SI HALIYA DIWATA NG BUWAN

 

Haliya

Sa mitolohiyang Bicolano Si Haliya ang Diyosa o diwata ng liwanag ng buwan, o diwata ng buwan sa lupain  Ibalong.  Mandirigma, Matapang at malakas ang loob, walang kapintasan ang kanyang maamo at magandang mukha na kanyang intinatago sa likod ng maskarang gawa sa ginto. Bilang diwata ng Buwan at kumakatawan sa liwanag ng buwan siya ang tagapagtangol ng sinaunang diwata ng buwan na si Bulan.

Pinaniniwalaang si Haliya ay anak ni Bula, sa ibang bersyon ng kwento siya ay kapatid, kapid ni Bulan. Malungkot at nangungulila sa pag iiisa sa kalangitan at kamurayan si Bulan. Sa kanayang pighati ay binunot niya mula sa kanyang katawan at nilalang nya ito upang maging kasama. Mula kay Bulan umusbong ang napakagadang si Haliya. Si Haliya gaya ni Bulan ay napakagandang diwata, mala sulta ang balat sa kaputian, ang kanilang mata at mahahabang buhok ay sing itim ng hating gabi.

Ang Diyosa nin Bicolandia, asin tagapagsurog nin Bulan

Si Haliya at matapang, matatag at mabagis kung minsan, kabaliktaran ng kanyang kapid na maamo, pala laro at may kahinhinan. Isang halimbawa ay ang kwento kung saan nakita ng mga Dayao ang halimaw na Rabot, nais agad puksain ni Haliya ang halimaw gamit ang kanyang kampilan ngunit siya ay pinigilan ni Bulan. Si Haliya at si Bulan ang pinaka ma-dayao o pinakamaganda sa kalangitan, dalisay na nagliliwanag sa madilim na kalangitan. Sa kanilang angking rikit ay nabibighani ang mga ibang diwata, halimaw at mga sirena.

Marami at iba iba ang kwento tungkol kay Haliya. Pagpasalinsalin ang kwento ni Haliya, Bulan at ng Bakunawa mula lumang pahanhon hangang sa kasalukyan..

sino si Haliya?

Sa mitolohiya at kwentong bayan siya ang diyosa ng Buwan na kalaban ng Bakunawa.

Si Haliya at Bakunawa

Bakunawa

Maraming ibat ibang  kwento tungkot sa Bakunawa, laganap sa buong kapuluan. Sa Ibalong ,Ang bakunawa ay isang sinaunang diwata, isang diyos sa kailaliman. Gaya ng ibang nilalang nabighani ang si Bakunawa sa taglay na ningning ng mga dayao. Laging pinagmamasdan, laging tinitingala at laging umaasa si Bakunawa na mapansin manlang siya ni Bulan. Siang gabi bumaba mula sa kalangitan si Bulan at si Haliya. Masayang nag tampisaw at lumangoy kasama ng mga Magindara o sirena. Napagtanto ni Bakunawa na ito na ang tamang panahon upang lumapit at magtapat sa Bulan na kanyang laging tinitingala at tinatanaw. Nanglumapit si Bakunawa ay hindi siya napansin ni Bulan, pagkat ito ay masayang lumalangoy at nakikipaglaro sa mga sirena at iba pang nilalang. Napuno ng pag iimbot at galit si Bakunawa, ang tamis ng kanyang pagsinta ay napalitan ng pait at hapdi. Pinangako niya na mapapasakanya si Bulan. Nagpalit anyo ang diwata ng kailaliman, siya ay naging malaking nilalang na may kaliskis, isang dambuhalang halimaw na ang bibig ay sing-laki ng lawa. Mula sa kaibuturan ng dagat ay umabon ang Bakunawa upang lamunin si Bulan. Napansin ni Haliya ang paparating na panganip. Kanyang sinuot ang kanyang gayak pandigma, kinuha ang kampilang yari sa liwanag ng mga bituoon, at ang maskarang ginto. Kinalaban ni Haliya ang dambuhalang Bakunawa upang iligtas ang kanyang kapid. Nakita ni Gugurang (ang pinaka makapangyarihang diyos) ang mga naganap. Pinarusahan niyang manatiling anyong dambuhalang halimaw si Bakunawa. Simula noon ay katungali na ni Haliya ang Bakunawa.

