Bakunawa

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[edit] Concept and Description

The Bakunawa, Bakonawa, Baconaua, or Bakonaua(from Hiligaynon mythology) is one of the seven mythical dragons of the Philippines. The others are the Bawa(Hiligaynon mythology), Buwaya(Tagalog mythology), Marcupo or Macupo(Hiligaynon mythology), Mameleu, Mamelen or nanreben(Hiligaynon mythology), Mikonawa, Mikunawa, or Minokawa(Bagobo mythology), and the Bauta(Hiligaynon mythology). The Bakunawa is said to be a giant sea creature with a mouth the size of a lake, a red tongue, whiskers, gills, small wires at it's sides, and two sets of wings. One of which being large ash-gray wings and the other are just smaller wings found further down it's body. It stays at the depths of the Ocean and is believed to be the cause of eclipses. It does this by swallowing the moon and/or sun. It is induced to release its prey(usually the sun or moon) by being intimidated by noises from the earth. Bakunawa is the Filipino word for "dragon" and "eclipse".

[edit] Bakunawa and the Ancient Ilonggo Sword's Hilts

Figures of Bakunawas' head decorate the hilts of many ancient Filipino swords. These swords with "deity hilts" have their origin in ancient Panay region of the Philippines. It is believed that the Mondo swordsmiths, who were descendants of Indonesians, were the first to have embellished their swords with this kind of hilts. These deity hilts are said to bestow upon the mandirigma (sacred warriors) the fearful presence and power of the Bakunawa (or whatever deity/animal they have on their deity hilt) when they weild their swords in combat.

[edit] Bakunawa in Filipino Children's Game

There is a game called Bulan Bulan, Buwan Buwan, or Bakunawa that is played in the Philippines. There are between 8-6 people in the circle. One should play the buwan (moon) and the other plays the bakunawa (eclipse). The “it” is chosen through the Jack-en-poy (Rock, paper, scissor) process or another “it” selection process like “maalis taya” or “maiba taya.”

Except for the buwan/bulan and the bakunawa, the other participants stand in a circle facing the center and holding each other's hands. The buwan/bulan stands inside the circle while the bakunawa stands outside. The object of the game is for the bakunawa to tag or touch the buwan/bulan. The rest of the players try to prevent the bakunawa from doing so by holding on to each other and running around the circle as fast as they can while not letting go of the ones next to them.

For the bakunawa to get into the circle, he or she asks one of the players, "What chain is this?" and when the player replies, "This is an iron chain," the bakunawa should ask another player because an iron chain is supposed to be unbreakable. A player who wants to let the bakunawa in can say, "This is an abaca chain," and should let go of his or her hold. This is usually done when the player playing as the bakunawa is tired from running around.

The bakunawa can also try to get in by going under the linked hands. If the player chosen as the bakunawa is fast and small enough, this can be done easily. As soon as the bakunawa succeeds in getting in, the players forming the circle should let the buwan out of the circle.

The bakunawa then tries to break out of the linked hands to try and get out to catch the buwan/bulan. When the bakunawa succeeds in catching the buwan/bulan, they exchange places, or if both of them are too tired, another pair from the circle of players is chosen as the new bakunawa and buwan/bulan.