Summoning the goddess of Moonlight

Haliya Defender of the Moon

Haliya a moon goddess in Philippine oral mythology and Bicolano folklore

 

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.

Mga kwentong Pilipino at pagkukwento ay para sa lahat...

Philippine Mythology is for everyone—Filipinos, Filipinxs, and even foreigners! These stories are meant to be shared, enjoyed, and passed down through generations. They’re not set in stone and can have many different versions You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy them. These stories evolve with time, and everyone is welcome to listen, share, and get lost in their world. Mythology connects us all, no matter where we come from!

Haliya moonlight goddess statues

  

Haliya by John Henry Esteban

                                                 (Agnes Arellano, ‘Haliya Bathing’, 1983)

Featuring a Philippine moon goddess, pregnant and splayed in a childbirth position, ‘Haliya Bathing’ explores the intersection of the feminine and the sacred.

Made of coldcast marble sculpture and crushed marble stones, this sculpture by Agnes Arellano lends itself to a mythical significance that emphasises the artwork’s life-giving form. 

Haliya is a goddess from Bicolano oral mythology, and folklore known as the masked goddess of moonlight. According to myths and stories she is revered primarily by women and is celebrated for her strength and beauty. Haliya is depicted as a warrior goddess, protecting her brother Bulan, the god of the pale moon. She is often described as having fair, radiant skin, long black hair, and wearing a golden mask to conceal her otherworldly beauty.

In myths, Haliya is the arch-enemy of Bakunawa, an eel-like serpent dragon that tries to devour the moon. She is portrayed as strong and ruthless in combat, contrasting with his brother Bulan's gentle and playful nature. Haliya's battles with Bakunawa symbolize her role as a fierce protector of the moon and a symbol of feminine strength. Some stories say Rituals and dances named after her, some stories suggest she is the embodiment of the rituals that are performed to celebrate and summon her protective spirit during full moons.

Haliya Statue in Dubai
Sharply blue, tranquil, and monumental at over 18 feet tall,
the figure was created by internationally-circulating Filipino sculptor Duddley Diaz.

Haliya Moon goddess statues

 ‘Haliya Bathing’

 ‘Haliya Bathing’ bu Agnes Arellano

Masked Haliya Duddley Diaz

Bakit Buntis ang mga Estatwa ng Diwata ng Buwan?

Why are the Statues pregnant ?

The Haliya statues represents Mystery, hope and life. the Moonlight goddess from Bicolano oral mythology and folklore

Statues of Haliya are often portrayed as pregnant to reflect a lesser-known story from Bicolano mythology that highlights her connection to both mortal life and divine strength. While Haliya is typically depicted as a fierce warrior goddess, the protector of her gentle brother Bulan, there is a softer, more nurturing side to her mythos that explains the pregnancy imagery.

18 feet tall Haliya Moon goddess statue in Dubai
photo by jazperjay

In many myths, Haliya and her brother Bulan and other celestial beings would descend from the heavens to bathe in the waters of Ibalong. This act symbolizes purification and the ability to take on a mortal form. In one particular and lesser known story, Haliya falls in love with a mortal man during one of her visits to Earth. Her love for him is so profound that she temporarily forgets her divine nature and chooses to live as a mortal.

In love and in bliss she stayed on land and loved a mortal man. Eventually Haliya becomes pregnant, and as her time to give birth approaches, she returns to the waters where she first descended. Her brother Bulan, watching from the heavens, sends sylphs and fairies to comfort and support her during labor, singing songs that remind her of her strength and beauty. After giving birth to a child that is both human and divine, Haliya ascends back to the heavens.

This story intertwines the themes of love, transformation, and the divine connection to fertility, making the depiction of a pregnant Haliya in statues a representation of her role as a bridge between the celestial and mortal realms, and a symbol of creation and new life.

Duddley Diaz’s white Carrara marble sculpture of the Bicolano moon goddess Haliya. Haliya’s round and polished form The rotund,  and serene figure holds a crescent moon close to her pregnant belly.  An owl head crowns her seated figure. She is depicted as protector and goddess of wisdom. Ninety-kilos heavy, Haliya was transported from the artist’s garden in Italy to the Vargas Museum in 2010 for his retrospective exhibition Messenger of the Gods.(Louise Anne Marcelino)

Duddley Diaz 1995 Haliya the Moon Goddess Marble

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.

mga dios o diwata ng kaitaasan ng mitolohiyang Bicolano

 Gugurang  o Mayong ang diwata ng mga diwata, anito ng mga anito. Ang diyos na bumababa at nag kakatawang lupa sa paanan ng bulkang Mayon. Ang kataas-taasang bathala

Gugurang
Diwata ng mga diwata
Anito ng mga Anito

Diwata

Mga Devata ay mga Diwata ng kaitaasan o mga bathala sa langit at kamurayan ng mitolohiyang Bicolano at mitolohiyang Pilipino. Ang mga diwata ng Buwan at araw at mga bituin. 

