Calling Everything Anito: A Cultural Misunderstanding

 Calling Everything Anito: A Cultural Misunderstanding

Anito

One of the most puzzling and often misunderstood aspects of Filipino mythology is the tendency of some foreigners, particularly those of Filipino descent born abroad or westernized, to call all mythological creatures "Anito." For Filipinos in the Philippines, the term Anito holds a very specific and deeply spiritual and religious rooted meaning. Traditionally, Anito refers to the spirits of ancestors, heroic spirits or the wooden statues that represent these spirits, which were used in ancient rituals of respect and worship. The term is not typically used as an umbrella term to describe mythological creatures or supernatural beings. 

Anito this, anito that, anito..  lahat nalang anito, ano daw ????

However, many foreigners (from Canada for some reason) and even some Filipino-Americans seem to be under the impression that Anito can be applied to all manner of creatures from Filipino folklore. Whether it's a Tikbalang (the half-human, half-horse trickster), a Duwende (dwarf-like spirits of the earth), or other supernatural beings, some people outside of the Philippines call these beings Anito. This creates confusion for Filipinos back home who are used to a different understanding of the term.

lahat nalang anito tawag, pati chanak tinawag nang anito

To locals, this usage feels somewhat inaccurate. Mythological creatures like the Tikbalang, Duwende, Engkanto (spirits of nature), Aswang (shape-shifting creatures), and Lamanlupa (earth-dwelling spirits and beings) each have their own specific names and categories, which distinguish them from the concept of Anito. These beings are not seen as spirits of the dead or representations of ancestors; they have their own unique origins and roles in the folklore. The locals would rather use the terms Elemento, Lamanlupa, Engkanto, Maligno, Bantay-tubig, Tawong lipod ect...

Kapre

For example, the Tikbalang is known as a trickster who can confuse travelers, and the Duwende is believed to live in the earth or inside trees, sometimes causing mischief or granting wishes. The Aswang, infamous for (eating humans) its monstrous shape-shifting abilities, is feared for its predatory nature, while the Engkanto is a spirit tied to the natural world, often invisible to humans, and may interact with people in strange or mystical ways.

Tikbalang

In contrast, Anito has a more spiritual connotation, traditionally linked to the worship of ancestors and the veneration of ancestors, spirits that protect or guide the living. The Anito was honored through rituals, offerings, and statues placed in sacred spaces, not as supernatural creatures roaming the earth or forests. The mix-up of these terms can blur the lines between the specific roles and powers each mythical being holds in Filipino culture and history.

Anito

This confusion likely stems from a lack of familiarity with Filipino folklore, especially among those outside of the Philippines who might not have direct access to the vast and complex world of Anito and other mythological figures. The blending of terms might also be influenced by the tendency of many cultures to generalize or simplify indigenous concepts for easier understanding, even if that oversimplification leads to inaccuracies.

What Anito in Folk Religion and in mythology is for Filipinos in the Philippines

Anito in Mythology: In myths, Anito are portrayed as spirits of the dead, heroic spirts, some as evil spirits and dark gods. In many contemporary tales and horror stories often depict them in dramatic roles, such as being worshipped by malevolent beings like the Aswang or serving as antagonists in moral conflicts. This narrative function allows mythology to explore themes of good, evil, and the supernatural.

Anito ng mga Aswang

Anito in Folk Religion: Here, Anito are venerated as ancestor spirits or heroic spirits who protect and guide their descendants. They are honored through offerings and ceremonies, forming a bridge between the living and the spiritual realm.

Anito Tao-tao

The distinction between mythology and folk religion is not about division but clarity. It helps us respect the Anito both as powerful figures in mythology and as sacred ancestral spirits in folk religion. Recognizing these differences enriches our understanding of Filipino culture, ensuring that myths are celebrated as stories and folk religion is honored as faith. Mixing the two isn't inherently bad, but preserving their distinctions allows us to appreciate the unique contributions of each to the Filipino identity.

Aggressive Western way VS the passive Local Voices

 it is also an unfortunate trend where Filipino voices, particularly local storytellers, are overshadowed. and even antagonized. 

The tension is exacerbated when Westernized Filipinos and non-Filipino white foreigners take aggressive actions , especially those who are more vocal or assertive in promoting their interpretation of these terms, begin to antagonize Filipinos born in the Philippines. These overseas Filipinos, who may not have grown up immersed in the traditional practices and understandings of Filipino folklore, often exhibit an air of superiority or arrogance in trying to redefine these cultural concepts. Their approach can sometimes come across as dismissive of the rich oral traditions and lived experiences of Filipinos in the homeland.

Filipino, Dapat magkakampi, hindi magkakaaway, ang pag ku kwento hindi labanan, hindi kompetisyon. Ang pag kukwento at mitolohiya at kwentong bayan dapat pinag sasaluhan. 

The Middle Way: Uniting, Not Battling

Instead of allowing this tension to grow, the middle way is a better approach. There needs to be mutual understanding and respect between Filipinos living abroad and those in the Philippines. Both groups have valuable perspectives on Filipino culture, and instead of battling over the definitions and interpretations, they should work together to share and preserve these rich traditions.

Filipinos abroad often seek to reconnect with their heritage, while Filipinos in the Philippines hold the authentic, lived experiences of these stories. Bridging this gap can enrich both sides, making Filipino folklore and culture even more vibrant and meaningful. The goal should be unity, not division—creating a space for all voices, whether from within the Philippines or abroad, to contribute to the preservation and evolution of Filipino mythology.

Cultural Superiority Complex and Western Dominance:

Many foreign individuals, especially those from Western cultures, are raised in environments where their own cultural perspectives are often considered "universal" or "superior." This mindset can lead them to dismiss or misunderstand other cultures, including Filipino culture and mythology. When they encounter something different from their own, such as local mythological creatures or traditions, they might try to impose their own interpretations or ideals, dismissing the knowledge and expertise of Filipino storytellers who are more in touch with the authentic traditions.

