Know Your Roots Series: Filipino Culture and Tradition 101

The Philippines boasts many wonders that set us aside and make us unique from other countries and nationalities. We have some traits that other nations wished they have too, be it in culture or nature’s wonder.

“Know Your Root Series” is a compilation of Filipino culture and tradition. It is a sequence of topics which will discuss the variety of Filipino customs, beliefs, and practice. The series also aims to serve as a reminder of the Philippines’ and the Filipinos’ pride.

Lesson 1: Bayanihan

Filipinos are known to be hospitable and kind. Other nations also see the courage and bravery in us especially in destitute times. And most of all, we are well-known to the world because of our bayanihan system or the spirit of communal cooperation.

What is Bayanihan?

Bayanihan has been defined so many times in different ways. But the core meaning of the word itself is “unity”. It came from the root word “bayan” which means community, town, or nation. It is the “unity in the community”, the spirit of volunteerism and cooperation among members of the community.

Bayanihan can be demonstrated in various forms. One of the known manifestation of this Filipino trait was during the pre-Hispanic era when the houses in the Philippines were still made of indigenous materials like bamboo, straws and nipa and were called as “Bahay Kubo” or “Nipa Hut”. Since bahay kubo during those times can be lifted and transferred to other location, neighbours will help another family to move their nipa hut. Normally, a crowd of people will carry the house atop wood beams on their shoulders following a synchronized manner. They will sometimes sing or cheer along the way to side-track their minds from the weight of the nipa hut. Likewise, when you are newlyweds or planning to get married, neighbours will also help you build your own nipa hut.

In addition to that, people in the rural areas exhibit bayanihan system during the planting season. Everybody will help everyone in planting rice grains. Farmers lend their hands to fellow farmers, either by ploughing the fields or by lending their carabao and by planting the seeds as well. The women, on the other hand, prepares the food and refreshments for their husbands, sons and fathers who are busy attending the fields. Same cooperation can be seen when the rice fields are ready for harvesting.

Another display of Bayanihan system is through group efforts to help victims of a tragic loss, great calamities and disasters such as earthquake, flooding, and typhoon. People from all walks of life, either neighbours, friends, and relatives flock the grieving family/victims to offer their condolences. The sympathizers usually offer prayers, flowers and candles to the dead and food and money to the family.

Although Bayanihan has evolved through time, it still thrives and lives on among the Filipinos of this modern day. It is one of the many striking things that Filipinos can be proud of – committed in helping fellow Filipinos most especially in destitute times without asking or expecting anything in return.

Truly, Bayanihan is a great Filipino mentality.

Thus, I am a Filipino and I am proud to be one!

Images: 

http://www.michaeldsellers.com/blog/2015/10/27/aldub-nation-and-the-spirit-of-bayanihan/
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/91517/preserve-the-spirit-of-bayanihan-un-urges-filipinos
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/photo-contest/2011/entries/80507/view/