(Mga Diwata ng Kaitaasan - Mga Bathala)

Diwata ng Araw

Adlaw diwata ng araw, diyos na kumakatawan sa araw at init. masaganang ani sa mitolohiyang Bicolano. Sa ilang kwentong bayan ang kanyang anak na kalahating tao ay umibig sa mortal. Ang sibol ng Tiwi ay mula sa Agni at calayo ng anak ni Adlaw. ang bathala ng araw ng Bicol si Adlaw

Diwata ng Buwan

Bulan ang diwata ng buwan, diyos na kumakatawan sa buwan, liwanag at pag asa at ligtas na paglalakbay at pangingisda sa dilim ng gabi. Diyos ng buwan na nais makuha ng Bakunawa. Bulan ang bathala ng buwan ng Bicol 

Ang mga lihim na karunungan, binubunyag ng sikat ng buwan.

Sa kontemporaryong mga kwento madalas iugnay sa mga kwentong katatakutan at mga Aswang, bilang diyos na pwedeng hingan ng tulong laban sa ilang uri ng aswang gaya ng mga ba-ad. Sa ilang kwento ang mga Magindara, at mga Bulaw bulaw ay hindi umaatake kapag bilog buwan. 

Diwata ng liwanag ng Buwan

Haliya ang diwata ng liwanag ng buwan, kilala sa mga kwentong bayan bilang katungali ng Bakunawa at tagapagpangol ni Bulan. Madalas isalarawan na may maskarang ginto at kampilan. Mga kwento, mito at alamat.

Sa mitolohiya madalas ilarawan na Maganda at singputi ng buwan, matapang may maskarang ginto at kampilan. Simbolo ng kalakasan ng mga kababaihan.

Diwata ng Tala

Bituoon ang diwata o diyosa ng mga tala, kilala sa kagandahan. Diwata ng mga Tala at kagandahan. Bathala ng mga butuin

REMINDER

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, 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.

Dalagang nasa Buwan

 Maputi, Maganda at walang kapintasan ang Dalagang Nasa Buwan

Diwata ng Buwan, Diyosa na nasa Buwan

Oh Buan

Dalagang Nasa Buwan

Moon goddess

The myth of Haliya the goddess of Moonlight can inspire girls, women and all

 

The myth of Haliya, the Bicolano goddess of the moonlight, offers powerful lessons that can inspire girls, young women to be strong, independent, and kind, while understanding that true beauty comes from within. Haliya often portrayed as a masked goddess of the Moon and Moonlight provides a rich and empowering narrative for young women. It encourages them to be strong and independent while also embracing kindness and compassion. It teaches that true beauty comes from within and that the qualities of a good heart—courage, empathy, and integrity—are what truly make someone beautiful. Haliya stands as a powerful role model for young women, showing them that they can be warriors in their own lives, lighting up the world with both their strength and their kindness

Haliya in Bicol and Tagalog mythology

Strength and Independence

• Haliya as a Warrior Goddess: In Bicolano mythology, Haliya is not just a goddess of beauty and light but also a fierce warrior who battles the monstrous sea serpent, Bakunawa. This aspect of her character teaches young women that strength and independence are not just about physical power but also about inner resilience and the courage to face life's challenges. Haliya’s determination to protect the moon and her people symbolizes the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

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Embodying Strength in Adversity

• Haliya as a Warrior Goddess: Haliya's role as a warrior who battles the fearsome Bakunawa to protect the moon and her people is a powerful symbol of strength in the face of adversity. Young women can be inspired by her courage, learning that strength isn’t just about physical power but also about resilience, determination, and the will to stand up for what is right. Just as Haliya faces her fears to protect what she holds dear, girls can learn to confront challenges in their own lives with bravery and confidence.
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 Embracing Kindness

• Goddess of Moonlight: Haliya’s association with the moonlight, which is soft, gentle, and nurturing, reflects her kindness and compassion. The moon’s light provides guidance in the darkness, much like how kindness can illuminate and guide us through difficult times. Haliya’s ability to combine strength with gentleness teaches young women that being strong doesn’t mean being harsh or unkind. True strength includes the capacity for empathy, compassion, and understanding.

