PHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGY: Truths and Rituals

Karen D. LechoncitoBSEd - English

What is a myth?• From the Greek word mythos

which means “story or word”.• A myth is "a sacred narrative

explaining how the world and man came to be in their present form" ( Dundes, 1984).

Myths are symbolic tales of the distant past that concern cosmogony and cosmology (the origin and nature of the universe) may be connected to rituals, and may serve to direct social action and values.

Philippine Mythology

•  Includes a collection of tales and superstitions about magical creatures and entities.

• The prevalence of belief in the figures of Philippine mythology is strong in the provinces.

Philippine Mythology

• Philippine mythology is derived from Philippine folk literature, which is the traditional oral literature of the Filipino people.

• Philippine mythology varies among the many indigenous tribes of the Philippines.

Philippine Mythology• Philippine mythology and superstitions are very

diverse. • However, certain similarities exist among these

groups, such as the belief in Heaven (kalangitan), Hell (impiyerno, kasamaan), and the human soul (kaluluwa).

Rituals• Omens were

constantly watched for, especially before long journeys or the start of important enterprises.

• The stars to were consulted for auspicious times.

Rituals• While many Filipino

tribes practiced blood sacrifice, more common were bloodless offerings like the betel quid, or palm leaf books with prayers, supplication, praises, etc., written down by the worshipper over a period of time.

Rituals• The vegetal offerings were

usually allowed to perish naturally, while the prayer books were offered by fire on a special sacred stones or stone altars (batong buhay).

• Other types of altars made of split bamboo posts, coconut husks, wooden tables, jars, split canes and hanging plates were also used for offerings.

Rituals• Sometimes small boats

were made on which feasts were prepared for the deity, and the boat sent out to sea towards the horizon.

The Filipino "temple" was known as the simbahan among the Tagalogs, tenin among the Tirurai, buis among the Bagobo, etc., etc.

Rituals

• There existed a belief that amulets known as anting-anting gave the possessor unique powers, or made them invincible.

• One of the commonest powers of the anting-anting is to protect one from iron weapons.