The antagonism, belittling, and attempts to cancel out local Filipino storytellers often stem from a mixture of cultural ignorance and foreign arrogance, lack of respect for indigenous practices and local story tellers, and an overwhelming desire to dominate or simplify complex cultural traditions. It is crucial for both foreign and Filipino-born individuals to engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue with local storytellers and embrace the diversity and richness of Filipino mythology and folklore. 

REMINDER!!!!!

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

Philippine Mythology is for everyone—Filipinos, Filipinxs, and even foreigners! These stories are meant to bring people closer. 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!

While myths inevitably evolve, and it's possible that future generations may begin to use Anito in new and broader ways, the pressure to erase or oversimplify traditional beliefs can have lasting consequences. It's essential to respect the original context of these myths and the efforts of Filipino-born storytellers to preserve them in their authentic form. If we continue to allow these misunderstandings to persist, we risk losing the cultural nuances that make Filipino mythology so unique.

 while it’s understandable that outsiders might try to simplify Filipino mythology by using the term Anito for all supernatural beings, this does a disservice to the rich and nuanced world of Filipino folklore. By recognizing and respecting the specific names and attributes of creatures like Tikbalang, Duwende, Engkanto, Aswang, and others, we can preserve the cultural distinctions that make Filipino mythology so unique. It is essential for both Filipinos and non-Filipinos to appreciate the differences and learn the proper terms to honor the traditions and beliefs that have been passed down through generations.

So what is the Anito according to Filipinos in the Philippines? 

Anito

In modern-day Philippines, the term Anito is widely understood to refer to ancestor spirits or the spirits of the dead. However, its origins are much deeper, tracing back to ancient languages like Proto-Malayo-Polynesian and Proto-Austronesian. The word Anito may have derived from the terms qanitu and qanicu, both of which had broader meanings, encompassing not only ancestral spirits and the spirits of the dead but also malevolent spirits and the wooden idols that were used to represent them in rituals.

Mga Espiritu ng Yumao, kaluluwa ng patay, Espirtu ng Ninuno, at mga Bayani ng lumipas na panahon, maging mga diyos-diyosan at mga estatwang kahot. Yan ang pangkalahatang modernong pagkakakilanlan ng anito sa karamihan ng Pilipino sa Pilipinas.

Anito

Historically, these early linguistic roots suggest that Anito had a multifaceted role in ancient Filipino belief systems, representing a wide range of spiritual entities, both benevolent and harmful. It was tied to the practice of ancestor worship, where spirits were honored and revered, often through wooden statues or idols known as Anito figures, which were thought to hold the presence of the spirits they represented. And yes in many horror stories the anito often referes to the dark gods the Aswangs and other evil creatures worship and grant blood sacrifices to. But that's because mythology and religion are separate. 

anito

As Filipino culture evolved, the meaning of Anito became more focused on the spirits of ancestors, revered for their protective and guiding roles. In contemporary times, the term is primarily associated with the spirits of deceased family members, and is often invoked in rituals, prayers, and offerings to seek protection, guidance, or blessings. The legacy of Anito in Filipino culture is a testament to the enduring spiritual connection between the living and their ancestors, a bond that has persisted throughout centuries, even as the meaning of the term has adapted to changing cultural contexts

Foreigners who antagonize, belittle, or try to cancel out local storytellers when it comes to Philippine mythology may do so for several reasons, often rooted in misunderstandings, cultural dominance The antagonism, belittling, and attempts to cancel out local Filipino storytellers often stem from a mixture of Superiority complex, white entitlement, cultural ignorance, lack of respect for indigenous practices, and an overwhelming desire to dominate and monotonize Philippine mythology  or simplify complex cultural traditions. It is crucial for both foreign and Filipino-born individuals to engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue with local storytellers and embrace the diversity and richness of Filipino mythology. Only through mutual understanding and appreciation can Filipino folklore remain vibrant and respected in its authentic form.

The Continuing Legacy of Philippine Mythology

Daloy ng mitolohiya kwentong bayan, kwentong pasa pasa at pagku-kwento

Philippine mythology is not a stagnant or fixed system of beliefs; it is an evolving collection of stories and traditions that continue to grow and change. Unlike a religion, which often has structured practices and doctrines, mythology is a fluid, oral tradition that reflects the culture and worldview of the people.

In the Philippines, mythology is deeply tied to folk religion, but they are not the same. While folk religion deals with practices related to spirituality and the supernatural, mythology consists of the myths, legends, and stories that explain the origins of the world, nature, and human life. These stories are not tied to formal rituals or religious observances but are instead shared through generations, passed down through storytelling, rituals, and everyday conversations.

Filipino pinaspasa sa kapwa Filipino ang mga storya gamit ang wikang Filipino

Today, Philippine mythology is still very much alive. It is not confined to books or ancient texts but continues to be told and retold in the modern age. Platforms like YouTube , Podcast, viber have become a new way for local storytellers to promote and share these ancient tales and new ones. Through narration, animated videos, and discussions, storytellers are keeping the myths alive, reaching new audiences and bringing a new energy to traditional stories. From Aswang horror stories, Engkanto encounters, Diwata and demons from mountains ect...

The mythological creatures, gods, and spirits that were once shared around campfires and village gatherings are now shared globally. Local storytellers play an essential role in preserving and adapting these stories for modern audiences, ensuring that the richness of Philippine mythology continues to thrive in contemporary times.

 Philippine mythology is not a relic of the past but a living, breathing part of Filipino culture. Its stories continue to evolve and be embraced by new generations, keeping the tradition vibrant and relevant today.