HALIYA

HALIYA the goddess of moonlight

Haliya masked goddess of the moonlight

Haliya in Bicol mythology was a goddess believed to be worshipped mainly by women in  Bicol. Prominently known as the arch-enemy of the dragon Bakunawa. In Bicolano Mythology She is the warrior goddess of moonlight and Bulan's sister, confidant and protector. She is strong and adamant as Bulan is weak and submissive. She is depicted as a very lovely young woman with very fair and radiant skin, and having long black hair and eyes as dark as midnight. She and Bulan are the most pursued and fairest beings in the heavens. She wears a mask to hide her beauty.
She was convinced by the wind people or  ancient Taong Lipod to go down to the waters of the earth to bathe, she in turn convinced Bulan go bathe in the waters of Bicol.
She is described as having otherworldly beauty with fair and luminous skin and with long black hair darker than midnight same as his twin brother Bulan. Many myths depic Haliya as wearing a golden mask made of starlight to hide her beauty

Haliya masked goddess of the Moon and Moonlight

Numerous oral myths and different versions of the folklore

Some stories say that Haliya was not Bulan's sister but his daughter. The most known version of the story is that Bulan out of loneliness being alone in the heavens used starlight created a being in his own image, to be his confidant to keep him company, it was the goddess Haliya.
In all stories in Ibalong it is very prevalent that even though Haliya and Bulan share the same kind of radiant beauty they were polar opposite when it comes to personality, Bulan was childlike and playful and sweet while Haliya was described as expressionless(emotionless), strong and even ruthless. In most stories involving beast and mortals usually Haliya would just want to smite the monster immediately with her broad sword, while Bulan would befriend it, such as the story of the beast Rabot the demi god, Haliya upon seeing it was a monster wanted to slice Rabot in half, but Bulan stopped her.  Also in the story where Haliya and Bulan were pursued by the gods, Haliya paid no interest nor attention. The story of Sidapa giving gifts to the lunar gods and performing miracles to win their attention, in that story Haliya was unmoved, with contrast to Bulan who was very pleased and greatful to the gifts of the foreign god that he gave a lock of his long beautiful black hair as a token of appreciation.

Bulan and Haliya

Haliya bicolano moon goddess

According to oral myths and legends Haliya is worshipped by cults of women, she is the symbol of strength in women. Dance ritual Halea or Haliya is named after her (or the other way around depending on the folklore)

Haliya and the Bakunawa

Haliya VS Bakunawa

In the Oral  myths and stories Haliya is known to be the arch-enemy of the moon-eating dragon Bakunawa. Bakunawa was once a beautiful goddess who dwells in the darkest deepest parts of the ocean (some say it was the gates of the cold underworld) who saw Haliya and Bulan's light when they were swimming in the waters. The goddess Bakunawa went swimming near Bulan and Haliya and was smitten by Bulan's comeliness and boy charm but was unnoticed by the moon god. So she vowed to claim Bulan from the sky. Thus transforming herself into a serpent-like-dragon to devour the moon. Haliya who was sworn to protect her brother battled Bakunawa. Gugurang the supreme deity saw their fight and punished Bakunawa to be forever be trapped in her dragon form.

Haliya moon goddess (diwata ng linwanag ng buwan)

Haliya
the goddess of moonlight, the protector of Bulan the god of the pale moon,
and arch-enemy of the Bakunawa
'

Summoning the Moon goddess in myths

The ancient ritual of Halya, once a celebration of the full moon, gradually transformed over time into a mythical summoning of the goddess of the Moon, known as Haliya. As stories and myths evolve through generations, the Halya ritual took on deeper spiritual significance, incorporating elements of divine intervention and protection.

Originally, the festival of Halya was marked by extravagant festivities, characterized by the thunderous noise of drums, tambourines, and hollowed-out logs. The purpose of the celebration was to honor the full moon and ward off the threat of the Baconaná (Bakunawa), a feared creature believed to devour the moon, plunging the world into darkness. The disappearance of the moon during eclipses reinforced this belief, as the people interpreted it as evidence of the Baconaná's influence.

