Snakes in Filipino Mythology: Icons of Power and Transformation

Extended text version from IG Post 29 May 2024

River-Python Mandala Tattoo Design🐍✨ This intricate piece represents strength, protection, and spiritual connection, merging the powerful essence of the sawa (python) with the sacred geometry of the mandala. Perfect for those seeking a unique artistic expression that honors cultural heritage and personal empowerment.

Cultural Significance of Snakes in Filipino Folktales

Snakes hold a prominent place in Filipino folklore, embodying concepts such as protection, strength, transformation, and ancestral ties. In this cultural context, encountering a snake in one's home can be viewed as a positive sign, suggesting that significant and beneficial changes are imminent for the household. Although some regard snakes as lucky omens, others might feel uneasy due to the inherent dangers these creatures pose. On the flip side, certain traditions interpret a snake's appearance as a bad omen, a perspective that may be influenced by Spanish colonial religious beliefs, which often associated snakes with deceit, sin, and the devil.

The Legend of Maria Makiling beautifully demonstrates the protective role of snakes. In various versions of the story, snakes serve as loyal guardians and companions to Maria Makiling, enhancing her mystical aura and her connection to the natural world. Similarly, the tradition of tattooing snake-like patterns on the body underscores this protective symbolism, with such tattoos believed to safeguard individuals from illnesses, reflecting the deep interplay between nature and human health.

In ancient Bisayan culture, the presence of snakes was believed to accompany warriors into battle, highlighting their role as protectors. The depiction of snakes on warships, particularly in the design of karakoa warships, symbolizes strength and guardianship over the seas.

The Palawan creation story emphasizes the transformative power of snakes. The deity Ulilang Kaluluwa, who takes the form of a snake, represents the ability to shape and renew the natural world, reinforcing the snake's dual role as both a creator and a transformer.

Snakes are also seen as spiritually significant in various cultures across the archipelago. For instance, an Ifugao tale recounts how a large Hakuku snake appears during a family member's death, symbolizing the belief that snakes embody ancestral spirits guiding souls to the afterlife. This spiritual bond is mirrored in the Kalinga "chila na urog" forked-tongue batok (traditional tattoo) design, where snakes are viewed as ancestral representations, urging mindfulness and reflection whenever encountered.

What is a mandala?

A mandala is a geometric design or pattern, often circular, that holds symbolic meaning in spiritual and ritual traditions, representing the universe and used as a tool for meditation and spiritual growth.

Mandalas were created in the service of one of the world's great religions, Buddhism. They were produced in Tibet, India, Nepal, China, Japan, Bhutan, and Indonesia and date from the 4th century to present. Now they are created throughout the world, including the City of Long Beach.

To me, this mandala looks like it could be a cool looking parol (lantern), too. Lol

Hmu to bring this captivating design to life. DM, email, bat signal.

૮˶• ﻌ •˶ა

./づ~ ❤️🖤💙

#pythonmandala #filipinotattoo #filipinotattooart #filipinotribal #filipinomandala #mandala  #strengthandprotection #culturalheritage #filipinofolklore #filipinofolkbeliefs #snakes #luck #protection #parol #farol #lantern #tribalparol #dreamjungletattoo #thetravellingtattoo #azkaltattoo #hashtagnutcake

Source: https://luibhealthcenter.com/filipino-folk-beliefs-snakes-a-sign-of-luck-or-a-bad-omen/