Ang bulaklak ng Sawa at bulaklak ng Takay

Ang mga taong lipod ay ang mga ispiru ng hangin at ulap, sila ang mga mababang diwata na siyang naglilingkod sa mga dayao. Nais ng mga tawong lipod matuklasan kung ano ba ang mayroon sa lupa. Sakanilang pagtataka at paguusisa ay di sinasadyang marinig ni Haliya ang mga ito. Kimubinsi ng mga taong lipod na bumama sa lupa si Haliya, si Haliya naman ay pinilit si Bulan na sumama pababa sa lupa. Noong una ay ayaw pa ni Bulan bumaba sa, ngunit sa pag pupumilit ng kapid ay pumayag na rin ito. Mula sa kaintaasan ng kamurayan ay dahang dahang bumaba si Haliya at Bulan, kasunod ng mga tawong lipod. walang kupas ang kinang ng dalawa, ang pag baba ni Haliya at Bulan ay isang kagilagilalas na pangyayari. Sa kanilang kagandahan ay napatingil sa pag lipad ang mga ibon at mga lumilipad na nilalang. Pagtapak sa lupa ni Haliya at Bulan ang mga halimaw ng lupa ay pansamantalang naging maamo.Dahil sa kanilang taglay na kagandahan ang mga mababangis na aswang dagat na magindara ay naging maamo. Sa labis labis na kagandahan at busilak na liwanag na kanilang taglay pansamantalang nalimutan ng mga isda na lumangoy. Nagtampisaw sa lawa ng Bato si Haliya at Bulan. Ang mga halaman ay nag bulungan at nahiya. Tinanong ni Haliya ang mga ito. Sumagot ang mga halaman na hindi sila karapat dapat kausapin ng mga Buwan dahil sila ay mga halamang tubig lamang. Naantig si Haliya at Bulan sa mga kataga ng halaman. Bilang gantimpala sa kababaang loob pjnagkalooban nila ng kagandahan ng mga ito. Ang mga halaman ay naging bulaklak ng sawa (lotus)at bulaklak ng takay.(water hyacinth). Ang mga bulaklak na ito ay kumakatawan sa kababaang loob kanilisan ng kalooban ng puso. Makikitang kahit sa pinakamaputik na lugar ay namumukadkad ng nakaangat ng walang bahid ang mga ito. Ang tangkay naman ay nanatiling nakababad sa putik, simbulo na kailan man ay hindi mag mamataas.

Ang bulaklak ng sawa at ng takay ay kumakatawan sa pagiging mabait, mapagkumbaba at pagiging palakaibigan ng mga Bikolano. Ang putik at yurak na tinutubaan ng mga ito ay ang pasakit at paghihirap sa buhay na hindi maiiwasan, ang mamumukadkad ng mga bulaklak ay kumakatawan sa kalinisan ng budhi at pagiging masikap ng mga Bikolano. Ang tangkay na nakalubog sa putik ay gaya ng mga paang nakatapak sa lupa, ang magiging mabait at mapagkumbaba.

Haliya

Ibang sanaysay ukol sa bulaklak ng Takay

Namasadan mula sa kaitaasan at nasaksihan ni Haliya at Bulan ang pag iibigan ng mga mortal na si Takay at Kanaway. Nasaksihan nila ang puot at pag iimbot ng diyos ng bagyo at himpapawirin na si Onos, sa handlang sa pag iibigan ng dalawa. Dahil sa kasakiman ni Onos at nais niyang ma angkin ang dalagang si Takay ay nilubog niya ang buong Ibalong gamit ang daluyong. Di sinasadya ay nalunod ang kaawa awang si Takay at Kanaway. Naantig si Bulan at Haliya. kanilang muling pinagsama ang mga walang buhay na katawan ng magkasintahan at ginawang mga bulaklak ng Takay.

Si Haliya ang diwata ng liwanag ng buwan, ang bagong diwata ng buwan na sumasagisag sa katapangan at pagiging buo ng kalooban.Ang Diyosa nin Bicolandia, asin tagapagsurog nin Bulan, Ang paglaban nya kay Bakunawa ay tulad ng mga taong handang gawin ang lahat upang ipag tanggol ang mga minamahal sa buhay. Katapangan, pagpupursigi at kalinisan ng budhi. 

Haliya

Reminder

Avoiding Foreign Manipulation: Weaponizing myths and stories and using them as an excuse to attack, harass and even stalk storytellers or communities risks distorting their purpose. Myths are meant to unify, educate, or entertain, not to create division or hostility among Filipinos.

Filipino mythology belongs to everyone—Filipinos, Filipinix, and even foreigners. These stories are meant to unite, inspire hope, and empower. They are for all, ever-evolving yet forever a cultural treasure.

Both oral and written mythology in the Philippines are valid because they serve different but equally important roles in preserving Filipino heritage. What is truly harmful is when foreigners manipulate these discussions for personal gain, attempting to invalidate one aspect of Filipino mythology to cause division. Instead of falling for such tactics, Filipinos should embrace the richness and diversity of their own stories, ensuring that both oral and written traditions continue to thrive.

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.

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding. 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.

The Moonlit Warrior Goddess of Bicol

 

Haliya Bicolano goddess of moonlight and arcenemy of the Bakunawa

The Moonlit Warrior Goddess 

In  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:

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

Haliya Masked Goddess of the Moon

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.

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. 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.

Halya and Bulan

 Summoning the Moon goddess in myths

"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.

The ancient ritual of Halya, once a simple 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 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.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance:

Haliya's stories and worship hold a special place in the cultural and spiritual heritage of Mythology in Pre-Hispanic 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, 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.

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.