As the ritual evolved, so too did the mythology surrounding it. Over time, the people began to personify the protective forces of the moon, giving rise to the concept of Haliya, the goddess of the Moon. Haliya became a symbol of strength and defense, defending the male lunar deity Bulan from the threat of the Bacunawa

In the revised narrative, participants in the Halya ritual not only celebrated the beauty of the full moon but also invoked the protective powers of Haliya to safeguard their world from darkness and disaster. The ritual took on a deeper spiritual significance, as participants believed they were actively engaging with divine forces to ensure the prosperity and well-being of their community.

The Ancient Halya ritual

"Halia" was a ritual performed during the full moon. Tribespeople would exit their homes, gather in the streets, and create a cacophony of noise to deter the serpent Bakunawa from devouring the moon. The ceremony also aimed to dispel malevolent spirits.

One of the festivals they celebrated with the most pomp and uproar, to the terrifying noise of drums, tambourines, and balalones or hollowed-out logs, was the one dedicated to the full moon, a festival they called Halia. And they held this festival with such deafening and truly savage noise to prevent the Baconaná, a harmful and very misshapen animal, from swallowing the moon and leaving them in darkness, something they felt greatly, and which they took as a sign of some impending disaster or terrible misfortune that, devastating their fertile land, would leave them enveloped in the greatest misery. Since eclipses coincide with the full moon, they undoubtedly believed that its disappearance was because the Baconaná was swallowing it, and standing in two rows, forming a chorus, they would begin to sing the praises of the moon, which with its beautiful and clear light turned the night into a splendid day, preserving the charms of a cool and peaceful temperature. This superstitious ceremony or rite would usually end with everyone, satiated with tuba and buffalo or wild boar meat, lulled by the monotonous and languid rhythm of noisy revelry, awakening as if lethargic and drunken, the effect of the spirited liquor poured in wild abundance into rough coconut shell cups and distributed among the attendees.

The culmination of the ritual was marked by feasting and revelry, as participants indulged in tuba and enjoyed the bounty of the land. However, underlying the festivities was a sense of reverence and awe for the mythical beings they invoked and the cosmic forces they sought to appease.

Thus, the ancient ritual of Halya transformed into a mythical summoning of Haliya, the goddess of the Moon, as the people's beliefs and traditions evolved over time.

The Celestial gods and the flowers

Abundant in the waters of Bikol are some of the loveliest flowers, the Bikolanos they were once both significant culturally and spiritually before the Spanish colonisation occurred and the settlers of Ibalong became Christians. The people of Ibalong associated the flowers with the divine, with the lunar gods Haliya and Bulan. These flowers were the water hyacinth, the water lilies and the lotus.

Haliya bicolano goddess of Moonlight

The Legend of the Takay Flowers

Long ago in Bicol there lived a lovely maiden named Takay, She was desired by men and gods but loved only one man named Kanaway. Takay was guarded by Onos the god of storms who also wanted her. Angry that Takay only loved Kanaway Onos shot lightning but Kanaway did not die but only turned to stone, he got angry and attacked the mountain(mt. Asog) where Kanaway was with numerous lighting bolts. Onos made it rain hard and storms came causing deluge thus making it sink and turn into now Lake Buhi. Onos later realized that in the process he had drowned the maiden he desires Takay. That night Haliya and Bulan went to bathe in the fresh waters of the new lake and saw the lovely corpse of the maiden. Takay's remains were being taken care of by the plants there. Moved by what they had seen Haliya and Bulan used their powers to make Takay into lovely flowers that grew on the plants.

