MUNICIPALITY OF GUMACA, Quezon, Historical Data of Part 4
PART IV
PART I | PART II | PART III | PART IV | PART V | PART VI | PART VII
[p. 46]
THE ORIGIN OF RAIN AND THUNDER
Long ago, the giants were the only inhabitants of the high mountains of the world. God had been kind to them because they were good people. He gave each group its own place to live in.
Years went by and still they were the same kind and friendly neighbors. But there is a saying which runs this way, "the longer the booter [not sure about this word], the worse comes next."
One day, a giant who lived on the other side of the mountain went out hunting for deer. Many hours passed and still no deer was in sight. He moved on and on till, unexpectedly, he entered the forest owned by the other group of giants. Because of his eagerness to catch one for dinner, he forgot about the laws agreed upon by the ancestors. This law was handed down from generation to generation and it was followed strictly by the inhabitants. It stated that there should be no trespassing on the ground owned by each group. It happened that there was a giant who owned the land, hunting also for deer. He saw the other giant. There was hatred in his heart because he was breaking the law. Instantly, he came upon him and gave him a hard blow. They fought for hours until the owner of the land gave up, because he was tired and bleeding.
The dispute between the two reached the ears of both kings of the giants. The matter could not be settled in a peaceful way so both prepared for battle. Then came the time when the two groups met on two loops of high mountains. They were so big enough that even the rocks that were as large as the mountains were easy for them to roll or cast toward the enemy. There many stones rolled and thrown that they made a frightful sound which reached all over the world. That was the first thunder.
God heard the quarrel between the two groups. He did not like trouble to prevail over land and the people. He went down to punish them, a punishment that could be heard all over the world. From this time on, He said, "all of you will roll the stones that will find no ending." The two queens of the giants heard what God had said and they, too, shed tears of regret. The tears that fell from their eyes were such that they fell to earth as rain. That was the very first rain that fell on the earth.
Each time the two queens thought of how long they would suffer the punishment, they shed so much tears and their tears would always be followed by thunder.
Even at present, we can still notice that rain is always followed by thunder.
[p. 47]
THE ORIGIN OF THE "ASWANG"
A very very long time ago, in a village in the country of China, there lived a rich merchant by the name of Wong.
Teng, a very poor man, was a neighbor of Wong. He had a lovely daughter whose name was Sua. She, without the knowledge of her father, had a sweetheart whose name was Pungwa. He was industrious and courteous, too, in spite of his poverty. Because of financial depression that usually befell on Teng's family, he often approached Wong for support. Not long after, their debt was so much beyond the earnings of Teng. Wong was greatly amused because he had some plans settled before hand.
One day, Wong went to call on Teng, purposely to settle with him. Teng felt afraid because by then, he could not pay his debt. At this foregoing silence, Wong thought it was time to speak of his plans. He proposed marriage to his only daughter. Without hesitation, he agreed. Wong went home happily.
That same evening, Teng took the matter up with his daughter. With a heavy heart and with tears in her eyes, she obeyed her father. The wedding was set and soon, wedding bells were gaily ringing in the village temple.
Days passed. Sua was not happy. She was young and loved pleasure. Her husband, beside being old, was always occupied with his business. He had no time for pleasure. Once, she and her lover unexpectedly met beside the river that was not far from her home. Pungwa could not resist her and, all of a sudden, he enfolded her in her arms. She did not refuse his love and, from that time on, daily they met beneath a spreading bamboo tree beside the river. How happy they were during their secret meetings!
Months and years went by. Wong was getting weaker and older, too. One afternoon, he felt he had a slight fever, so he went home earlier than usual. He called for Sua because he was very thirsty. She was not there. He went to the kitchen to get water himself. It happened that the drinking jar was empty. Hurriedly, he got the earthen jar and went to the river. As he was nearing the place, he heard familiar voices behind
[p. 48]
Not long after, there came to pass a famine in the whole village. There was not water to drink nor food to eat. Wong became sick. His faithful dog knew the situation. Tirelessly, he hunted for food for his master. Until, at last, he came upon Sua's grave. He scratched the earth that covered her body. There was nothing left but her heart and liver. He snatched the remains and hurriedly gave the food to his master. Wong, being so hungry from many days of fasting, grabbed the liver and feasted on it. Not long after, he craved and longed to eat man's liver. He discovered something, too, that could transform him into another form.
Many people in the village, and even in the other nearby villages, became victims of his uncontrollable cravings. Till one evening, the villagers tried hard to catch him. They saw a dog. All shouted loudly, "There is aso ni Wong! Aso ni Wong!" Stones fell upon him like rain. At last, he was caught.
As he breathed his last dying words, he was slowly transforming himself into his own figure. They then discovered that the dog was Wong himself. Since then, the words "aso ni Wong" was feared by the people. Generations then followed and the words, instead of "aso ni Wong," became "aswang," meaning witch.
