Philippine Cultural Symbols

Importance of Cultural Symbols

• Cultural symbols transcend language barriers allowing for understanding between people from different backgrounds.
• Cultural symbols can reinforce community or national identity.
• Cultural symbols provide insight into a culture's history and values.
• Cultural symbols are used in rituals and traditions to convey cultural heritage and historical continuity.

Philippine Cultural Symbols

• Philippine flag symbolizes the country's freedom, sovereignty, and solidarity.
• Carabao symbolizes strength, power, and hard work of the Philippines.
• Philippine eagle symbolizes the Filipino people's resilience and tenacity.
• Arnis is the national sport of the Philippines, a martial art using sticks for defense and offense.
• Jose Rizal is the national hero.
• Sampaguita is the national flower of the Philippines.
• South Sea pearls are known is the national gem.
• Tinikling is the national dance.
• Adobo is the national food.
• Anahaw is the national leaf.
• Bakya are national slippers.
• Bangus is the national fish.
• Barong and Baro't saya are national costumes.

Filipino Values

• Family unity and loyalty are highly valued, with emphasis on respecting parents and elders.
• Hospitality is shown through warm welcomes and generosity, and making visitors comfortable.
• Bayanihan is a concept that represents communal cooperation without expecting a reward.
• Pakikisama emphasizes getting along with others, prioritizing harmony within a group.
• Showing deference to older people is essential.
• Filipinos are often admired for their ability to bounce back challenges and adapt to difficult situations.

Filipino Beliefs

• Pamahiin are various superstitions, such as avoiding sweeping at night to prevent bad luck or not cutting nails at night.
• Aswang is a mythical creature believed to be a shapeshifting monster that preys on humans, especially pregnant women.
• Mythical creatures like Tikbalang (horse-human hybrid) and Kapre (tree-dwelling giant) are common in Filipino folklore.
• Hilot are traditional healing practices that involve massage and herbal remedies.
• Spiritual healing practices exist because some believe illnesses are caused by spiritual disturbances.

Filipino Norms

• Filipinos tend to dress modestly, especially in public.
• It is expected that the elderly are treated with respect.
• Filipinos typically have a relaxed approach towards timekeeping and punctuality referred to as 'Filipino time'.
• To display their hospitality, Filipinos will often use their finest cutlery when they have a visitor.
• Expressing politeness to comment on their efforts is appreciated.
• If there is a visitor, Filipinos are reluctant to take the last serving of any shared food served at a meal.
• If someone is eating and someone walks past, many Filipinos offer the person passing by some, however, this is not a literal offer.
• Nearly all meals are served with rice. Without rice, it is considered a snack.
• Many eat with their hands or with a spoon and fork.
• It is important to present gifts well which is why Filipinos will take effort.
• People put a lot of thought into gifts and will give sentimental, thoughtful, or practical gifts.
• Gifts are generally not opened when received, the giver is thanked, and the gift is set aside.

Beliefs

• Sweeping at night is considered to bring bad luck.
• Dropping a spoon means a visitor is coming.
• Friday the 13th is considered unlucky.
• Some do not take a bath during Holy Week.
• Saying "buyag" after being complimented is a chant against witchcraft.
• Stepping on a mountain could anger a dwarf.
• Cutting nails at night is considered bad luck.
• Saying "tabi po/tabi" when urinating or walking at night is meant to respectfully not disturb spirits.
• A picture or glass breaking for no reason can mean a family member had an accident.
• Babies born feet-first may become "manghihilot".

Explore the meaning and significance of Philippine cultural symbols. Cultural symbols reinforce national identity, provide insight into history and values, and are used in rituals and traditions to convey cultural heritage.