Tagalog Customs: Filipino Tradition Overview

Tagalog Customs: A Glimpse into Filipino Tradition

The Tagalog people, a major ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines, have a rich tapestry of customs that reflect their history, culture, and social fabric. In this article, we'll delve into the realm of Tagalog traditions, examining family hierarchy, social classes, and other significant aspects of Philippine society.

Family Hierarchy

In Tagalog culture, respect for elders is highly valued. The traditional family structure is based on the patriarchal principle, with the father as the head of the household and the matriarch playing a vital role in maintaining family harmony. Seniority within the family is respected, and the younger generations are expected to show deference towards their elders.

Social Classes

Traditional Tagalog society was organized into a caste system based on ancestry, occupation, and social status. This hierarchy was influenced by Spanish colonial rule, and it led to the development of a class system that persisted long after the Philippines gained independence. The upper class, known as the mestizos or principalia, were mainly of Spanish descent, while the lower classes, or the principalia's serpientes, consisted of the Tagalog people. This system has since evolved, and while it's no longer as rigidly defined, social status and class still play a role in Filipino society.

Juan De Plasencia

Juan de Plasencia, a Spanish lieutenant-governor of the Philippines, played a significant role in the organization of the Tagalog people during the Spanish colonial period. In 1579, he established the encomienda system, which required the indigenous population to provide labor and tribute to their Spanish overlords. This system had a profound impact on Tagalog society, creating a class of encomenderos (grant holders) and encomiendados (grantees) that lasted for over three centuries.

Customs of the Barangay

A barangay is the smallest administrative unit in the Philippines, and it's an essential component of Tagalog society. Barangays traditionally functioned as independent, self-governing political entities, and they still hold a significant place in modern Filipino culture. Members of a barangay are expected to participate in the decision-making process, and they're responsible for maintaining local order and harmony.

Caste Systems

As mentioned earlier, traditional Tagalog society was organized into a caste system that was based on social status, ancestry, and occupation. This system has since evolved into a more modern form, but social class and status still play a role in Filipino culture. The mestizos and principalia are no longer the exclusive ruling class, but they continue to occupy positions of prominence in society.

Laws and Punishment

During the Spanish colonial period, Tagalog society was subjected to a complex system of laws and punishments. The Doctrina Cristiana (Christian Doctrine) was used to indoctrinate the Filipino population, and it played a significant role in shaping Tagalog customs and traditions. The Reale Ordenanza de las Islas Filipinas (Royal Ordinance of the Philippine Islands) was also used to regulate Tagalog society, and it established a legal framework that persisted long after the Philippines gained independence.

Dowries and Marriages

Traditional Tagalog marriage involved the exchange of dowries, which were gifts or payments made by the bride's family to the groom's family. These gifts were intended to demonstrate the bride's value and to ensure that she would be cared for by her new family. Dowries were an essential part of Tagalog society, and they continue to play a role in modern Filipino culture.

Worship and Religion

The Tagalog people practice a variety of religions, including Christianity, Islam, and traditional animist beliefs. Catholicism was introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period, and it has since become the dominant religion in the country. However, many Filipinos also practice traditional animist beliefs, which involve the worship of spirits and deities associated with nature and daily life.

Priests of the Devil

During the Spanish colonial period, the Inquisition was used to suppress heretical beliefs and practices in the Philippines. The Inquisition targeted a group of Tagalog shamans known as anitos or priests of the devil. These shamans were believed to have the power to heal and to communicate with spirits, but their practices were considered heretical by the Spanish authorities.

Offerings and Sacrifices

In traditional Tagalog culture, offerings and sacrifices were an essential part of daily life. These rituals were intended to honor the spirits and deities associated with nature and daily life, and they were used to ensure the continued well-being of the community. Offerings were typically made in the form of food, flowers, and other items, and sacrifices were often made in the form of animals.

As the Tagalog people have evolved and adapted to changing circumstances throughout history, their customs have continued to evolve and adapt as well. While some traditions have persisted, others have been abandoned or transformed, leaving a complex and fascinating tapestry of Filipino culture for us to explore today.