Customs of the Tagalog Quiz

Juan de Plasencia

• Spanish friar who authored 'Customs of the Tagalogs' in 1589.
• Born in the Spanish town of Plasencia; arrived in the Philippines in 1577 via Mexico.
• Established several towns in regions like Laguna de Bay, Bulacan, and Tayabas.
• Converted many Tagalog natives to Christianity and wrote 'Doctrina Cristiana', the first book printed in the Philippines.

Tagalog Society

• Term "Indians" or "indio" used by Plasencia to refer to Tagalog natives.
• Tagalog chieftains referred to as "datos", governing 30-100 houses in their areas.
• Social structure included castes: nobles (maharlica), commoners, and slaves (aliping).

Nobility and Commoners

• Nobles (maharlica) are free-born individuals who do not pay tributes but must accompany the dato in war at their own expense.
• Commoners (aliping namamahay) are married and work half their cultivated lands for their master.
• Slaves (aliping sa guiguilir) serve their masters and may be sold.

Land Ownership

• Lands are owned in common by the barangay, especially irrigated portions, known only to the grupo.
• Nobles in villages like Pila de la Laguna paid annual tribute to the datu, such as a hundred gantas of rice.
• Land cultivation was regulated by the barangay, with inheritance and purchase rules in place.

Governance and Justice

• Disputes among chiefs were settled by judges or arbiters to avoid war.
• No one could be condemned to slavery without just cause, typically meriting a death penalty.
• Legitimate children inherited equally, except in cases of parental favoritism.

Marriage and Dowries

• Dowries were presented by men to the families of women.
• In cases of childless death, families retrieved part of the dowry.
• An unmarried woman in a relationship is referred to as "inasava".

Religious Practices

• Worship involved a temple (simbahan) and decorative lamps (sorihile) used during rituals.
• Festivals (pandot) and temporary shelters (sibi) were constructed for communal gatherings.
• The nagaanitos celebration involved drumming for four days, uniting the barangay in worship.

Cultural Beliefs

• Badhala was a deity among the Tagalogs, signifying "all powerful" or "maker of all things".
• The customs documented in 'Customs of the Tagalogs' reflect early Philippine spirituality and community structure.

Key Historical Facts

• 'Customs of the Tagalogs' was written in 1589.
• Juan de Plasencia died in 1590 in Liliw, Laguna.
• Spanish friars played a crucial role in community organization during the early years of colonization.

Test your knowledge on the 'Customs of the Tagalogs' by Juan de Plasencia. This quiz covers key terms and definitions related to Tagalog culture and history. Perfect for those studying Philippine history and customs.