Greetings from the Philippines
Hands in Banaue market
The locals in the Ifugao region of Luzon Island in the Philippines chew moma as protection against the cold. This is a mix of betel nut, betel leaf, tobacco and slaked lime powder (usually made from heating crushed sea or snail shells). We met this lady in the market in Banaue and she demonstrated the technique. You can see the part-chewed betel nut in her right hand and the leaf between fingers and thumbs. She will add a pinch of the lime powder and usually a little tobacco too before proceeding to chew, often for hours. As well as its perceived protective qualities, the mixture has a narcotic effect, mainly because of the slaked lime.
I thought this postcard would fit very neatly with this week’s Monochrome Madness theme of ‘hands’, set by Stupidity Hole.
26 Comments
Annie Berger
Thanks for introducing us to a traditional way of life for the people of Banaue, Sarah. Your postcard was indeed a perfect fit for the day’s theme!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Annie 😊 I was very happy to find this photo opp at just the right time!
Leanne Cole
Great hands Sarah, I like the story too.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Leanne 😊 As soon as I saw her I felt this would work well in monochrome and I was pleased with how it turned out.
thehungrytravellers.blog
We’ve talked to several people over the years about this habit….and been told it’s more addictive than cigarettes and twice as bad for your health….AND rots your teeth (the evidence of that last one, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, is there for all to see!) Not too pleasant when they spit the bright red contents in the street either 😂. Reading the other comments, it’s not something Westerners relate to too easily, is it!
Sarah Wilkie
No indeed! I’m sure you saw all the ‘no spitting moma’ signs, especially at the viewpoints?
thehungrytravellers.blog
Indeed so!
Paul
Great image and caption. Sharing with my wife who is Filipina. (And I’ve never been to the Philippines).
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Paul. I hope she’ll correct me if I got any of the info wrong!
margaret21
Interesting background to a great photo.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Margaret ☺️
restlessjo
Excellent shot for the challenge. Doesn’t sound the healthiest habit, does it?
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Jo ☺️ No, it certainly isn’t!
Egídio
Beautiful photo, Sarah. The information you provided is also interesting.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Egidio ☺️
Anne Sandler
Beautiful image Sarah. And, if it works, that’s great. I just wonder what it tastes like.
Sarah Wilkie
I don’t think it does work but because of the narcotic effect I guess they believe that it does! And in fact it is bad for their health, especially if they include the tobacco.
Monkey's Tale
And then the sidewalks are covered in red spit. Nice picture, but I’m not a fan of betel nut. Maggie
Sarah Wilkie
Agreed! There are signs everywhere here, ‘No spitting of moma’
I. J. Khanewala
In India exactly the same thing is called a pan.
Heyjude
I agree with Sue. The stuff sounds disgusting though.
Sarah Wilkie
Indeed it is Jude! It stains their teeth, carries health risks and causes a mess!
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, I know it’s common in many Asian countries and they all have different names for it. According to Wikipedia it originated in the Philippines.
I. J. Khanewala
I can’t believe that. Since it is used in several Hindu religious ceremonies, it’s use in India must be rather old.
Sue
nice study
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Sue 😀