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.

• 

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.
• 
  

 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