Why Philippine mythology is confusing for foreingers

 Foreigners often find it challenging to grasp the dynamic nature of Filipino mythologies, given their evolution through oral traditions over time. This difficulty arises because many foreigners may be confined by their Western worldviews, which often perceive stories as static and should be "copy-pasted" without alterations.

The richness of Filipino mythologies lies in their ability to adapt and change as they are verbally transmitted across generations. Unlike the more rigid approach to storytelling in some Western cultures, Filipino myths are dynamic, allowing for variations, reinterpretations, and regional nuances. This dynamic evolution reflects the diverse cultural tapestry of the Philippines and the fluidity inherent in oral traditions.

For foreigners accustomed to a more fixed narrative structure, understanding the ever-changing nature of Filipino mythologies may pose a challenge. The emphasis on flexibility and adaptability in oral storytelling contributes to the uniqueness and vibrancy of these myths, a departure from the Western notion of narratives being set in stone.

Hey there! So, you know how our grandmas and grandpas love spinning those epic tales by the fireside? Well, that's a big reason why the mythologies in the Philippines are still kickin' and not feeling like a copypaste job from some ancient European scrolls.

First off, we've got mad cultural diversity here, thanks to our 7,000+ islands. Each place has its own vibe, and our myths reflect that variety. It's like a myth buffet, with each region serving up its own unique dish.Then there's the OG animism vibe – our ancestors were all about believing that spirits inhabited everything, from trees to mountains. So, our myths are like a nature-infused Netflix series, connecting the dots between the natural world and the supernatural.

And let's not forget the Spanish and American colonization spice that got thrown into the mix. Those colonial influences stirred the pot, blending our local flavor with a bit of foreign seasoning. It's like fusion cuisine, but for myths.

Now, imagine passing these stories down the generations not through dusty old manuscripts but through word of mouth. Yup, we're talking about grandmas dropping wisdom without even glancing at a book. This oral tradition keeps things flexible, allowing for some epic remixing and regional variations. It's like a game of telephone but with mythical creatures instead of whispered secrets.

Oh, and have you seen our wildlife? The tikbalang, kapre, and aswang – they're like the rockstars of our mythology scene. These mythical beings are so deeply rooted in our rich biodiversity that they're practically part of the family.

Lastly, there's a bit of that mix-and-match action going on with our myths. You know, syncretism – blending local beliefs with the new stuff the colonizers brought in. It's like adding some swag to the traditional dance moves – a fresh twist to keep things interesting.

So, long story short, our myths are still alive and far from copypaste because they're a crazy mash-up of our diverse cultures, nature-loving roots, colonial history, good old oral storytelling, and a sprinkle of that syncretism magic. It's like our myths are throwing the coolest party, and everyone's invited! 🌟✨

Foreigners have a difficulty understanding the dynamic way Filipino mythologies change as it is passed verbally and evolve overtime. Usually foreingers are limited by their Western world views that is Stagnant and that stories should be ''Copy pasted'' exactly as it it. 

PHILIPPINE MYTHOLOGY IS ALIVE NOT DEAD

The distinctiveness of Philippine mythology compared to dead mythologies of Europe and Western countries can be attributed to several factors.

1. Cultural Diversity: The Philippines is an archipelago consisting of over 7,000 islands, leading to a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and indigenous beliefs. The country is home to various ethnic groups, each with its own unique myths, legends, and folklore. This diversity results in a wide range of stories, deities, and supernatural beings that contribute to the complexity and uniqueness of Philippine mythology.

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3. Indigenous Beliefs and Animism: Before the arrival of foreign influences, many indigenous cultures in the Philippines practiced animism, where spirits were believed to inhabit natural elements such as trees, rivers, mountains, and animals. This animistic worldview has influenced Philippine mythology, creating a connection between the natural world and the spiritual realm that might differ from the monotheistic traditions found in some Western mythologies.

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5. Colonial Influences: The Philippines has a history of colonization by various Western powers, including Spain and the United States. These colonial influences have shaped the culture and mythology of the Philippines, incorporating elements from both indigenous beliefs and foreign religions. The synthesis of these influences has given rise to a unique blend that sets Philippine mythology apart.

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7. Oral Tradition: Much of Philippine mythology has been transmitted through oral tradition rather than written records. This has allowed for a certain level of fluidity and adaptability in the narratives as they are passed down from generation to generation. The dynamic nature of oral storytelling allows for regional variations and reinterpretations of myths, contributing to the diverse nature of Philippine mythology.

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9. Integration of Local Flora and Fauna: Philippine mythology often integrates local flora and fauna, reflecting the country's rich biodiversity. Mythical creatures such as the tikbalang, kapre, and aswang are deeply rooted in the natural environment, adding a unique and local flavor to the mythology.

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11. Syncretism: The Philippines experienced syncretism, the blending of different religious or cultural influences. This is particularly evident in the fusion of indigenous beliefs with Christian practices introduced during the Spanish colonial period. As a result, some mythical figures and stories may exhibit syncretic elements that distinguish them from purely Western or European mythologies.

In summary, the richness and diversity of Philippine mythology can be attributed to the country's unique cultural tapestry, indigenous animistic beliefs, colonial influences, oral tradition, integration of local elements, and the process of syncretism. These factors collectively contribute to the dynamic and distinct nature of Philippine mythologies, setting them apart from the mythologies of dead cultures in Europe and Western countries.