21st Century Maranao Literature

21st Century Maranao Literature

• Maranao literature is influenced by Islam.
• It encompasses oral and written traditions.
• This includes folklore, legends, myths, epics, folktales, courtship speeches, proverbs, riddles, poems, songs, and ballads.
• The word "Maranao" comes from the Maranao word "ranaw," meaning "lake."
• The name refers to the Maranao people's ancestral homeland around Lake Lanao in the Philippines.
• Lake Lanao is the second largest lake in the Philippines.
• It is locally famous for its various uses and is internationally known for its endemic species.
• The DARANGEN is an ancient Lake Lanao epic song.
• It has 17 cycles and 72,000 lines.
• It commemorates Maranao history and mythical heroes' trials.
• It utilizes symbolism, metaphors, irony, and satire to explore life, death, courtship, love, politics, and social ideals.
• The AGAMANIYOG folktales are significant among the Maranao people.
• These stories detail the lives of sultans, family, and their relationships with their subjects.
• KAPANGOBING is a traditional means of expressing love and adoration.
• It's an accepted form of courtship in Maranao culture.
• The courtship is performed using a bamboo flute-like instrument.
• Polygamy is a tradition still followed among Maranao males.
• In this practice, a married person can have multiple wives or husbands.
• "Parental Marriage" is practiced among Maranao where parents decide on their son or daughter's marriage.
• A week-long celebration, "kandialaga," happens before the official wedding.
• This practice is done to preserve family pride, especially during financial hardship, in royal or large families.
• SINGKIL is a Maranao dance performed by Princess Gandingan.
• It showcases her agility and tells the story of her escape from an earthquake caused by Diwatas.
• This dance uses bamboo sticks to represent the earthquake.
• KAGANAT SA DARANGEN is the most aristocratic Maranao dance.
• It is performed only by those with aptitude for theatrical movements of fingers as well as fan-switching and graceful swaying motions.
• KAPA MALONG-MALONG is a Maranao dance demonstrating different ways of wearing a malong.
• A malong is a functional tubular skirt which is intricately weaved.
• It is worn on special occasions.
• The SAGAYAN FESTIVAL in Lanao del Norte is a cultural event inspired by the Maranao dance, Darangen.
• It involves the enactment of Bantogan, a warrior, showcasing discipline, gallantry, and suppressed emotion to demonstrate victory.
• This celebration involves the warriors using ampilan armored with a shield.