mambunong
mambúnong with stress marks
folk healer; spiritual leader
Usage Note
Mambunong is an Ilocano and Cordillera term for a ritual specialist who mediates between the human and spirit worlds, conducting healing ceremonies, agricultural rites, and community rituals. Distinct from the lowland albularyo, the mambunong holds a highly respected role in indigenous Ilocano and Kankanaey communities.
Examples
" May mambunong sa bayan namin. "
Natural Translation
There is a folk healer in our town.
Literal Translation
Has folk-healer in town our.
" Tumawag sila ng mambunong. "
Natural Translation
They called a folk healer.
Literal Translation
Called they of folk healer.
" Bago magsimula ang anihan, hinihingan muna ng basbas ang mambunong na pinagkakatiwalaan ng buong komunidad. "
Natural Translation
Before the harvest begins, they first ask for a blessing from the folk healer whom the whole community trusts.
Literal Translation
Before begin the harvest, asked-from first of blessing the folk-healer that trusted by whole community.
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