CUSTOMS_OF_THE_TAGALOG(FINAL)_042204.pptx

Customs of the Tagalog

1. CUSTOMS OF THE TAGALOGS By: Juan De Plasencia

2. Every society has its own customs and traditions. Philippines is no exception. Customs existed before colonization. Tagalog culture emphasized Bayanihan .

3. CUSTOMS OF THE TAGALOGS “Customs of the Tagalog” (originally titled Relación de las costumbres de los tagalos ) was written in 1589 by Fray Juan de Plasencia , a Franciscan friar who was among the earliest Spanish missionaries in the Philippines. It is one of the most important primary sources about pre-colonial Filipino society, particularly the Tagalog people of Luzon.

4. WHO IS JUAN DE PLASENCIA? Franciscan Missionary : He was one of the first group of Franciscan friars sent to the Philippines in 1578 to spread Christianity. Evangelizer of the Tagalog People : He worked mainly in Luzon (Laguna, Tayabas /Quezon, Rizal areas), focusing on teaching the faith to the Tagalog-speaking natives. Writer and Linguist : He is most famous for writing the “ Doctrina Christiana” (1593) , one of the first books ever printed in the Philippines. It was written in Spanish and Tagalog (using both Latin and Baybayin script) and served as a catechism for teaching Christian prayers and doctrine. Defender of the Natives : He advocated for the rights of the indigenous people, often appealing to Spanish authorities to lessen abuses and excessive taxation. Death : He died in 1590 in Liliw , Laguna.

5. BAYANIHAN SPIRIT • Visible in wakes, daily lives, and community tasks • At wakes: relatives & neighbors take over all duties • Community helps with food, financial support, shelter. Bayanihan in Daily Life:
• House building or repair (nipa hut)
• Moving houses between barrios
• Rice planting & harvesting
• Preparing food for feasts
• Service is unpaid → reciprocity expected 5

6. EARLY GOVERNANCE • Society led by Datos (chiefs) • Barangay = small tribal unit (30–100 houses) • Chiefs ruled with authority and respect • Chiefs helped each other during wars 6

7. SOCIAL CLASSES DATO • They ruled, commanded warriors, settled disputes, and collected tribute. • Chiefs ( Datos / Rajahs / Lakans ) • The highest authority in the community (barangay). • 3 CASTES
1. Nobles
2. Commoners
3. Slaves

8. SOCIAL CLASSES 1. Nobles ( Maginoo / Maharlika )
•The upper class just below the chiefs.
•They were respected, free-born families with wealth or influence.
•Often advisers, warriors, or relatives of the dato .

9. SOCIAL CLASSES 2. Commoners ( Timawa / Maharlika in some areas)
•The free people who did not belong to the nobility but were not enslaved.
•They worked their own land, served in wars, and paid tribute to the datu.

10. SOCIAL CLASSES 3. SLAVES ( Alipin )
•2 KINDS OF SLAVES
Namamahay – had their own house, more freedom, served their master when called.
Aliping Saguiguilid – lived in the master’s household, had fewer rights, almost like domestic servants.

11. LAWS & JUSTICE • Serious offenses → death penalty (esp. against chiefs). • Witches and sorcery punished by death. • Other offenses → fines in gold. • Unpaid fines → debt slavery (often passed to children) • Disputes → decided by Datos or arbiters from other barangays 11

12. Inheritance & Marriage Customs • Children inherited equally (with some exceptions) • Marriage dowry system (given by men to women’s parents) • Divorce rules determined dowry return/loss • Adoption was common and legally recognized 12

13. RELIGION AND WORSHIP • No temples, but feasts called Pandot (Worship)
• Temporary houses converted into “temples”
• Worship lasted 4 days with music, lamps, and feasts
• Major deity: Bathala (creator)
• Also worshipped: Sun, Moon, Stars ( Tala , Pleiades, Balatik ). • Other idols: Lacapati (fertility), Dian Masalanta (love), Indianale (farming) 13

14. RITUALS AND BELIEFS • Crocodiles ( Buaya ) revered to avoid harm • Auguries (omens) from animals, birds, sneezing, etc. • Sacrifices: goats, pigs, fowls, rice, fruits Priests: Catalonan (chief priest), male or female • Offerings included food, perfumes, and songs

15. SORCERY AND SUPERNATURAL BELIEFS • Mangaguay – can kill or heal • Manyisalat - caused lovers to separate • Mancocolam - emitted fire from himself • Hocloban – can kill or heal with a gesture • Silagan – ate livers of people in white • Magtatangal - headless apparition • Oswang – flying, and killing men • Mangangayoma – making love potion • Sonat – religious medium • Pangatanojan – predicts future • Bayoguin – men who dressed and act women

16. BURIAL RITUALS • Ordinary people were buried near or under their own homes. • A datu (chief) received a special structure built for him (a balag or small hut). • If the deceased had been a warrior, a living slave was tied beneath his body. • Mourning lasted four days of vigil ( lamay ). • Family and community sang dirges (funeral songs), praised the dead, and shared food and drink. • AFTERLIFE: Maca (paradise) and Casanaan (place of anguish) 16

17. RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY • To Understand Our History • To See How Our Ancestors Lived • To Reflect on Cultural Identity • To Recognize Colonial Influence • To Value Indigenous Knowledge 17