PH
The Runsay is a traditional ritual associated with the Tagbanwa of Palawan and is recorded in the Philippine inventory of intangible cultural heritage.
Historical descriptions place the ceremony after the full moon of December and describe it as a community-wide ritual.
One striking part involves preparing a small raft carrying offerings such as cooked rice, fish, chicken, and betel quids. The raft is then sent out toward the sea as part of the ritual.
Traditional accounts connect the ceremony with attempts to protect the community from dangerous spiritual forces associated with the sea.
After the raft disappears from sight, community members traditionally celebrate through singing and dancing.
Runsay shows how Tagbanwa traditions connected the sea, community protection, ritual offerings, and collective participation.
© UNESCO-ICHCAP — Philippine Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage