According to the legend, Kinoingan (God in the Momolian religious system) sacrificed his daughter Huminodun by cutting her into pieces and sowing her flesh all over the ground, which became paddy.
Kinoingan is said to have sacrificed his daughter to feed the people who were starving due to a great famine. It is believed that Huminudon's spirit is embodied in paddy.
The spirit is known as Bambarayon or Bambazon, and is honoured during Kaamatan.
The rituals and celebrations may somewhat differ but these are some of what you can expect if you're lucky enough to join in a Gawai celebration.
Usually (especially when there's no pandemic) the locals are very friendly and will be happy to have you join in the celebrations, so just ask one of your Sarawakian friends if you can visit.
On the eve of Gawai, the rituals starts with Muai Antu Rua, where two children or men will drag a chapan (winnowing basket) in front of each family's bilek to collect unwanted items which are then tossed to the ground at the end of the longhouse for the spirit of bad luck. This is done to cast away the spirit of greed.
Some of the tribes that live in interior parts of Sarawak also go hunting, trapping, fishing and more for meat, fish and vegetable that'll be served during the festival.
As the sun sets on the eve of Gawai, miring (offerings) rite will be held, where "Feast Chief" will lead the ritual by thanking the Gods for harvest, asks for guidance, blessings and a long life before sacrificing a cockerel.
This is followed by dinner, where delicious food are served alongside rice wine (tuak). Some of the traditional food that are served on the day are penganan (cake made of rice flour, palm sugar and coconut milk), pansoh or lulun (meat cooked in bamboo) and many more.
Around midnight, a procession is done inside the common area of a long house where people walk up and down the ruai seven times to welcome the spirit God.
At the stroke of midnight, a gong is beaten to get everyone's attention. The tuai rumah (chief of the house) or "Feast Chief" will lead the drinking of Ai Pengayu (usually tuak) and wish everyone.
That ends the ritual part of Gawai. The rest are more about celebration which may include music and dancing, as well as competitions.
