Bulan: The Submissive Moon in Bicolano Mythology

 

Bulan

Bulan is the primodial god of the moon 

The divine embodiment of the moon. In Bicolano mythology he is depicted as having a body made from coper and whenever he descends to earth from the heavens he takes on human form He is depicted as an extremely lovely adolescent boy with fair skin, lithe body, comely features and eyes as black as night and exceedingly long hair as black as midnight

To the ancient people the archipelago, the moon and the sun were the most immediate and visible aspects of the cosmos. They influenced their thinking and fueled their imagination to think beyond this world and this life. No wonder, Bikolano people were inspired by the sight of the Sun and the Moon. they used them to symbolize their view of the cosmos, life and death. the for the Bicolano people the moon is associated with beauty,romance, loneliness, friendship, pleasant nights and kinship

The moon, with its gentle light during the night, also played a significant role in the lives of ancient people. Its cyclical phases were associated with the passing of months and the tides, influencing activities like fishing and planting

Bulan

Bulan, the ethereal god of the moon in pre-Hispanic Bicolano mythology, emerges from the annals of time as a figure of transcendent beauty and significance. Revered as the sibling of Haliya, the goddess of moonlight, Bulan captivates the imagination with his androgynous allure and celestial presence. This essay delves into the enchanting lore surrounding Bulan, exploring his symbolic nature, cultural significance, and the enduring relevance of his tales in modern times.

Symbolic Beauty and Androgynous Grace:

Bulan is a celestial being whose beauty transcends the ordinary. Described as an extremely lovely adolescent with fair skin, comely features, and eyes as black as the night, Bulan's aesthetic charm is said to have tamed even the most vicious of creatures. Legends speak of mermaids and beasts rendered docile in the radiance of his presence. The god Asuang himself, known for his ferocity, was said to be dumbfounded upon gazing upon Bulan's extraordinary visage.

Bulan primodial god of the moon

His androgynous nature adds another layer to Bulan's mystique. With exceedingly long black hair as dark as midnight, Bulan embodies a divine balance of masculine and feminine qualities, symbolizing the interconnectedness of dualities within the cosmic order.

Bulan

The Mythical Realm of Bulan:

In Philippine mythology, Bulan is not only a deity of beauty but also a celestial wanderer who resides in the heavens, associated with the lotus and water hyacinth.

The god Bulan is credited with bringing the gift of the Takay flower to the people of Bikol. This floral offering, along with the lotus, serves as a reminder of divine providence and spiritual enlightenment. The lotus, rooted in the mud yet blossoming above the waters, symbolizes purity, detachment, and the cycle of life, mirroring Bulan's ability to immerse himself in monster-infested waters and emerge unscathed.

Bulan's Relationship with Haliya in Myths and Legends

Bulan shares a profound connection with his younger sister Haliya, whose origins vary in different renditions of the myth. Some tales portray her as emerging from Bulan's body, while others present her as his daughter and defender. Their descent to Earth from the heavens is marked by awe-inspiring luminosity, capturing the attention of all creatures. Haliya, associated with the moonlight, becomes Bulan's steadfast companion and defender against the formidable Bakunawa.

Tawong Lipod as Benevolent and Malignant spirits

The water nymph of Lake Bula

 The celestial being Bulan, the Lunar god, chose to immerse himself once more in the pristine waters of Ibalong, specifically Lake Baao, also known as Lake Bula. The radiant deity of the Moon descended alongside a retinue of wind sylphs and cloud maidens.

Engaging in playful antics, swimming, and indulging in the aquatic realm, Bulan, in his childlike and forgetful nature akin to an adolescent, inadvertently left some of the wind nymphs behind. Some of these wayward spirits transformed into malevolent dark shadows, unseen entities that wrought ailments and mischief. On the other hand, others embraced benevolence, evolving into water nymphs and wind fairies.

Contrary to the prevailing ominous tales surrounding the Tawong Lipod, with their appearances as ominous shadows and malevolent entities causing distress, there exist tales of goodness. Lake Bula narrates one such positive account where a wind spirit transformed into a water nymph, standing as a guardian of the lake. This benevolent entity ensures the clarity of the water and blesses the lake with an abundance of fish, creating a harmonious and fruitful environment.

The Celestial Battle with Bakunawa:

The moonlit nights in Bicol hold a tale of celestial strife as Bakunawa, once a goddess and Naga, becomes enamored with Bulan. Misunderstood and unnoticed, Bakunawa transforms into a colossal fish-dragon, seeking to devour the radiant deity. The ensuing battle between Haliya and Bakunawa establishes an enduring enmity, weaving a narrative of cosmic conflict that reverberates through generations.

Bulan god of the moon
Bulan diwata ng buwan

Relevance of Bulan in Modern Times:

As contemporary society grapples with the complexities of existence, the tales of Bulan continue to offer timeless wisdom. His androgynous beauty, symbolic connections with flora, and celestial battles resonate with themes of balance, spirituality, and the perpetual dance between light and darkness. In a world captivated by rapid change, Bulan's stories serve as a compass, guiding each generation through the intricacies of the human experience.

