MUNICIPALITY OF TAYTAY, RIZAL, Historical Data of Part 4
PART IV
PART I | PART II | PART III | PART IV
[p. 24]
DIVISION OF RIZAL
DISTRICT OF TAYTAY
BANGIAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
METHODS OF MEASURING TIME AND FORETELLING
GOOD AND BAD WEATHER
Submitted by:
(MRS.) TRINIDAD L. SULIT
Classroom Teacher
[p. 25]
METHODS OF MEASURING TIME
I. Crowing of the Roosters
The crowing of the roosters is one of the ways by which our forefathers foretold time. It is said that when our Lord was crucified, the roosters were given the power to tell the time. In Taytay, the old folks say that the first crowing of the roosters at night denotes 12:00 midnight. The second crowing indicates 1 o'clock in the morning; the third is 3 o'clock in the morning. The fourth crowing indicates 4 o'clock and, successively thereafter, just before daybreak.
II. Position of the Sun and Shadows
When the sun is just beginning to peep out of the east, people say that it is 6 o'clock in the morning. Noontime is when the sun is directly overhead and the shadow cast by the sun is just directly over the trees or at our feet. Six o'clock in the afternoon is when the sun has begun to set in the west.
III. Leaves of Plants and Trees
Another method of telling time by the early people was the folding of the leaves of plants and trees. Some tropical trees and plants, like the acacia or rain tree, fold their leaves late in the afternoon. The early people used to say that when the trees or plants fold their leaves, it means that it is already six o'clock in the afternoon [Note: more correctly, evening rather than afternoon.] Dew can also be a sign of the time. The evaporation of the dew from the leaves of plants and grasses in the morning indicates that it is 7:30 or 8 o'clock in the morning.
IV. Constellations and Other Heavenly Bodies
The constellations and other heavenly bodies that are used to foretell time are the Great Dipper, Venus, and Mercury.
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Fishermen foretell time by the position of the Great Dipper. For example:
a. When the Dipper is erect up in the sky, it means that it is exactly midnight. When it slants, it is about 1 or 2 o'clock in the morning.
b. The planet Venus, known as the Evening Star, when it appears in the afternoon means that it is nearly 6 o'clock.
c. The appearance of the Morning Star, known as Mercury, means the breaking of the dawn or 5 o'clock in the morning.
V. House Lizards and Other Insects
It is said that when house lizards come to kiss the ground late in the afternoon, it is already 6 o'clock.
The chirping of the cicadas and crickets also indicate 6 o'clock in the afternoon [evening].
The time when the common bats fly from the caves or houses to catch their food is another method of foretelling that it is 6 o'clock in the afternoon [evening].
METHOD OF FORETELLING DRY OR WET SEASON
I. Moon
The halo around the full moon is believed to be a sign that rainy days are ahead. When the bows of the half moon point upward, rainy days are believed to be ahead. However, when the bows of the half moon point downward, the people believe that dry weather or a drought is coming.
II. Insects
Ants going up the posts of houses give the sign that there is going to be bad weather or a flood. Another sure omen of bad weather according to the old folks is when the ants seem to be in a great hurry to store food and keep on hauling
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food into their homes. When ants, however, go around and seem to go about their way in a leisurely way, good weather is just ahead or coming.
Flying cockroaches at night mean the beginning of the rainy season. Flying moths and other insects around lights also indicate bad weather.
III. Animals and Fowl
When chickens do not like to go down from their roosts in the morning, it is an unmistakable sign that there is going to be a storm. The constant mooing of the cow or carabao that seems to indicate that they are frightened is another sign for a storm.
[p. 28]
Division of Rizal
District of Taytay
TAYTAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
HISTORY OF TAYTAY
2. Founded in 1615.
3. Gained recognition as a town in 1760.
2. Shri-Visayas from the Majapahit Empire.
3. Capitan Francisco Pasdan Amagsila - first known head of the town.
2. From "Tatay," meaning father.
3. From trees named "tagutay."
Pop. - 15,584 ha. [Note: "ha." is typically an abbreviation for "hectares."]
2. San Isidro
3. Sta. Ana
4. San Juan
5. Muzon
[p. 29]
2. Many lost their lives and properties.
3. People evacuated to Bangiad, Ilog Pugad, Tabing-Ilog.
4. Tabing-Ilog was bombed, mistaken for a Japanese camp.
5. Many became active in the underground movement.
6. The Japanese had sentries in the Taytay Elementary School and Bangiad Annex.
7. Some inhabitants suffered from Japanese atrocities.
8. Almost all houses were burned, save a part of the barrio of Dolores.
2. The market was repaired. Two buildings were rebuilt.
3. Schools were built by the War Damage Commission.
4. Bridges were rebuilt.
2. Dressmaking
3. Hammock making
4. Wooden shoe making
5. Window sash making
2. Celebration of Christmas and New Year – same as in other towns.
3. Three Kings (January 6) day of gift-giving.
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b. Food served in said chapels — cakes, chocolate, sandwiches, chicken soup, biscuits.
6. Voluntary aid to the family of the dead.
7. After baptism, godparents bring food. They also furnish the baptismal dress.
2. Opening stores on Fridays brings prosperity.
3. Bamboo shingles with eyes pointing down bring sickness or misfortune.
4. Marriage of two members of the same family in the same year brings bad luck.
5. Change of residence on a full moon brings good luck.
2. No lawless elements.
3. Peace and contentment present in the majority of homes.
2. Bancas make travel convenient in "Ilog-Tapayan."
3. Inter-municipal telephone service facilitates official transactions.
4. Meralco supplies electricity.
5. The Metropolitan Water District supplies the town with water.
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b. Bangiad Elementary School includes Muzon Barrio School and Sta. Ana Barrio School.
(2) Recognized by the government.
(3) Named after the late Juan Sumulong.
b. High School - 500
2. Puericulture Center for the indigent.
3. Tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts for recreation and physical health.
4. Yards planted with fruit trees.
5. Most homes have a piggery, duck and poultry raising.
Submitted by:
(Miss) ESTER N. VALLE
CL Teacher
Chairman
Committee on Historical Data
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