From November 1-2, it is known as Undas, Dáun, Kalag-Kalag, and Araw ng mga Patay in the Philippines. It's a celebration of honoring and respecting the souls of those who have passed on to the afterlife.
The Bisayans had many deities or diwata as they were once called. Each one had their own names and functions. The term diwata comes from the Sanskrit word, devata ( देवता ), or deva which means deity. Many of the diwata were associated with aspects of nature such as the sun, moon, stars, seas, and wind. Others had roles in agriculture, fishing, marriage, and war. Some diwata were also deified ancestors, as it was believed that some who were hero's in their lives or died honorable deaths, such as being struck by lightning, eaten by a crocodile, or killed in war, would join the diwata.
Hello my friends, so today we will be going over the creation story of the Bisayans. So let’s pick up from where I left off and first talk about the creation story. Before I begin, keep in mind that the […]
This week, I will be reading the Bisayan chapter in The Boxer Codex. This manuscript written circa 1590, details written accounts on various people from what is now known as the Philippines as well as our neighbors in the East. […]
This blog is dedicated to the ancestors, the spirits of the land, the rich and diverse history and cultures of the Philippines, and to her people.
May we continue to seek out the knowledge and to learn more about who we are, our histories, identities, and stories. And upon learning these histories, folklore, and culture for ourselves, may we continue to teach and pass them on to the next and future generations.
Salamat for reading!
Ligaya Caballes