A Childhood Memory of Unknowingly Entering a Rice Granary

Eulalie Dulnuan shares a childhood memory of unknowingly entering a rice granary believed to be inhabited by bululs, protective spirits in her Indigenous community, which led to a sudden and painful ear inflammation. Her mother traced the cause back to the granary—an area traditionally marked with knotted reeds as a “keep off” sign that children often ignored—and treated the ailment using a cultural remedy made from chewed rice bits applied to the affected area. Through this personal story, Dulnuan highlights the importance of spiritual beliefs, traditional healing practices, and community warnings surrounding sacred or restricted spaces.

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    PERSON

  • Eulalie Dulnuan wearing a white shirt and a necklace with multiple strands of beads, her hands are raised as if caught gesturing while talking

    Eulalie

    Dulnuan

    Tourism and Cultural Officer

    President of the Ifugao Intangible Heritage and Performing Arts Society