CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Problems Encountered by Students

Before the Wedding, among the Aeta community in San

Mariano, Isabela, there are no specific rituals or

customs performed before the wedding. Unlike other

indigenous groups that may have elaborate pre-wedding

traditions, Aeta couples proceed directly to marriage

without any formal pre-ceremonial rites.

When it comes to marriage restrictions, there are no

prohibitions on whom an individual can marry. However, a

key cultural expectation is that both the groom and

bride’s families engage in a conversation and agreement

before the marriage takes place. This discussion serves

as a form of respect to the parents of both parties.

Furthermore, the Aeta have no specific beliefs related

to marriage and family life that dictate how couples

should live after getting married. Their approach to

marriage is straightforward, focusing on the agreement

between families rather than on symbolic rituals or

beliefs.

During the Wedding Ceremony, in the case of Aeta

marriages in San Mariano, Isabela, weddings are commonly

held in a battalion. Instead of a traditional setting,

they secure the services of a priest and soldiers who

facilitate the wedding ceremony. This adaptation reflects

how their wedding customs have evolved over time.

Historically, before Christianity influenced their

community, the Aeta wore simple baag (loincloths) as

their traditional attire. However, with the spread of

Christianity, their wedding attire has changed

significantly. Today, Aeta brides and grooms dress

similarly to the general population, wearing modern

clothing instead of their indigenous garments.

Food plays an essential role in Aeta wedding

celebrations. Traditional wedding feasts typically

include a variety of local delicacies such as Inihaw na

baboy (grilled pork), Inihaw na isda (grilled fish), Ube

(purple yam), Gulay (vegetables), Tinapang isda (smoked

fish). These dishes are prepared and shared among the

attendees, highlighting the importance of communal

feasting in Aeta weddings.

After the Wedding, unlike in many cultures where grand

celebrations follow the wedding ceremony, the Aeta do not

have any elaborate post-wedding festivities. Once the

wedding ceremony is completed, the newlyweds move on with

their lives without any additional formal gatherings or

celebrations.
 Setting Up the Marital Home, in the case of some Aeta

marriages in San Mariano, the couple’s home is not

personally arranged by them. Instead, the battalion,

where the wedding was held, takes charge of organizing

and setting up the house. This reflects how the process

of marriage among the Aeta has been influenced by

external organizations and communities. The way their

homes are arranged today is similar to how Ilocano

marriages are handled, showing an integration of

different cultural practices.

Changes in Marriage Traditions Over Generations, the

transmission of Aeta wedding traditions has changed

significantly over time. Many younger Aeta are now

exposed to formal education, which influences their

cultural perspectives. As a result, some traditional

customs are being altered or replaced with modern

practices. The education system plays a role in shaping

their views on marriage, leading to a gradual shift in

their cultural practices.

One of the most significant changes in Aeta marriage

customs is the shift in who officiates the weddings. In

the past, only Aeta elders or tribal leaders could

preside over wedding ceremonies, and Christianity had

little to no influence in their marriage traditions.

Historically, Christian missionaries were not allowed to

enter Aeta communities due to the fear that they might be

harmed. However, as generations have changed, Aeta and

Christian communities now coexist, allowing Christian

priests to officiate Aeta weddings. This marks a major

transformation in their traditional practices, blending

indigenous and Christian influences.

This evolution highlights how Aeta marriage customs

continue to adapt, reflecting both cultural preservation

and external influences shaping their traditions today.

CHAPTER V

Summary and Conclusion

This study explores the wedding practices of the Aeta

community in San Mariano, Isabela, Philippines, focusing

on their traditions, beliefs about marriage, and the

perspectives of the younger generation. Using a

qualitative ethnographic approach, the researchers

conducted semi-structured interviews, participant

observations, focus group discussions, and document

analyses involving Aeta elders, married couples,

community leaders, and family members. The findings

indicate that the Aeta do not have specific pre-wedding

rituals, and wedding ceremonies are commonly held in a

battalion, officiated by a priest and soldiers.

