sun and moon worship in myths in all ancient cultures

 The Sun and the Moon

Ancient civilizations across the globe often worshipped the sun and the moon due to their fundamental roles in sustaining life and shaping the natural world. The sun, with its warmth and light, was seen as the source of life, energy, and fertility. It provided warmth for crops to grow, governed the seasons, and illuminated the world, making it a symbol of power, vitality, and divine presence.

Similarly, the moon, with its cycles of waxing and waning, was associated with rhythms of time, fertility, and the tides. Its gentle glow in the night sky guided travelers, regulated agricultural calendars, and inspired awe and wonder. Moreover, the moon's luminousity connection to androgen gods, and the feminine aspect of creation led to its association with fertility goddesses and cycles of birth and rebirth.

Adlao and Bulan of Bicol

Sun and Moon in Oral Bikolano mythology very symbolic

In mythology the divine brothers Adlao and Bulan, In the case of the Bicolano people, their worship of the sun and the moon likely stemmed from similar reverence for these celestial bodies' life-giving and transformative properties. Adlao, the sun deity, embodies the radiant brilliance and vitality of the sun, depicted as a being of pure gold, while Bulan, the moon deity, reflects the gentle luminosity and cyclical nature of the moon, depicted in copper in celestial form. In their earthly manifestations, Adlao appears as a robust young man with golden-tanned skin, mirroring the sun's warmth and vitality, while Bulan takes on the form of a comely adolescent boy with delicate features and pale skin, reminiscent of the moon's ethereal glow.

The worship of the sun and the moon in the myths and stories among the Bicolano people, like in many ancient civilizations, served not only as a means of understanding and honoring the natural world but also as a way to connect with the divine forces that governed life and existence. These celestial bodies were revered as gods, revered for their power, beauty, and significance in shaping the world and the destiny of humanity.

Aldo and Bulan

Agueo and Bulan of Pangasinan mythology

Very similar stories can be found in the mythology of the Pangasinan people of Asinpalan

In Pangasinan mythology, Ama, the supreme deity, created humanity and bestowed divine grace upon them. He had two favored celestial children: Agueo, the serious and obedient sun god with golden tan skin, and Bulan, the playful and luminous moon god. Ama gifted them with palaces of golden and silver hues, respectively.

Agueo and Bulan worked together to provide light to humankind, with Agueo following his father's commands diligently while Bulan enjoyed playing tricks with his moonlight. However, one night, Bulan's mischief led to a quarrel between the brothers. Ama, angered by Bulan's actions, threw a rock that shattered Bulan's palace, creating the stars known as Bituen.

As punishment, Bulan was forbidden from joining Agueo in his celestial journey and tasked with dimly illuminating the paths of thieves with his fractured palace, serving as a reminder of his playful transgressions.

REMINDER

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding, not for appropriation, commercial exploitation, or the promotion of foreigners. 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 in the Philippines and abroad. Filipino artist and Support Local Story Tellers