Mataasnalupa, Taysan, Batangas: Historical Data Part I
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| Historical data from the National Library of the Philippines. |
PART I
PART I | PART II
[p. 6]
The crows were the only birds, then. Because they were tired of flying, then they set the sky and the [earth] to quarrel. The angry sea threw water at the sky and then the sea threw all the stones and all of the earth the sky had. Thus, the beginning of the land.
Mountains and Caves:
The people of Mataaasnalupa believed that under the seas were giant turtles. These turtles tested their strength. So, parts of the land were lifted, thus the origin of the mountains.
In these mountains, we will find caves where the supposed inkantos and big giants live.
11. Rivers, Lakes and Seas:
Naturally, the ancient people of Mataasnalupa believed that the rivers, lakes and seas were created by God.
Plants, trees, and animals were the first creatures created by God.
As to [the] moon, stars, eclipses, they also believed that God created them, too.
Earthquakes, lightning and thunder were signs of punishments made by God for these sinners. These beliefs are still true to the present generations of Mataasnalupa.
Rains and clouds are also God’s wishes, according to the people of this place.
Wind and storms are a source of punishments for those people who work during holidays.
Changes of weather and climate depend upon the natural phenomena of the earth. All these changes depend upon God’s wishes. People of Mataasnalupa are unaware of the earth’s movements.
11. Continued.
Superstitious beliefs.
So far, the people of Mataasnalupa are having so many superstitious beliefs.
1. The howling of dogs means death.
2. The crowing of the cocks at night means frequent elopement of lovers.
3. When a crow sings in the yard, a relative died.
4. Sweeping at night is totally prohibited for it means bad luck.
5. When you meet lizards while going to the cockpit means bad luck, too.
6. When a planet appears with a tail means war.
7. A girl singing before a stove means she will marry a widower.
8. A cat washing her face signifies visitors are coming.
9. When a member of the family dies and the corpse is soft signifies that another member of the family will die, too.
10. When you incidentally bite your tongue while eating means that somebody is harboring you.
11. When you dream of a person who is living died, means he or she will live longer.
12. During the transition period of the moon, [and] it so happens that you take a bath, that very moment means that you will be very ill when you become sick.
Sickness – One’s sickness is caused by anitos found in sacred places like the caves and small hills. The people also believe in [the] mangkukulam.
[p. 8]
11. Continued..
1. First Man and Woman:
Being Christians, the people of this place [believe] that Adan and Eva were the first man and woman on earth.
When a woman eats twin bananas, it is presumed twins will come out during birth.
12. Popular Songs, Games and Amusements.
(a) Songs, Kurido, Kutang, Orijenal ni Balagtas.
(b) Dance, Subli, Lulay and Pandango
(c) Amusements, Tubigan, Taguan, Pata and Cockfighting
13. Puzzles and Riddles.
1. Dalawang ibong marikit, nagtitimbangan sa si-it. (hikaw)
2. Nagsaing si kapirit, kinain pati anglit. (bayabas)
3. Munting bundok hindi madampot. (ipot)
14. Proverbs and Sayings.
1. Ang hipong tulog nadadala ng agos.
2. Ang bayaning masugatan, nagdadagdag ng tapang.
3. Walang banal sa bukas na kaban.
4. Naghangad ng karakot ang nawala ay isang salop.
15. Measuring Time.
1. By means of the shadows.
2. By the crowing of the roosters at night.
3. By the positions of the sun.
4. By means of the Evening and Morning Stars.
16. No tales available.
17. No information on books, documents, etc. available.
18. No authors, writers known so far in the place.
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