LUZ TAÑAFRANCA
[p. 49]
THE ORIGIN OF EARTHQUAKES
This story happened when the world was still young. In every section of the world, there were few inhabitants residing therein. The caves were haunted by the giants. They were good giants and they even helped the people living in the lowlands.
Gisa, a little village, was near the cave of the giants. The villagers and giants were good friends. Because they were good people, God gave them a better place to live in.
In that same village, there lived a very beautiful lady who was loved and respected by everybody. Many men came to woo her. Among the many suitors she had, she selected a very fine gentleman and gave her heart to him. They loved each other so dearly, and it was such a wonderful thing to see. On moonlit nights, they loved to sail on a banca along the river. She would sing a lovely song and even the fish would stop swimming and listen to her sweet voice.
There was a giant who was greatly in love with the girl. He felt so jealous every time he saw the girl and her lover enjoying their blessed companionship. Once, his jealousy was overfilling his heart, so he hastily went to see the girl. He spoke of his love and how dearly he loved her. But the girl said she was sorry, he came so late. I and my lover, she said, would wed at the rising of the new moon. But the giant still insisted and said he wouldn't stop until he saw them married, and even if they were married, he would lay his vengeance upon her.
With a heavy heart, the giant went away, black remorseful thoughts blinding his whole being. Vengeance was now his sole aim. He thought of how he could separate and bring loneliness to this happy couple.
Hurriedly, he got a piece of iron. By means of a live coal, he hammered it into a sharp pointed spear. At last, it was finished. His eyes flashed with delight.
Night came. He went to and fro and waited for everybody to be still. Midnight... Everything was silent. Slowly, he came near the girl's house. Everybody was soundly sleeping. He peeped through the hole of a window.
[p. 50]
Continued THE ORIGIN OF EARTHQUAKES
Happy and contented, the giant wandered far in the forest. His laughter echoed far. He swore to the mountains that he would spread his wrath all over the world. Thus, he began his wanderings.
He stopped at every village, every town, and watched for his prey. Whenever he set his eye upon a beautiful maiden, he would snatch her off and kill her. Then he would laugh, laugh so loud because he was satisfied.
Many years did he wander far and the same thing he did. The people, then, became afraid of the giant. They dared not come near the mountain anymore.
At last, a lovely victim pleaded to God to help her. God listened to her. He was angry. He went down to earth and faced the giant. The giant came with his head bowed and trembling knees. He knew he was not doing God. God said, "Now that you have disturbed the world, I'll give you a punishment that will let the world remember that a wrong thing is always punished. Now and forever, you will carry the world on your shoulders. See to it that no harm befalls it. Rise and carry the world on your shoulders."
The giant lifted the world and gently put it on his back. There were times when the giant's back became numb and the world would fall. At every fall, the world would shake, thus making an earthquake. It was the beginning of an earthquake.
So far as our story goes, others still believe that the giant until now carries the world on his back.
[p. 51]
THE ORIGIN OF GHOSTS
According to our ancestors, this story happened at a time when civilization was not yet known.
Once, in a very peaceful town, there lived a couple with only one daughter. They lived in a good home and had a better means of living. Words were not enough to describe the beauty of Ana, their daughter. She was the sugar of their eyes, so that many suitors came to admire and worship her. Among the many suitors she had, Anselmo and Antero seemed to top them all. They were the best of friends, but they had been rivals in love. Ana had been hesitant in selecting from between the two. She could not decide which of the two she would give her heart.
As days went on, the two lovers thought of a way by which each could be triumphant. It might be one that would hurt the other but it could not be helped, one had to win.
One evening, it was so dark and cold, Antero could not sleep. He tossed on his bed because by then, he would like to solve his problem. The dark night seemed to help him. There was not even a star in sight. He thought how fearful it could be to walk in the dark of the night, and not perhaps at that very instant, Anselmo was paying a visit to Ana. A plan entered his head. Suddenly, he sprung from his bed and directly went to the kitchen. He took hold of one clay pot, carved on it the eyes, nose, and mouth. It resembled the head of an Aeta. Afterwards, he got a wax candle, tied it with a black fire so that at that very instant he would pull the thread, fire would pass through the holes. It looked like an angry God with fire coming out from its eyes, nose, and mouth. Happy with his discovery, he went down and placed the pot beside the road leading to Ana's house. He watched behind tall grasses near it. At last, he heard steps coming toward him. Thinking it to be Anselmo, he pulled the string and fire passed through the holes of the pot. How he laughed when he heard the man run so swiftly in fear. He succeeded, yet he felt so disappointed because it was not
[p. 52]
Continued THE ORIGIN OF GHOSTS
When Antero thought that all suitors had made a retreat, he went to see Ana. Unfortunately, Anselmo came ahead of him. He found them enjoying a very nice conversation. Anyway, he did not show the hatred in his heart. Like bygone days, he sat with them and talked with them as they had done before. The night was growing late and both said goodbye to her. Happy and contented, Ana watched them through her window, and what did she see? My, a burning head coming toward the two lovers. She could not help but cry so loud the names of Anselmo and Antero. At the sound of her voice, both happened to stare at the burning head. Because of fear, they thought Ana was shouting, "Multo! Multo!" Antero thought, too, why the head moved. Like a flash of lightning, they ran without knowing where to go. Even the very movement of the leaves made them run faster and nobody could tell where they went.
