TADHANA: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

 Brief History

The islands' precolonial period, during which indigenous peoples engaged in healthy trade with various cultures and economies in the region, gave way to a long colonial period, first under Spain for over 300 years, and then under the United States, during which it was briefly occupied by the Japanese during World War II, before gaining independence in 1946.

The culture of the Philippines comprises a blend of traditional Filipino and Spanish Catholic traditions, with influences from America and other parts of Asia.Pre-colonial societies, like the Austronesian-speaking communities, laid the groundwork for Filipino culture. Spanish colonization in the 16th century introduced Christianity, impacting religious practices and traditions. 

Language

The Philippines, comprising 7,641 islands, boasts considerable linguistic diversity with 183 live languages, mostly indigenous or regional. Due to this diversity, there's an 80% chance that two random individuals in the country will grow up speaking different languages. This linguistic variety is acknowledged and celebrated during the entire month of August, known as Buwan ng Wika or Language Month. 

The national language of the Philippines is Filipino, which is the standard form of Tagalog and is taught in all formal educational institutions. Both English and Filipino are recognized as official languages, with the government frequently using English.

Literature

Philippine literature is a diverse collection of oral and written works by Filipinos, spanning different languages and regions. It reflects the varied life experiences of individuals within Philippine society, both locally and globally. Writers use various artistic forms, incorporating elements from both native and external influences, to engage diverse audiences.

Epics, legends, folklore, salawikain, bugtong, sawikain, and songs like Oyayi or Hele are among the works that have been passed down through the generations and are still taught in schools today. The Filipino people have managed to preserve their native customs and poetry, which are reflected in lyrical folksongs and riddles. Bahay Kubo, Kundiman, and Tapat are a few songs. Francisco Baltazar's "Florante at Laura" was another reason for his popularity at this time. The exposure of the evils of the Spanish rule in the Philippines was because of Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo and has paved the way to a revolution against Spain. 

Religion

The Philippines is Asia's sole predominantly Christian nation, with over 86 percent identifying as Roman Catholic. Nationalized Christian cults and various Protestant denominations make up 6 percent, while a 4 percent Muslim minority is concentrated in the southern islands. The remaining 2 percent adhere to non-Western indigenous beliefs, primarily in isolated mountainous regions.

Festivals

Festivals in the Philippines frequently have religious roots that date back to the country's colonial history. As a result, many traditional festivals combine indigenous practices with Catholic rituals, religious festivals, cultural festivals, and saint-honoring festivals: 

• Sinulog Festival - Cebu ( Feast of Sto.Niño)

• Dinagyang Festival - Iloilo city

• Ati- Atihan Festival - Aklan

• Feast of the Black Nazarene

Old Beliefs/Paniniwala

Filipinos are a good example of those who believe in "pamahiin". It is in our blood, passed down to us from our grandparents, parents, and even people we meet outside of our families. Here are some examples:

• When you bite your tongue, someone is thinking of you

• Sweeping at night is 'Malas'

• An itch on your palm means incoming wealth

• Jumping on new year' s eve

Philippine Mythology

Philippine mythology comprises tales and superstitions centered around mystical beings, or deities, believed by our ancestors to govern everything.

Mythical Creatures

The diverse mythological creatures in Filipino folklore reflect the rich imagination and cultural heritage of the people, spanning over 140 ethnic groups and comprising a vivid collection of enchanting monsters and supernatural entities.

Luzon:

• Bathala - This highest-ranking deity, also called Abba, was referred to as "may kapal sa lahat," or the creator of everything.

• Dumakulem - The guardian of the mountains.

Visayas:

• Tungkung Langit - Tungkung Langit, which translates to "pillar of the skies," was revered as the highest deity or the supreme god among the masculine pantheon. 

• Bulalakaw - Bulalakaw was a mythical bird that could magically inflict disease on a person.

 Mindanao:

• Pamulak Manobo - Considered the creator of everything

• Tagbusan - Controlled the fate of both gods and humans

Other examples:

• Aswang - Thought to be malevolent entities that survive off the blood and flesh of their victims.

• Diwata - A kind of fairy that gives help to the worthy and punishes harshly those who take advantage of them or destroy their land.

              - The most well-known diwata is Maria Makiling, the protector of Laguna's Mt. Makiling.

• Tambal - The Filipino counterpart of the doppelganger, a creature able to change their appearance to their human victims.

• Kapre - A legendary being that is called a "tree giant" due to its enormous, hairy, black build, and habit of hanging out on a tree branch and smoking