Note 38 — Economic Life
Reading edition
No product receives more attention in the lore of the Tinguian than the climbing vine known as lawed (Piper sp.).38 It was formerly in universal use in connection with the chewing of betel-nut. To-day betel-nut is less common in this region, but this leaf and the areca-nut still play an important part in all ceremonies. According to tradition, it was possible in the old times to tell the fate of an absent friend by noting the condition of a lawed vine planted by him prior to his departure.39 The vine is now trained on poles and trellises, near to many houses.