what foreigners get wrong about Philippine mythology

 Philippine mythology and Philippine folk religion are two distinct aspects of Filipino cultural heritage, and it's important not to confuse them.

Philippine Mythology

Philippine mythology refers to the body of myths, stories, and legends that have been passed down through generations, which explain the origins of the world, the forces of nature, and the lives of gods, goddesses, and supernatural beings. These stories often feature mythical creatures like the diwata, kapre, tikbalang, lambana, sirena, duende and other entities, such as anito (ancestral spirits). Mythology often serves to entertain and explain the unseen world, the mysteries of nature, or the supernatural.

For example:

• Bathala is considered the creator god in Tagalog mythology.
• The diwata are gods, goddesses and nature spirits who protect forests and rivers ect.

These stories are filled with fantastic elements, supernatural beings, and moral lessons, but they are myths—traditional narratives used to explain mysteries and cultural beliefs.

Philippine Folk Religion

On the other hand, Philippine folk religion refers to the actual spiritual beliefs and practices that were (and in some areas, still are) practiced by indigenous peoples and pre-colonial Filipinos. Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers and the introduction of Christianity, Filipinos practiced a form of animism—the belief that everything in nature has a spirit, from trees to rocks to rivers.

Folk religion is about rituals and ceremonies performed to appease spirits, ancestors, and nature deities to ensure good harvests, health, or protection. These include:

• Offering sacrifices to the anito or ancestral and nature spirits.
• Babaylan (shamans) or Catalonan (spiritual leaders) leading ceremonies and healing rituals.
• Prayers and chants to invoke ancestral spirits or nature gods.

Philippine folk religion is alive in daily practices and rituals, often tied to the agricultural cycle, healing, and protection from harm. Some of these practices have survived or blended into Catholic traditions post-colonization, such as offerings during festivals (like in the pangangaluwa or All Souls' Day).

Key Differences

1. Purpose and Focus:

   • Mythology provides stories and explanations of the supernatural world, focusing on gods, creation stories, and mythical creatures.
   • Folk religion is about practices and rituals used to engage with the spiritual world, such as appeasing spirits or ensuring protection.

2. Narratives vs. Rituals:

   • Philippine mythology consists of narratives—stories that explain why things are the way they are (e.g., why there are volcanoes, where humans come from).
   • Folk religion consists of rituals and worship practices, aimed at communicating with spirits and ancestors, seeking blessings, or avoiding curses.

3. Myth vs. Living Faith:

   • Mythology deals with ancient legends that provide cultural knowledge and moral lessons.
   • Folk religion is a living spiritual practice that was actively practiced by Filipino ancestors and continues to influence some cultural traditions today.

Why Not to Confuse Them

It is easy to blend the two because both involve spirits, gods, and supernatural elements, but they serve different purposes. Mythology explains the cosmology and stories of Filipino culture, while folk religion is more about how people worshipped and interacted with the spirit world in their daily lives.

Philippine Mythology:

• Role of Diwata: In mythology, diwata are depicted as divine beings or nature spirits who embody various aspects of nature, such as forests, rivers, and mountains. They often play significant roles in creation myths or stories that explain natural phenomena. 
• Examples in Myths: Diwata may be portrayed as guardians of nature, gods, goddess, dryads and even fairies assisting heroes or punishing those who disrespect the natural world. Their stories often carry moral lessons and highlight the interconnectedness of humans and nature.

Philippine Folk Religion:

Babaylans' Sacred Water Well – The babaylans (shamans)  “Bubon Balabago”. They believe it is 1 of the 4 pillars of their world. This is located in Sitio Balabago, Brgy. Batga in Tubungan town, Iloilo province. This is where an Augustinian priest died in April 1874 after telling locals their animistic rituals were not in line with their Catholic faith. But in some communities, they are still considered as healers & spiritual guides.

• Role of Diwata: In folk religion, diwata are viewed as protective spirits or deities to whom individuals and communities can turn for blessings and guidance. They are believed to influence daily life and natural events, such as weather patterns and agricultural yields.
• Rituals Involving Diwata: Worship of diwata and or anito may include offerings, prayers, and rituals led by shamans (babaylan) or spiritual leaders (catalonan) to seek protection, health, or good fortune.

photos by Tara Yap

Foreign interpretations of Philippine culture often lump these two together, similar to how Greek myths and Greek religion are often intertwined. However, in the Philippine context, the two need to be understood as separate entities.

Philippine Mythology Is Unique

Another layer to this confusion stems from outsiders trying to compare Philippine mythology to Western or Greek mythology, which distorts its uniqueness. Philippine mythology has its roots in Southeast Asian animism, Hindu-Buddhist influences, and indigenous beliefs  and Colonial influence—completely different from the linear, structured Greek mythological system. These myths were passed down orally, changing over time, while folk religion was tied to very real and practiced rituals.

The confusion surrounding the thin line between Philippine mythology and folk religion arises from their shared roots, interconnectedness, complex symbolism, and the influence of colonialism. The blending of narratives and rituals, along with general misunderstandings and lack of distinction in popular discourse, makes it challenging to separate these two aspects of Filipino cultural heritage.

Interconnectedness of Mythology and Folk Religion

Shared Cultural Roots

• Historical Background: Both Philippine mythology and folk religion stem from indigenous belief systems that predate colonial influences. They reflect the same cultural values, traditions, and understandings of the world.
• Animism: Early Filipino belief systems were primarily animistic, seeing spirits in nature and everyday objects. This foundation has led to a blending of mythical narratives and religious practices.

Influence on Each Other

• Narrative and Ritual Synergy: Myths often inform the rituals and practices of folk religion. For instance, stories about diwata (nature spirits) serve as the basis for rituals performed to honor or appease these spirits. Conversely, the experiences and practices of folk religion can lead to the development of new myths or variations of existing ones.
• Cultural Memory: Both mythology and folk religion act as vessels for cultural memory, preserving ancestral beliefs and values. They evolve together, shaping the identity and spiritual practices of communities.

Diverse Branching of Myths

Filipino Myths and stories have different versions they are not xerox or copy pasted. they grow and scatter into different versions like the many languages in the Philippines. 

Sadly a lot of Colonial minded Filipinos struggle to accept that Philippine mythology is actually a living mythology and not stagnant, it means it has different versions and continue to be told and retold. Cherry picking and even antagonizing the many versions of stories as far as trying to cancel their own people for telling different versions of stories. 

Numerous Stories and Variations

• Regional Differences: Philippine mythology consists of diverse regional stories influenced by the various ethnic groups, languages, and local beliefs across the archipelago. Each region may have its own versions of myths featuring similar characters or themes, like the diwata, but with distinct narratives.
• Oral Tradition: The oral tradition of storytelling allows for flexibility and adaptation. As stories are passed down through generations, they can change, grow, or merge with other narratives. This leads to a rich tapestry of myths that reflect local experiences, values, and history.
• Symbolism and Meaning: Many myths contain layers of symbolism, allowing for multiple interpretations. This richness can lead to new stories branching out from a single myth, as different communities find their own meanings and lessons within the narratives.

Philippine mythology and folk religion are both important parts of Filipino culture, but they serve different roles. One provides the stories, while the other provides the spiritual practices. To fully understand Filipino heritage, it's essential to respect this distinction and avoid mixing them up, particularly when studying or telling these stories. This approach allows for a deeper appreciation of the unique, living traditions that continue to shape Filipino identity today.