Sarimanok: Myth vs Truth
The Maranao tribe is from Mindanao in the southern part of the Philippines and during the pre-Hispanic time of the country, they had their own culture, language, beliefs and arts. The Sarimanok, with its beautiful and colourful feathers is frequently depicted in their artistic, decorative and architectural designs and plays an integral part of their culture.
13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.~Titus 2:13 – 14 NKJV
The month of June is Philippine Heritage month here in Canada. Last week, June 12 th was our Philippine Independence day. Because we prioritized on being one with our Adventist brothers and sisters by joining the General Conference program, we are celebrating the Philippine heritage this Sabbath, June 18 instead of the last Sabbath.
One of the prominent figures that are frequently represented in the artistic, decorative and architectural designs in the Philippines is the Sarimanok. The word Sarimanok comes from “Sari” which means a garment of different colours, and “manok”, which means rooster. The figure of sarimanok is normally characterized by its colourful feathers, scroll, leaf and other motifs on its head, and the fish that it carries on its talons or in its beak.
Its origin is not clear but the tribe, Maranao, in the southern part of the Philippines highly revere this figure and it is prominent as part of their culture, beliefs and traditions and widely present in their artworks, rituals and important celebrations.
There were many legends how sarimanok came about but one of the most appealing is the story of a Princess, Sari, the beautiful daughter of a Sultan in Mindanao. On her 18th birthday feast, a colourful rooster flew in the middle and transformed into a handsome prince.
The prince said he had been watching and protecting the princess since her birth. Then he transformed back into a rooster and carried her away, never to be seen anymore. The Sultan commissioned the best craftsmen to carve an image of the magical rooster to appease his grief over the loss of her daughter.
The Far Eastern University(FEU) in the Philippines which is one of the first universities founded by a Filipino, Nicanor Reyes, has a sarimanok motif as part of their Coat of Arms. To this institution, the legendary bird in full colour projects their nationalistic spirit.
The Maranaos believe that the sarimanok will bring them good fortune and if the spirits are pleased, they will have a bountiful harvest. And what started as a cultural heritage from the south of the Philippines has already been adopted by the whole country and nowadays, it has become one of its enduring symbols.
Although the symbolic meaning of the Sarimanok is not as profound as the Philippine Flag which denotes freedom and liberty and our own national identity, the Sarimanok also evokes nationalism as what FEU seal looks like, good harvest and beautiful endings.
But there is an ordinary-looking tree that is a symbol of true freedom (from the bondage of sin), redemption, great harvest, and an ending like no other, eternal life; that is Calvary Tree. Though many people in this last portion of earth’s history may regard the story of the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus as a myth and Jesus, himself maybe a mythical figure, in the end the truth will prevail.
As we share these picturesque symbols, entertaining myths, legends and folklores to our children and children’s children, to reconnect them with our Philippine culture even though we’re here in Canada, let’s continue to point them not only to these myths but to the ultimate truth of salvation by faith in Jesus, the risen Saviour and our Forever Friend. He came and left, but not that we will never ever see Him again. He is coming soon to take us home.
