The Penan tribespeople belief in myths and spirits are strongly to this very day although traditional creation myths and concepts of heaven and hell are seldom discussed. Their prominent dogma include vacating as soon as death befalls one of them. This practice proves to be the primary reason for their nomadic lifestyle. Permanent dwelling is prohibited in their culture. Also, the tribesmen believe that huge trees should be protected and prevented from being cut down. In addition, forest areas should not be cleared up under any circumstances according to the Penan tribe. During conversations, no one shouts or ever dares interrupt. A Penan does not own any land for himself and never lets anyone go hungry.
Celebrations, festivals & rituals
Festivals are not part of traditional Penan culture, but blood pacts were once undertaken, usually as part of political agreements between Penan leaders and neighbouring tribes. Rituals varied, but in some cases leaders would shed blood onto tobacco and then smoke it together, thus consuming each other's blood and preventing future conflict. A breach of this pact was believed to cause the vomiting of blood and a violent death. Similar rituals relate to banishing bad luck in hunting trips or to end a period of unsuccessful hunts. By smearing their blood onto a sago leaf, folding it and burying it some hunters believe they can change their fortune.
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