Since then, the word "multo" or ghost has been something that could make the hair stand on its head.
LUZ TAÑAFRANCA
[p. 53]
THE ORIGIN OF THE TURTLE
A very long time ago, in a country far, far away, there lived a man who was industrious and talented. His moments were very precious and he did not like to waste them a single minute.
Talented as he was, his farm grew larger and so with his earnings. Then came a time when he became very, very rich. He hid his richness in a hidden part of his house. Afraid that it might be stolen, daily he brought it with him to the farm where he worked. Because he did not like anyone to surpass his wealth, he became selfish even to his neighbors who were kind and helpful to him. He never thought that someday, he might grow old and weak and he might need help from them. He did not marry for fear that a wife might only discover the hiding place of his wealth.
Months and years went by and as the years went by, more wealth was added to him. His treasures became heavy, so he planned to transfer his house to the farm where he worked. That he did. His neighbors in the farm helped him move his house, but he had been too selfish to pay them and not even a word of gratitude was given to them.
After a week in the farm, he feared that robbers might enter his house. He planned to transfer his house again in the town. He sought once again the help of his kindly neighbors. They helped him once more.
A week passed again and he was not even contented to stay in town. He could not leave his house for an instant for fear that there might be an accidental fire that might arise somewhere. "What shall I do?" he said to himself. Move the house again to the farm.
[p. 54]
THE ORIGIN OF THE TURTLE
One evening, some travelers happened to pass by his house. He did not know them, so he closed his door and hid himself near his treasures. The following morning, he called for his neighbors again and asked them to help him. The neighbors were tired of his whereins [strange word] and his caprices and more of his selfishness, one of them who had felt the inhuman acts of this man, with a curse in his heart spoke so loud that even the farthest resident could hear his voice. He shouted, "Man, because you had been selfish and unkind to us, from now on, our help will not be offered to you, instead you will always carry your house on your back!"
Senseless and ashamed of what he had done, he hid himself under his house. Little by little, he felt a heavy weight covering his back, his hands growing shorter and even his feet as well. He could no longer utter words to ask forgiveness from his neighbors because, little by little, his tongue was getting shorter.
A moment later, the neighbors, to their great surprise, saw a moving animal carrying his house on his back. It went to them with tears in its eyes and it was a trembling figure. Since then, he was called a TURTLE. The curse was carried and will be carried until God comes and renews the world.
[p. 55]
SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEFS
INTERPRETATIONS
Miss Luz C. Tañafranca
[p. 56]
INTERPRETATIONS
1. At the first sight of a new moon, and the moon slants facing the mountain, it means that there will be more sunshine than rain during the month; but if the new moon starts facing the sea, it is a sign that there will be so much rain during the month.
2. If the new moon is so straight in its concave form, it means that sickness and death will prevail during the month.
3. Sometimes, a big shining star stays so close to the new moon, and it means that the boys will not have a hard time in courting girls, and girls are so close to the boys.
4. There are times when the swift in groups fly so low that they almost touch the ground. It means a forthcoming storm.
5. If the heavens are so filled with bright shining stars, the following day will be good for planting legumes.
6. At the setting of the sun, and the rays are striking yellow gold, the following day will be rainy.
7. When the "dap-dap" or fire tree bears so many red flowers, it means that the crabs are very fat.
8. When you see the cat washing its face before a doorway, it means that a visitor is coming.
9. A black butterly seen flying inside the house in the late hours of the evening means the death of a relative.
10. While journeying, and it happens that a snake crosses your way, it means good luck; but if a lizard crosses your way, it means bad luck.
[p. 57]
Continued: INTERPRETATIONS
11. Whenever anyone intends to enter a cockpit, and on the way to the cockpit you happen to meet a pregnant woman, you must not dare to continue your way because, whether you like it or not, you will lose the last penny in your pocket.
12. When one dreams that he or she is sailing on the sea, and the ship or banca on which he or she is riding does not reach the shore, it means that the following day, you will hear of the death of a relative.
13. If in a dream you lose one molar, it means also the death of a relative, whether near or far.
14. While eating at the table and accidentally you drop your spoon, a female visitor is coming; a knife or fork means a male visitor.
