Kaamatan festival is an annual event in the cultural life of
the Kadazandusuns of Sabah since time immemorial. In its deepest sense,
Kaamatan festival is a manifestation of Creator and Creation relationship, as
well as Inter-Creations relationship. It embodies the principal acts of
invocation of divinities, appeasing, purification and restoration, re-union of
benevolent spirits, and thanksgiving to the Source of All. It is part of a
complex wholesome Momolian religious system centered on the paddy rites of
passage and the life cycle of Bambarayon - the in-dwelling spirit of paddy.
Appeasing is done in respect of Bambarayon, Deities,
Divinities and Spirits, who may have been hurt by human wrongful, acts.
Purification is performed in respect of human and spiritual needs for
forgiveness followed by resolutions to make themselves worthy of the gifts of
life from God. Restoration in necessary to ensure the health and well being of
sunduans, mankind and other spiritual beings. Re-union is realised in respect
of human needs to be integrated in body, mind and spirit within the concept of
the seven-in-one divinity in humanity, as well as re-union of Bambarayon with
human Sunduan. Finally Thanksgiving is observed as befitting for all creations
to express their gratitude and appreciation for the gifts of life (through
Huminodun) and all life supportive system on earth that their Creator lovingly
and generously gave them.
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