Pre-Spaniards Philippine literature demonstrates that the Filipinos already had their own culture and a rich and meaningful culture. Prior to the invasion of foreigners, oral literature was used by the early Filipinos to convey and express ideas, beliefs and values. The stories were exchanged throughout the society and through generations.
These literary forms echoed the life of daily existence, spirituality and social stratification. Literature was used in numerous ways such as a source of education, entertainment and a source of moral teachings. It enhanced the community ties and cultural identity. Memory and performance were obligatory without written records.
The oral literature was very important in the development of early Filipino society. The knowledge of this era makes students understand that the Philippine writings have not started with the colonization. It existed on its own and in its own creativity. This paper will discuss the character, genres, themes, and significance of Philippine literature prior to the Spanish settlement.
The historical study of this era creates a value within the indigenous knowledge and early Filipino creativity.
Philippine Pre Colonial Literature Nature
Pre colonial Philippine literature was oral literature. It was based on oral and not written communication. Narratives were repeated and portrayed. Older people were storytellers. The reading of literature was done during ceremonies and assemblies. It was based on ordinary life. Nature, community, survival themes.
Literature was firmly related to belief systems. It described natural occurrence and good ethical conduct. Creativity was communal and not individual. Authors most of the time remained anonymous. The community was the owner of literature. Performance was important. Tone and rhythm mattered. Flexibility was provided in oral tradition.
Stories were altered in some way. Such a character caused literature to be active and alive. The pre colonial literature was in harmony with the environment. It was the basis of the Filipino narration tradition.
Oral Tradition as Literary Demand
Pre-colonial literature was carried on through oral tradition. Speech was used to retain knowledge. The narration of stories was done by repetition. Memory was highly valued. There was oral literature that influenced the education of the young. It was taught without attending schools.
Memory was supported by songs and chants. Telling was a participatory style of storytelling. Participation of the audience was usual. Relationships were enhanced by literature. Oral tradition fitted the needs of the community. It allowed stories to evolve. Oral literature needed ability and practice. Storytellers were revered members.
Culture was made by oral tradition. It guaranteed continuity of beliefs. Oral tradition preserved history without writing. This custom greatly influenced the subsequent written literature.
Common Literary Forms Before Colonization
The pre colonial Filipinos came up with several literary forms. All forms had their purpose. Such shapes were a manifestation of imagination and intelligence. They expounded on experiences and beliefs of life. Literature was an element of everyday life. Work and rituals involved the use of forms.
- The conventional literary forms were
- Myths are used to explain the beliefs about creation as to nature spirits and world origins.
- Narratives of heroic characters locate and origin of communities.
- Epic of valorous leadership obedience and cultural values.
- Folk songs are lamentations that convey feelings of joy in the work and life achievements.
- Proverbs instruct wisdom in respect, respect of discipline and moral conduct.
Through these forms, one can observe how early Filipinos understood life and society.
Themes Reflected in Pre Colonial Literature
The themes were significant in pre colonial literature. Nature was central. Natural forces were explained in stories. Human beings were depicted as a part of nature. Spirit worship was an important value. There was an appreciation of community cooperation. Valor and glory were frequent. Family loyalty was valued.
Leadership was admired. Survival skills were imparted by literature. Moral lessons were common. Good behavior was rewarded. There were consequences of wrong actions. Balance and harmony were reflected in stories. Actions were directed by spiritual beliefs. These themes shaped values. Social order was supported by literature.
People were related to the environment and ancestors through the themes.
Importance of Beliefs and Spirituality
Pre colonial literature was highly affected by spirituality. Filipinos in the early times were believers in spirits. There were natural spirits in narrations. The worship of the dead was quite common. Spiritual worlds were explicated in literature. Chants and songs were motivated by rituals. Religious practices were directed by stories.
The literature linked human beings with spirits. Shamans used chants. Respect was taught by spiritual stories. The dread and the awe went side by side. The healing and the illness were explained by means of literature.
Moral behavior was driven by spirituality. Tales told against disrespect. Belief systems were supported through literature. Decisions were made through faith. Life had a meaning with spirituality. Holy knowledge was conserved in literature.
- Through beliefs, literature was influenced in the following ways.
- Spiritual and mythical explanation of natural events.
- Respect toward spirits ancestors and sacred places Promotion
- over spirits ancestors and sacred places
- Educating on moral issues through spiritual punishment.
The early Filipino worldview was highly influenced by spiritual beliefs.
Community Life and Social Structure in Literature
Social structure was manifested in pre colonial literature. Community was central. Collaboration brought about survival. There were common duties as presented in literature. Leaders were respected. Elders guided society. Social roles were strengthened by literature. Relationships in the family were underlined.
Sex roles were manifested in narratives. Cooperation was praised. Greed was criticized. Stories promoted unity. Peace making was presented in literature. Proper behavior was taught in literature. Social harmony was valued. Tales maintained traditions and statutes. Literature serves to keep things in order.
Themes of storytelling were influenced by community life. The collective identity was projected in literature.
Educational intent of pre colonial Literature
The pre-colonial literature was very educational. It taught children values. The lessons were provided in the form of stories. Formal education was substituted with literature. Proverbs taught wisdom. Consequences were explained by stories. Education was practical. Survival skills were imparted by literature.
Moral guidance was central. Youths were educated about history. There was increased cultural identity. The character was created through literature. Learning was enjoyable. Listening was encouraged by storytelling. There was natural education. Knowledge continuity was guaranteed by literature. Storytelling was a good method of teaching. The necessity of literature arose as a result of this teaching position.
Conclusion
The works of Philippine literature prior to the Spanish colonization show the rich oral tradition based on the culture, spirituality, and community life. The myths, legends, epics, songs and proverbs were some of the creative expressions of early Filipinos. Literature was used to educate, to give spiritual and social meaning.
It represented life values, beliefs and unity with nature. History and identity were preserved via oral tradition and not through writing. Knowledge of this time shows that there was a standalone and significant Philippine literature. The study of pre colonial literature enhances the respect to indigenous knowledge.
It enhances cultural sensitivity and pride. Colonization did not start Philippine literature. It is entrenched within the early Filipino society. These roots are still relevant in modern literature.
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