15. When you hear a hen crow, it means a single woman is on the family way.
16. During a storm, no matter how light or hard it is, and you hear the frogs croak and the crickets sing, it means the storm is over.
17. Winds from the east drives and kind of storm.
18. A cat seen leaping from the window of a house during a storm means the destruction of the house; and the inmates must leave immediately.
19. The weather on your 21st birthday tells the life you will lead. Rain the whole day through means crosses and sufferings will be more, and sunshine brings happiness throughout life. Rain in the morning means loneliness in the early part of your life, rain at noon of your life [probably means "middle part of life"], and in the afternoon, in the latter part of your life. Just the same with sunshine.
[p. 58]
Continued: INTERPRETATIONS
20. During a baptismal ceremony, and it happens that the baptismal cap falls, this is a sign of an early death to the child.
21. If, during the baptismal ceremony, the white cap placed by the priest on the head of the child unexpectedly falls, that means an early death to the child.
22. At birth, and the child's back is facing toward the mother, it means that the child is not good to live within a family or else those coming after her are liable to die. If the mother likes her to stay, she must sell her to one member of the household.
23. If ever a firefly enters your house at night, the next day will be a rainy day.
24. If it happens that you break a mirror or any looking glass, it means seven years of unlucky days.
25. If ever a dog cries under the house of one who is ill, it means an early death to the person suffering.
Luz C. Tañafranca
[p. 59]
BELIEFS
IT IS BELIEVED THAT:
1. A bride must not undergo any kind of fitting of her bridal ensemble or else the wedding may be hindered by certain circumstances.
2. If you make the sign of the cross with any sharp weapon toward a cyclone, it will soon break off and disappear.
3. The strongest wind, the hardest earthquake, thunder, lightning, can be calmed if one will get the palm leaves made holy on Palm Sunday and let them smoke over the charcoals in the stove.
4. If one will scatter pieces of garlic around the house secretly at twilight, enchanted creatures won't dare to come near your house.
5. A husband cannot act as godfather on a baptism if his wife is pregnant with his child, or the other will soon die.
6. A house will be lucky if in the holes of the posts, the wife will insert coins before the posts are set.
7. Sisters and brothers must not wed in the same year.
8. If one sings while cooking, if a girl, will be liable to marry a widower; if a man, a widow.
9. It is advisable to cut fingernails and toenails on Monday. The child is far from having a toothache.
10. On New Years Day, one must whip the plants with pieces of stick, and soon the plants will bear flowers and fruits.
11. What you did on New Year's Day, you will always do the whole year through.
12. The soul of a dead person returns to see his folks for the last time on the third night after his burial.
13. It is unlucky for a sick person to see a doctor on Tuesdays and Fridays. These are unlucky days also for businessmen to transact their business.
14. If one bathes a cat, a storm will soon appear.
15. If one sits on a pillow, soon he will get a boil.
[p. 60]
SUPERSTITIONS
1. It is not good to laugh when planting corn, or else the ears will have few grains.
2. When planting coconuts, instead of bending, sit near the hole [in the ground]. The coconut will not grow tall.
3. If you want the makapuno to bear more makapuno fruits, in planting, fill your mouth with porridge until all plants are planted in their respective holes.
4. It is not good to plant banana suckers during a full moon. The fruits will be big and fat.
5. During rice planting, it is not good to sweep the floor. The insects can easily locate the seeds planted.
6. It is not good to eat beside the plants or else the birds and other animals will imitate.
7. It is not good to roast the first ears of corn or else the others won't grow big.
8. Before harvesting, the owner must first select from among the plants the best grains of rice and reserve these for the next planting.
9. It is not good to sharpen a bolo during rice planting.
10. It is advisable to plant camote at low tide when there are many stars during the night before planting.
11. The hole of the post of a new house must be wet with vinegar to protect the house from lightning and thunder.
12. It is good to build a new house during the high tide.
13. The stairs of a house must face the rising sun to lead a progressive life.
14. It is not good for a conceiving woman to always look at something ugly, or else her child may resemble its form.
15. A pregnant woman must take a walk with hanging hair.
16. It is not good to take a bath on the first Monday of August and September.
17. Saturday is not a good day for a wedding.
18. It is not good to eat gabi when one in the family is dead.
19. During an interment, it is not good to sweep the house.
20. It is not good to peep through the window when the coffin is being brought down for the funeral. Other members of the family may follow soon.
21. It is not good to take a bath when one in the family is dead.
22. Sickness that comes after a bath on a Friday is hard to cure.
23. Whipping a child with a broom is not good. He will become unhealthy.
24. Sweeping at night is not good. The grace of God will not stay.
25. Sewing cloth on is not good. You will suffer hardship in childbearing.
Luz C. Tañafranca
PART I | PART II | PART III | PART IV | PART V | PART VI | PART VII
TRANSCRIPTION SOURCE: