ALL ABOUT PHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGY

Southeast Asian island nation of the Philippines has a lengthy and tragic history. This discusses the myths of the ancient indigenous peoples, although in the present era they are the home to many other ethnicities, with the majority of them having been converted by the Abrahamic, Buddhist, and Hindu religions. Be advised, though, that many of the stories are not suitable for those with weak constitutions. If you’re interested in learning more about the myths and religions of the other Southeast Asian civilizations, be sure to visit the pages of the Malaysians, Thais, and Vietnamese. Philippine mythology is a rich tapestry of ancient beliefs, folklore, and legends that have evolved over centuries in the Philippines. It reflects the diverse cultural heritage of the archipelago, encompassing influences from indigenous peoples, Malay settlers, Chinese traders, and Spanish colonizers. In Filipino culture, superstitions and myths abound, yet they rarely have any basis in actual scientific knowledge. These ideas serve to explain occurrences or to caution against bad behavior. 

Many of these are considered to be accepted knowledge and are disregarded whether or not they are true. Philippine mythology features a wide array of gods, goddesses, and supernatural beings. These entities are often associated with natural elements, celestial bodies, and various aspects of daily life. Notable deities include Bathala (the chief god), Mayari (the moon goddess), and Tala (the morning star goddess).Many indigenous Filipino cultures are deeply rooted in animism, where natural elements like mountains, rivers, and trees are believed to be inhabited by spirits or deities. This belief system emphasizes a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Philippine mythology includes creation myths that explain the origins of the world and humanity. These myths often involve the actions of gods and supernatural beings shaping the universe and its inhabitants. The Philippines is home to several epic narratives, such as the “Hudhud” of the Ifugao people and the “Darangen” of the Maranao people. These epics recount heroic adventures, love stories, and moral lessons, often featuring legendary figures and epic battles. Philippine mythology is teeming with legendary creatures, some of which are enchanting, while others are fearsome. 

Examples include the tikbalang (a half-horse, half-human creature), kapre (a giant tree-dwelling tobacco-smoking spirit), and the aswang (a shape-shifting vampire-like entity). Over time, Philippine mythology has been influenced by various cultures, including Malay, Chinese, and Spanish. This blending of beliefs has given rise to unique variations and syncretic mythological figures. Much of Philippine mythology has been passed down through oral tradition, with storytellers, elders, and shamans playing a vital role in preserving and transmitting these stories from one generation to another. The Philippines’ many islands and regions have their own distinct mythologies and folklore. Each ethnic group has its own set of deities, legends, and supernatural beings, contributing to the country’s rich mythological diversity. Philippine mythology continues to inspire contemporary literature, art, and pop culture. Many authors, artists, and filmmakers draw upon these mythological themes to create works that resonate with a modern audience. Efforts are ongoing to preserve and promote Philippine mythology and indigenous knowledge. Organizations and scholars work to document and revitalize these ancient stories and beliefs. 

Here are some common myths in Filipino:

Myth #1: “Wala pang 5 seconds!” If you’ve ever thrown food on the floor or a table, it’s likely that you just picked it up and pretended nothing had happened, saying something like, “Wala pang five seconds!This is one of the most difficult myths to disprove simply because there is contradicting research on the subject. According to some researchers, this procedure is completely safe, and contamination does depend on how long a substance is exposed to or in contact with potential pollutants. However, current study indicates that the 5-second rule may really be harmful to your health and that it isn’t as effective as we’ve been made to believe.

Myth #2: “Baka mausog!” The idea of “usog” is pretty peculiar. A visitor or stranger with a “evil eye” may cause pain and discomfort to a baby with just a verbal greeting, and the only way to keep the child safe is to break the curse by instructing the visitor to say “Pwera usog,” forcing them to lick their thumb, and drawing a cross with saliva on the infant’s forehead.

Myth #3: “Tumalon ka sa New Year para tumangkad ka!” Simply told, the vertically challenged person should jump up and down as soon as the clock strikes 12 on January 1 in order to become taller throughout the course of the next year. It’s a New Year’s Day custom that’s possibly as well-known and enduring as the superstition that says “our house must be decorated with round objects on New Year’s Eve.” Unfortunately, because height largely depends on just two factors (genetics and nutrition), avoiding any New Year’s celebrations is highly unlikely to give you the height boost you desire.

In conclusion, Philippine mythology is a testament to the cultural richness and diversity of the Philippines. It provides a window into the beliefs, values, and worldviews of the country’s indigenous peoples and serves as a source of inspiration and pride for Filipinos today.