this cereal can only be carried on according to certain fixed conditions.

[2] See pages 173 and 177.

[3] Near Cateel the wishes of the spirits are learned by means of cords.  A number of strings are tied together in the center and the knot is buried.  The loose ends are then joined and if it happens that the two ends of a cord have been tied together it is taken as a sign that the spirits give their consent to the proposed clearing.

About November first, when a group of seven stars called poyo poyo appears in the west, it is a signal for all who expect to clear new land to begin their labors.  By December first this constellation rises straight above and it is then time to plant.  This is further confirmed by the appearance of a star known as sabak.  If any have delayed their planting until the middle of December they are given a last warning when the stars forming Bayatik[1] appear.

[1] This is the same as balatik, page 62.

As soon as the land has been cleared a pole is placed in the center of the field and is surrounded by a fence.  This is known as tagbinian and seems to be erected in honor of the spirit Omayan, although by some it is insisted that it is intended for his residence.  The seed rice is deposited inside the enclosure[2] and the men begin to prepare the soil about it.  This they do by thrusting sharpened sticks into the ground, thus making holes an inch or two in depth.  Taking rice from the tagbinian the women follow, dropping seeds into the holes.

[2] Maxey relates that at planting and harvest tune the Mandaya of Cateel carry offerings to the baliti trees and there offer it to Diwata, in supplication or thanks for an abundant crop.

When the harvest time is near at hand the men repair the old granaries or build new and then, when all is ready for the crop, an old man or woman goes alone, in the middle of the night, to the fields and there cuts a few stalks of the rice.  Should this be neglected the crop is sure to be small and will vanish quickly.  This grain is not used as an offering, nor are any gifts made to the spirits until the crop has been harvested and the people are ready to eat of the new rice.  At that time a little of the recently harvested grain is placed on a dish, together with other food and betel-nut, and is carried to the granary, where it is presented to the spirit “in order that the granary may always be full.”  When the grain is needed for use it is removed from the straw by pounding it with wooden pestles, it is then placed in a wooden mortar and is again pounded until the husks are loosened.  This accomplished, the grain is freed from chaff by tossing it in a winnower.  If a greater amount has been cleared than is needed it is stored in gourds or water-proof baskets (Fig. 50).  A month or two after the harvest a great celebration is held, the principal features of which are a feast and dance but no offerings are then made to the spirits.