Salaam, all.
The word Kaamatan is derived from
the root word 'tomot,' a Kadazandusun term for harvest. Kaamatan refers to the
paddy-harvesting period, which involves a series of traditional rituals
culminating finally to the Kaamatan (harvest) festival. The Kaamatan festival
is an annual event in the cultural life of the Kadazandusuns of Sabah since
time immemorial. In its deepest sense, Kaamatan festival is a manifestation of
Creator and Creation relationship, as well as Inter-Creations relationship. It
embodies the principal acts of invocation of divinities, appeasing,
purification and restoration, re-union of benevolent spirits, and thanksgiving
to the Source of All. It is part of a complex wholesome 'Momolian' religious
system centered on the paddy rites of passage and the life cycle of 'Bambarayon'
- the in-dwelling spirit of paddy.