The legend of the lotus flowers

The god Bulan and his sister Haliya followed by an entourage of wind people had frequent swims in the waters of the earth. One night they landed on the fresh waters of a Lake (Lake Bato - Freshwater lake in Camarinez sur), the plants were shy because of the beauty of the moons and said that they did not deserve to be in the same water as the gods. The god Bulan was touched by the sentiments of the water plants and he rewarded them. The next night the plants saw that they were now beautiful too, having beautiful flowers, the lotus flowers were gifts from the gods. In other version of the story the lotus flowers is the proof that Bulan dip his body into the monster infested waters of Ibalong and had rendered them tame

Both Haliya and Bulan are strongly associated with the Takay flowers(water hyacinth) and lPadma (lotus) flowers 

The takay flower was the gift of the lunar gods to the people of Bikol. While the lotus divine providence reminding the people of Ibalong to be good and kindhearted to one another.

 symbolises spiritual enlightenment and rebirth

 Bikolano people were  stunned  with its ability to dip into the grime and revive itself unscathed (like the way Bulan took a dip in the monster infested waters of Ibalong)—an incredible daily cycle of life, death, and a sudden immaculate rebirth ( the rebirth from primordial moon to the pubescent god) that can only be described as spiritual. the lotus is symbolic of purity of the body, speech, and mind as while rooted in the mud, its flowers blossom on long stalks as if floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. It is also symbolic of detachment as drops of water easily slide off its petals.

Bulan and Haliya

Haliya, Bulan and Bacunawa

According to Bicolano myth, the formidable Bakunawa did not always manifest as the colossal fish-dragon that seeks to devour the moon. Originally, she was a Naga, a serpent deity, and a goddess who, like other divine entities, held admiration for the celestial deity, Bulan. The moon, personified as Bulan, was known for its beauty and radiance, captivating the hearts of both mortal and divine beings alike.

The beautiful goddess Haliya was convinced by the wind nymphs to descend to the waters of Bicol, She then conviced Bulan to go down with her thus developing Bulan's nightly descend from the heavens to the waters of Bicol .Where Bulan would indulge in nightly baths accompanied by his entourage of wind nymphs. Among those who admired him from afar was Bakunawa, the goddess with a heart filled with love for the luminous Bulan. However, her attempts to approach him were in vain, as Bulan, being childlike and playful, was often immersed in joyous activities, playing and swimming with the mermaids.

Bulan the Primodial Moon god of Bicol

Frustrated and angered by this misunderstanding, Bakunawa vowed to make Bulan hers. Fueled by a mixture of unrequited love and jealousy, she harnessed her magical powers to undergo a profound transformation. The once elegant goddess morphed into a colossal fish-dragon, ready to challenge the celestial harmony.

The ensuing night witnessed Bakunawa's dramatic attempt to devour Bulan, eclipsing the moon with her massive form. It was then that Haliya, a significant figure in Bicolano mythology and the more dominant twin, stepped forward to confront Bakunawa. A fierce battle ensued between the two powerful entities, marking the beginning of a timeless conflict that would echo through the celestial realms.

Bulan and Haliya

From that moment onwards, Haliya and Bakunawa became arch-enemies, locked in a cosmic struggle that played out in the night sky. The lunar eclipses and celestial phenomena were seen as manifestations of their ongoing battle, with Haliya tirelessly defending Bulan from Bakunawa's relentless pursuit.

This mythical tale not only captures the imagination of those who hear it but also imparts profound lessons about the complexities of love, jealousy, and the enduring struggle between light and darkness. In Bicolano folklore, the celestial ballet between Haliya, Bulan, and Bakunawa continues to be a timeless reminder of the intricate interplay between the forces that govern the heavens.

Bulan and Haliya

HALIYA THE MOON GODDESS

In a lesser-known version of the Haliya myth from Bicol oral tradition, the moon goddess takes on a more earthly role. In this story, Haliya is a celestial being with the power to fly, descending to earth to bathe in a secret river. One night, while she bathed under the moonlight, a human man secretly watched her. He discovered that the source of her power to return to the sky lay in her clothes, so he stole them while she was in the water.

Stripped of her ability to fly back to the heavens, Haliya was forced to remain on earth. Unable to leave, she became the man's wife and lived as a mortal. Though she was a goddess, she accepted her fate and blended into human life, yet she was always bound by the loss of her celestial freedom.