Traditional attire has shifted from baag (loincloths) to

modern clothing due to Christian influence. After the

wedding, there are no elaborate celebrations, and

newlyweds continue with their daily lives, with the

battalion playing a role in setting up their marital

home. The study also highlights that the Aeta do not have

strong cultural beliefs regarding marriage, but the

younger generation exhibits mixed perceptions—some

embracing modern practices while others strive to retain

their cultural heritage. This shift is influenced by

education and external societal changes. The study

applies sociological theories, including Structural

Functionalism, Cultural Relativism, and Symbolic

Interactionism, to understand the significance and

evolving nature of Aeta wedding traditions.

The research underscores the changes in Aeta marriage

customs over generations, particularly the shift from

elder-led ceremonies to Christian-officiated weddings and

the adoption of modern clothing and Western wedding

elements. The study highlights the importance of cultural

preservation, encouraging documentation of indigenous

wedding traditions, and promoting awareness through

education. Furthermore, it calls for government policies

that support and recognize indigenous marriage customs to

maintain cultural diversity.

Conclusion
 The study concludes that Aeta wedding traditions in San

Mariano, Isabela, are undergoing transformation due to

modernization and the growing influence of Christianity.

While the community continues to value its cultural

heritage, a gradual shift towards contemporary practices

is evident. These changes present both challenges and

opportunities in maintaining the Aeta's unique identity.

CHAPTER VI

Recommendations

To further support cultural preservation and ensure the

continuity of Aeta wedding traditions, the researchers
propose the following recommendations:

1. Further Ethnographic Research – Conduct comparative

studies on wedding traditions of other Aeta
communities across the Philippines to examine
similarities and differences, helping to establish a
broader understanding of indigenous marriage customs.
2. Cultural Documentation and Archiving – Develop
written, audio, and video documentation of Aeta
wedding practices to create a comprehensive record
that future generations can use for cultural
preservation and education.
3. Community Awareness Programs – Organize workshops and
forums within Aeta communities to raise awareness of
the importance of preserving their wedding traditions
while balancing modernization.
4. Incorporation into Educational Curricula – Integrate
lessons on Aeta wedding traditions and other
indigenous practices into the national curriculum to
foster appreciation and awareness among Filipino
students.
5. Government Recognition and Policy Support – Advocate
for policies that acknowledge and protect indigenous
marriage customs, ensuring that these practices are
respected in legal frameworks and cultural programs.
6. Collaboration with Cultural Organizations – Partner
with local and international cultural organizations,
NGOs, and universities to create initiatives
supporting Aeta traditions, such as cultural
festivals, exhibitions, and research projects.
7. Promotion of Indigenous Handicrafts and Attire –
Encourage Aeta artisans to produce and promote
traditional wedding attire, accessories, and crafts,
which can contribute to both cultural preservation and
economic empowerment.
8. Strengthening Indigenous Leadership – Empower Aeta
elders and community leaders to actively participate
in preserving and teaching marriage customs to the
younger generation through mentorship and
storytelling.
9. Use of Digital Platforms – Utilize social media,
websites, and digital storytelling to share and
promote Aeta wedding practices, allowing greater
recognition and appreciation of their culture on a
wider scale.
10. Intergenerational Dialogue – Foster conversations
between elders and youth to bridge the generational
gap, ensuring that traditional wedding customs are
understood, respected, and valued.
11. Legal Support for Indigenous Marriage Practices –
Work with lawmakers to ensure that Aeta wedding
traditions are legally recognized, allowing couples to
have their marriages officially acknowledged without
compromising their cultural identity
12. Sustainable Development Programs – Implement
livelihood programs that support Aeta communities
economically while reinforcing their cultural
heritage, ensuring that modern influences do not lead
to the complete loss of traditional practices.