Drawing Power from Love and Duty

• Fighting for Love: Haliya’s actions are often motivated by love—love for her brother Bulan, love for the moon, and love for her people. This teaches young women that love can be a powerful motivator that gives them the strength to overcome obstacles. Whether it’s standing up for a friend, supporting a family member, or contributing to the community, Haliya’s myth shows that acting out of love and a sense of duty can drive incredible courage and determination.

Cultivating Protective Love

• Guardian of Bulan: Haliya is often depicted as a protector of Bulan, the god of the moon, showing her deep love and commitment to safeguarding those she cares about. This protective instinct can inspire young women to act selflessly and courageously for the people they love. It teaches them the value of being a guardian, not just in a physical sense, but in standing up for loved ones, supporting them in times of need, and offering comfort and strength when they are vulnerable.

• 

Self-Sacrifice and Dedication

• Haliya’s Sacrifice: In some versions of the myth, Haliya is willing to endure great sacrifices to protect Bulan and the moon. This aspect of her story can inspire young women to understand the importance of dedication and selflessness in their relationships. It teaches that while it’s important to be strong and independent, there is also immense value in dedicating oneself to the well-being of others, especially those who are vulnerable or in need.

 Promoting Loyalty and Integrity

• Unwavering Loyalty: Haliya’s loyalty to her loved ones and her unwavering commitment to protect them, even at great personal cost, exemplifies integrity and steadfastness. Young women can draw inspiration from her loyalty, learning to stand by their principles and commitments, and to be dependable and trustworthy allies to those they care about.

Reversing expected gender roles 

• The myth of Haliya breaks traditional gender norms by portraying her as a strong, fierce, and independent warrior goddess, while her brother Bulan is depicted as more docile and kind. This reversal of expected gender roles challenges the conventional idea that men should be the protectors and warriors while women are gentle and nurturing.

Haliya Moon goddess

 True Beauty from Within

• Beyond Physical Appearance: Haliya’s beauty is often celebrated in the myths, but it is not just her physical appearance that defines her. Her bravery, kindness, and the sacrifices she makes for others reveal that true beauty lies in one’s actions and character. This teaches young women that while outer beauty may fade, the beauty of a good heart, integrity, and courage is enduring and far more impactful. Haliya’s story reminds us that it is our inner qualities that truly define us and make us beautiful.

 Role Model for Empowerment

• Symbol of Feminine Power: Haliya represents the power and autonomy of women. She is not defined by her relationships with others but by her own choices and actions. This aspect of her myth can inspire young women to take control of their own lives, make decisions based on their own values, and not be swayed by societal expectations. Haliya’s independence serves as a reminder that women have the right to carve out their own paths and define their own destinies.

 Balancing Strength with Compassion

• Dual Aspects of Haliya: As both a warrior and a nurturing figure, Haliya embodies the balance between strength and compassion. Young women can learn from her that it’s possible to be both fierce and kind, strong and empathetic. This balance is crucial in life, where true leadership and influence come from the ability to wield power with a compassionate heart

Inspiration for Resilience

• Facing Darkness: Haliya’s ongoing battle with Bakunawa, a creature representing darkness and chaos, can be seen as a metaphor for the struggles and obstacles we all face in life. Her resilience and refusal to give in to the darkness can inspire young women to persist through their own challenges, knowing that they, too, can be a source of light and hope in the world.

The myth of Haliya, the goddess of moonlight, inspires young women to be strong, independent, and kind. Haliya's story teaches that true strength comes from courage and resilience, while true beauty lies in compassion and a good heart. As a protector of her loved ones, Haliya shows that love and loyalty can drive us to face challenges and stand up for others. Her balance of power and gentleness encourages girls to lead with empathy, support those they care about, and find strength in unity.

The myth of Haliya offers a powerful lesson for young women and girls. By embracing Haliya's strength, protective love, and balance between gentleness and power, they can learn to be strong yet kind, independent yet caring. Haliya’s story reminds us that true power comes not just from what we achieve for ourselves but from how we protect, support, and love others.

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