Tagalog Gods & Goddesses
Tagalog is the term used to describe the ethnic group of the
people living in the Philippines. The population of the Philippines is over 1
million and while the citizens are known as Filipino, they are also members of
different ethnic groups. Tagalog is among the more prominent and, like the
other groups, has it’s a language and belief system all its own.
Beliefs and Tagalog Deities
The Tagalog deities were more prominent before the
Christianization of the Philippines took place. In the process, many of the
deities began to disappear.
Here is a closer look at some of them:
Amanikable: This ill-tempered god of the sea, scorned
by a woman, never married. It is
believed that his hatred for her caused him to send tidal waves that could
drown humans who traveled the sea.
Bathala: Known to be the supreme god of all who
created man and everything that inhabits the earth. He was believed to live in
Kaluwalhatian with gods that were not as powerful as him. When the conversion
to Christian beliefs took place, he was then referred to as the Christian God.
Idiyanale: This goddess of labor and good deeds can
be called on for advice for successful outcomes. She was married to Dimangang
the god of good harvest.
Lakapati: The goddess of fertility known to be the most
understanding and kindest deity of the Tagalogs. She is the protector of farm animals and crops
who gave agriculture to mankind. Her name means "Giver of Food".
Interesting to
note that Spanish occupiers during the 16th century condemned women tribal
leaders as pagan heretics.
Although suppressed, these matriarchal tendencies still run deep in Filipino
society. Filipino women enjoy strong
leadership roles today in business, politics, academia, the arts and in
religious institutions.
Related articles:
Another Fertility Goddess
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