Bulan in the origin myth

Bulan: The Submissive Moon in Bicolano Mythology

In the  culturally rich tapestry of Bicolano mythology, the story of Bulan, the fairest son of Dagat and Paros, unfolds as a poignant narrative of beauty, docility, and sacrifice. Born alongside his siblings, Daga, Aldao, and Bitoon, Bulan's journey takes an unexpected turn as he becomes the embodiment of the beautiful moon. This essay explores Bulan's character, his relationship with his brothers, and the tragic events that led to his transformation into the moon in the heavens.

The Divine Siblings:

Dagat, the sea, and Paros, the wind, gave birth to four extraordinary children, each uniquely crafted from precious materials. Daga, with a body of rock, exuded strength; Aldao, with a body of gold, radiated joy; Bulan, a copper-made man, possessed a submissive nature; and Bitoon, made of pure silver, captivated with her beauty. Together, they represented the harmony of the elements in the celestial realm.

Upon the death of their father, Paros, the eldest brother, Daga, assumed control of the winds. Ambitious and fueled by a desire for more power, Daga persuaded his younger brothers, Bulan and Aldao, to join him in an audacious attack on the kingdom of Languit, the ruler of the skies. This ill-fated expedition resulted in a catastrophic encounter with Languit's wrath.

The brothers, having breached the gates of the sky, faced the furious Languit, who unleashed three bolts of lightning upon them. The consequence was tragic: Aldao's golden body melted into a ball, Bulan's copper body suffered a similar fate, and Daga's body fell into the sea, becoming the earth. Meanwhile, their sister Bitoon, in search of her missing brothers, met the same fate as Languit struck her with lightning, shattering her body into many pieces.

Regret and Remorse:

Languit, realizing the loss of his grandchildren, descended from the sky and accused Tubigan, the god of the waters and father of Paros, of aiding the brothers in their ill-fated attack. Tubigan defended himself, claiming ignorance as he was asleep in the depths of the sea. The two grieving gods, unable to resurrect the fallen siblings, bestowed each body with a light, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their existence.

The Birth of Humanity:

In an attempt to revive the lost souls, Tubigan planted a seed that grew into a bamboo tree. From its branch emerged a man and a woman, the first parents of the human race. The couple, blessed by the gods, gave birth to three children, symbolizing the renewal of life and the continuation of the divine legacy.

Bulan's Transformation:

Bulan, whose copper body melted into a ball, was granted a special destiny. Gugurang, the powerful god, restored Bulan to life and placed him in the "Kamurayan" or heaven, where he became the beautiful moon, illuminating the night sky.

Bulan

Bulan and Adlao

In the celestial realm, where magic and wonder abound, Adlao, the mighty and radiant sun god, engaged in playful frolics with his brother, Bulan, the fair and luminous moon. Their celestial games filled the skies with laughter and light until Adlao's patience wore thin, provoked by the mischievous playfulness of his brother.

Bulan, however, continued his teasing, unaware of the storm brewing within Adlao. As their playful banter reached a crescendo, the two celestial beings clashed in a spectacular display of celestial power. In the midst of their disagreement, Adlao's formidable club struck one of Bulan's eyes, causing the once radiant gleam to fade. Now, only one eye remained capable of emitting light, while Adlao retained both his radiant eyes, shining more brightly than Bulan.

ADLAO AND BULAN

And so, the enchanting feud unfolded, etching a tale into the fabric of the cosmos. Bulan transformed into the moon we gaze upon, while Adlao became the sun that graces our skies. The moon's glow, subdued in comparison to the sun's radiant brilliance, serves as a reminder of their celestial clash.

The celestial saga continues with Adlao persistently pursuing Bulan across the expanse of the night sky. Despite Adlao's less nimble strides and muscular build, he tirelessly chases the slender and agile Bulan. The cosmic pursuit endures, a timeless dance between day and night, with Adlao chuckling in amusement as he passes over the flattened cut arm of Bulan. On the other hand, Bulan laments the injury but cannot halt, fearing Adlao's capture.

The celestial chase, a magnificent spectacle, symbolizes the eternal cycle of day and night. Daytime graces the world as Adlao passes overhead, while night descends when Bulan glides over us, and Adlao takes his leave. 

Bulan's tale in Bicolano mythology serves as a testament to sacrifice, transformation, and the cyclical nature of life. His submissive nature, tragic end, and subsequent rebirth as the moon contribute to the cultural and cosmic narrative of the Bicolano people. Through Bulan's radiance in the night sky, the legacy of the divine siblings endures, casting a celestial glow on the mythology and beliefs of the Bicol region.

Bulan

REMINDER

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding, not for appropriation, commercial exploitation, or the promotion of foreigners and foreign products. It is a dynamic narrative tradition that evolves over time, distinct from the standardized mythologies found in Western and European cultures. Unlike these established mythologies, the Philippine government has not mandated standardized versions of stories and legends.

Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos,and retold by Filipinos.