Cattle Ceremonies and Feasts of Merit

Abstract

The most important days in the course of a year are those on which one can attend a feast, and the most important days in the life of a person are those on which he himself can host such an occasion. Men are considered the hosts, the “feast-givers” however, only after a man is married may he organize a feast where cattle, gayal, or buffalo are sacrificed. Not every man is ambitious enough to work and plan toward a feast, but many are forced to host one without ever having had the intention — in cases of serious illness it may be necessary to sacrifice a bull or a cow. He who has had a particularly good harvest also does well to host a feast, in order not to evoke the anger of the spirits and the envy of other villagers. Thus, feasts prevent evil and safeguard the physical and mental health of the members of the family.