TREE........KAYA IN B'LAAN LANGUAGE

TREE OR KAYA is a woody plant, typically having a stem or trunk growing and bearing lateral branches at some distance from the ground. TREE OR KAYA is considered to be sacred among Highland B'laan of Pula Bato, Tampakan, South, Cotabato. Among Highland B'laan, it is believed that the spirit or guardian spirits inhabit these trees. It becomes absolutely necessary to cut down a sacred tree, a prayer or admasel may be used to satisfy the guardian spirit of the tree. The person who is about to cut down the sacred tree addresses the guardian spirit by saying, "PLEASE, I AM GOING TO CUT THIS TREE OR KAYA DOWN. WOULD YOU PLEASE LEAVE THIS TREE AND LIVE IN ANOTHER BAD TREE?" It is hoped that upon hearing the prayer, the guardian spirit will vacate the sacred tree without seeking revenge on the tree cutter. As an offering to the guardian spirit of the tree, some coins or beads from heir born necklace or kamagi are placed at the base of the tree. After hearing the prayer and receiving offerings, the guardian spirit is likely to vacate the sacred tree. It is believed that some sacred tree are always left unoccupied, so that the guardian spirit can transfer between trees if the tree is destroyed or chopped down by the B'laan cutter. ' '