In the world of witches and sorcery, one iconic symbol comes to mind - the witch hat. Often depicted as tall, pointed and adorned with a wide brim, the witch hat has become synonymous with magic and enchantment. However, within the realm of witchcraft, there are various types of hats that hold different meanings and symbolism. One such hat is the Ranni hat. The Ranni hat is a traditional style of witch hat that originated from the small town of Ranni in Kerala, India. It is handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Filipino witch doctor
7th South and Southeast Asian Association for Culture and Religion (SSEASR) Conference
Publication Date
Abstract
Filipinos are naturally inclined to animism. This inclination leads some of them to depend their health problems to something spiritual and cultural. When the health of a family member is at-risk, the urban poor seek traditional healing (Salenga, 2012). The researchers seek to enumerate the motivational factors that led the urban poor families to avail the services from the traditional healers specifically the albularyos. Likewise, this study identified the significance of these motivational factors in the exercise of their faith. This study employed qualitative method of research and utilized the focused-group discussion. Using purposive sampling method, the researchers convened 10 individuals from the urban poor in Manila particularly in Brgy. 719, Leveriza St., Malate Manila who sought healing and were healed by the so called albularyos. This barangay is situated at the heart of the city near Philippine General Hospital (PGH), the biggest government-owned and controlled hospital in the country. Based from the study conducted, Filipinos believed in the supernatural power of the albularyo. This created Juan’s mindset of a positive outlook in life which led to their wellbeingness and deepened their faith- life. They also consider that the albularyo is a divine instrument whom God sent to make them well.
Recommended Citation
Cabatbat, K. M., Camarines, T. M., Eballo, M. B., & Vicente, N. E. (2017). Filipinos bilib kay albularyo: Its implications on one’s faith-life. 7th South and Southeast Asian Association for Culture and Religion (SSEASR) Conference Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/8668
Disciplines
Medicine and Health | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Keywords
Spiritual healing—Philippines—Manila; Healers—Philippines—Manila; Poor—Health and hygiene—Philippines—Manila; Well-being—Religious aspects
Understanding My Mom’s Unorthodox Healing Practices
It is handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Made from locally sourced materials such as palm leaves and bamboo, the Ranni hat is known for its unique shape and intricate designs. The distinguishing feature of the Ranni hat is its curved brim, which sets it apart from other witch hats.
Healing through tawas and hilot
Sheets of newspaper cover a portion of the floor of our house in Manila, and on top of those thin pieces of paper sit a white candle, a box of matches, a metal spoon, and a metal basin filled with water. The doors are locked. We’re huddled around the basin, and the room plunges into silence.
Rest assured, this is not some scene from a B-rated supernatural horror movie. This is just what happens whenever anyone in my family gets sick. We call an albularyo—Tagalog for witch doctor or folk healer—to come and conduct either tawas or hilot depending on the degree of illness (more on those in a bit).
I’ve known our albularyo since I was little, when she was still juggling between working for us and training to become a folk healer. She’s seen me grow up, and I’ve seen her grow older. Now, she always asks us how we’re doing whenever she comes into the house, beaming her wide chipped-tooth smile, always joking, always laughing.
But not during tawas. The air assumes a solemn and still quality as she cuts off a small piece from the candle and waves it in circles around the patient, eyes closed, concentrating, and chanting words under her breath. She then places the candle wax on the spoon, melts it, and drops it into the basin filled with water. As it cools down, the candle wax forms into an image which reveals the engkantos or evil spirits that have bewitched the patient. She does this five times so that by the end, we have five images forming a narrative. Having now identified the cause of disease, she anoints the patient with water from the basin and says a prayer to counteract these engkantos.
But for mild coughs, colds, or fevers, we turn to hilot. Slathering her hands with massage oil, she locates the cold spots in our bodies (those pesky causes of disease!) and massages them away, relaxing the muscles and curing our ailments. I’ve always loved this one because it makes me feel like I’m in a spa.
And if we’re still sick after all these interventions, maybe we’ll finally go to the doctor. The doctor is always the last resort.
Trust me, I know how this all sounds. How can wax images and massages cure something so biologically based, right? I used to scoff at these treatments when I was younger too, priding myself on my scientific outlook and “rational” mind.
All my life, I’ve never really understood nor tried to understand why my mom rarely sends us for check-ups, opting instead for tawas, hilot, and the occasional pharmaceutical drugs we self-medicate ourselves with.
That is, until I took an Introduction to Anthropology course, where I encountered the term “structural violence” and the whole world of medical anthropology.
The brim is meticulously woven with patterns representing various elements of nature, such as flowers, birds, and trees. These patterns not only add to the aesthetic appeal of the hat but also hold symbolic meanings within the witchcraft community. In witchcraft, the Ranni hat is believed to possess special powers and provide protection to the wearer. It is said to enhance the user's spellcasting abilities and channel their magic more effectively. The curved brim is thought to create a vortex of energy, allowing the witch to harness the natural forces surrounding them. Apart from its mystical attributes, the Ranni hat also serves as a cultural symbol in the town of Ranni. It is often worn during traditional festivals and ceremonies as a representation of the community's rich heritage and connection to witchcraft. The highly skilled artisans who create these hats are revered in the town and their craft is regarded as a form of art. The Ranni hat has transcended its cultural boundaries and gained popularity in the global witchcraft community. Its unique design and symbolism have captivated witchcraft enthusiasts worldwide, who seek to incorporate the hat into their practice. Whether worn for its protective properties or simply as a fashion statement, the Ranni hat continues to be a beloved accessory among witches and sorcerers. In conclusion, the Ranni hat is a traditional style of witch hat that holds significant meaning and symbolism. With its curved brim and intricate designs, it stands out as a cultural and mystical symbol. Whether in its town of origin or in the global witchcraft community, the Ranni hat represents the beauty and power of witchcraft..
Reviews for "The Legend of the Ranni the Witch Hat: Fact or Fiction?"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Ranni the Witch Hat" after seeing all the positive reviews, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, with a lot of unanswered questions. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and were difficult to connect with. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and would not recommend it.
2. Alex - 1 star - "Ranni the Witch Hat" was a complete disappointment for me. The writing style was overly simplistic and lacked any sort of nuance. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, making it difficult to become immersed in the story. Furthermore, the world-building was inadequate, leaving many inconsistencies and unexplained elements. I found it difficult to finish the book and would not recommend it to others.
3. Jessica - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Ranni the Witch Hat," but unfortunately, it fell flat. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any sort of development, making it hard to care about their fates. The pacing was also off; at times, it felt rushed, while at others, it dragged on unnecessarily. Overall, I found the book to be mediocre and would not recommend it to fellow readers.
4. Michael - 2.5 stars - While "Ranni the Witch Hat" had its moments, I ultimately found it to be a lackluster read. The plot had potential, but it was hindered by poor execution. The story felt predictable and cliché, and I struggled to become invested in the characters' journey. The writing style was also underwhelming and lacked elegance. Overall, I was left wanting more from this book and wouldn't consider it a memorable read.
5. Sarah - 2 stars - "Ranni the Witch Hat" was a disappointment on multiple levels. The story lacked originality and felt like a rehash of other fantasy novels I've read. The pacing was uneven, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed or unresolved. I also found the prose to be clunky and awkward, which hindered my enjoyment of the book. While I appreciate the author's effort, I wouldn't recommend this book to others.