When Haliya became pregnant, her powers resurfaced in unusual ways. As her time to give birth drew near, she returned to the same river where she had once lost her divine garments. Small winged fairies danced and Mysterious, enchanting music filled the air, accompanying her through the pain of labor, as if the river itself remembered her as the moon goddess. This music, whispered to be from the heavens or perhaps her celestial kin (her brother Bulan), signaled the birth of a child born of both the earth and sky, destined to carry the legacy of Haliya’s lost divine power.

This version of Haliya’s story reflects themes of loss, transformation, and the delicate balance between human and divine realms, highlighting the fluidity of oral mythology as it blends folklore with the lived experiences of the people who tell it.

HALIYA IN BICOLANO MYTHOLOGY

The Moonlit Warrior Goddess of Bicol

According to myths and stories Philippine mythology, Haliya emerges as a goddess of profound significance, revered by women in Bicol. Known as the formidable adversary of the dragon Bakunawa, Haliya represents the warrior spirit associated with the moonlight. This essay delves into the intricate tales surrounding Haliya, exploring her role as a goddess, her relationship with her brother Bulan, and her significance in the cultural and spiritual landscape of ancient Bicol.

The Moonlit Warrior Goddess:

The mythological Haliya stands as a powerful and steadfast warrior goddess, particularly associated with the moonlight. She is the sister, confidant, and protector of Bulan, the god of the moon. While Bulan is characterized by his weakness and submissiveness, Haliya embodies strength and determination. In the celestial realm, they are considered the most pursued and fairest beings, both admired for their exceptional beauty. Haliya, however, chooses to conceal her radiant allure by wearing a mask, adding an enigmatic layer to her character.

Haliya  moon goddess

Physical Attributes and Beauty:

Depicted as a strikingly lovely young woman, Haliya possesses fair and radiant skin that seems to glow in the moonlight. Her long black hair and eyes as dark as midnight contribute to her ethereal beauty. Alongside her twin brother Bulan, they shine as celestial beings, captivating the heavens with their unparalleled grace and charm. The mask she wears becomes a symbol of her decision to shield her beauty from the admiration of others.It also signifies that one should not look at beauty alone, by hiding her face you do not see her beauty, therefore you can see her other traits such as strength and bravery.

The Mythical Descent:

According to mythology, Haliya's descent to the earthly waters was influenced by the wind people, or Taong Lipod, who convinced her to bathe in the waters below, then she convinced Bulan to bathe with her. This act is significant as it emphasizes the connection between the divine and earthly realms. Haliya's interaction with the waters symbolizes her engagement with the forces of nature and the elements, showcasing her dynamic role in the mythology of Bicol.

Otherworldly Beauty

Haliya's beauty is often described as otherworldly, with her fair and luminous skin radiating a celestial glow. Her long black hair, darker than midnight, echoes the characteristics of her twin brother, Bulan. This sibling pair, with their enchanting allure, becomes central figures in Bicolano mythology, capturing the imagination and reverence of those who worship them.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance:

Haliya's stories and worship hold a special placein the lore and stories  of Bicol. As the goddess of moonlight and a symbol of strength, she embodies the qualities that women in the region might have aspired to emulate. The concealment of her beauty through the mask underscores the idea that true strength lies not only in physical attributes but in the wisdom and fortitude that come from within.

Haliya Bicolano moon goddess

Haliya, the moonlit warrior goddess, emerges from the pages of Bicolano mythology as a captivating and multifaceted figure. Her role as the protector of Bulan, her mythical descent, and her otherworldly beauty contribute to the rich cultural and spiritual narrative of the region. Haliya stands not only as a symbol of celestial beauty but also as a representation of inner strength and resilience, inspiring generations with her timeless tales. Her beauty and the way she hides it maybe symbollic that beauty is skin deep and what's more important is the personality and resilence to protect one's self  and loved ones and to  overcome all obstacle.

REMINDER

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding, should not be taken literally. 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. Support Local story tellers