Kinaiyang Sugbuanon: Kulilising Hari

After the prayer for the dead has been said the visitors, composed of kins and neighbors and even strangers, tarry around for a brief socialization. Then somebody, usually an elderly person, shouts Kulilising Hari! Everyone looks at him, then positions himself with the other visitors in the sala, forming a circle or semi-circle in the process. Squatting or seated the group proceeds to sing a traditional kulilisi song which has resounded for centuries in rural Cebuano houses where somebody has just passed away.

As the group sing, a balled handkerchief is passed from hand to hand and the fellow who holds it as the song stops becomes the “it” who is obliged to dish out a rhymed “balak” on an agreed subject. If he fails to do so he is “punished.” But  the punishment is usually very light and oftentimes funny such as kissing an old woman, drinking a glass of tuba or answering a personal question.

An interesting feature of a kulilisi is the “mock” visit of an “embahada” from a neighboring “kingdom” usually led by another elderly man. The new arrivals first position themselves at a distance from the house, where they are illuminated by torches. Then a shout is heard. “Kulilising Hari! Kulilising Hari!” Whereupon, every one in the house keeps still and quiet as the exchange of balak is heard.

“Kinsa kamong nangahas pagtugaw sa among kalihokan?” the host leader inquires.

“Ako si Hari Kusgan gikan sa gingharian sa mga taga Banika...”

After an exchange of balak, the visitors are invited to enter the house and join the kulilisi.

Briefly, that is what goes on in the kulilisi. It’s a cultural practice uniquely Cebuano and expressive of ethnic values. One is the value of sympathetic fellowship with the bereaved family. Another is smooth interpersonal relationship. And still another is love and appreciation of our native language and practices.

As in other traditional practices, the kulilisi is no longer held in urban centers. In rural places, however, it is still conducted -- a welcome trend really because this peculiarly Cebuano of honoring the dead can be preserved.

In the forthcoming Kinaiyang Sugbuanon, a reenactment of the kulilisi will be staged. The aim is to expose present-day Cebuanos to the cultural practices of their forebears and therefore become aware of their ethnic identity. Without such identity, a Cebuano’s soul is dead.