Badjao Peole: Cultural and Religious Background

      One very unique and interesting fact about the cultural background is that for most of their history they have been seafaring people. They particularly travel along the Sulu Sea, some of the most dangerous waters constantly facing piracy. Although they face such threats, it is unlike the Badjao people to use weapons; instead they flee. 

About 200 years ago, some Badjao began to settle on land in the Philippines while others still traveled among the seas or either lived on house boats near the shore.The people who live on the shorelines often live in clustered houses made of silt. Many families either share a house boat or a house on the shore. They combine efforts in order to share food and other resources. 

     The Badjao are colorful, spirited, and musical people. They often wear colorful clothing due to beliefs that they are of a royal descent. At weddings, it is common for the bride to wear many bright colors and will receive many water buffalo as dowry. Arranged marriages are quite common within the indigenous tribe.A lot of the Badjao history and culture can be discovered in folklore. Some ancient stories tell of Badjao himself, who people would follow to the rivers.

     The Badjao people consider themselves to be Sunni Muslim. Many attend mosques and participate in the daily prayers. They also believe they are descendants of Muhammad.Although many believe this, a lot of Badjao people have a more animistic religious view. They have a more spiritual way of life and way of looking at things. They believe in spirit boats and sailing spirits away and worship the sea god- Omboh Dilaut. 

    Badjao's value their rich heritage and history. They value that strongly because it's the only identity they have to hold on to considering they typically don't have a "place" of their own. They also strongly value community, families, and being together. 

    They are mainly an agricultural society, with men building fishing boats, working on iron, diving for pearls, and coins. Women for the most part weave mats and market pottery. They both have a relatively equal role in their society. 

     Their religion and culture seems like it would hinder the gospel, considering they are Sunni Muslim. Although they have beliefs in another god, they are on the search for something very real and genuine. Even though it may be an obstacle, I definitely think that because they are searching for something new that they are a ripe field.