Customs of the Tagalog by Juan de Plasencia (OLSS01-OLCA122A013)

Summary

This video script delves into the historical account of 'Customs of the Tagalog' by Juan de Placentia, a Spanish Franciscan missionary. It explores the life of pre-colonial Filipinos, detailing their social structure, monarchy, legal system, and cultural practices. Placentia's work, written in 1581, offers insights into the Tagalog's indigenous beliefs, marriage customs, and religious practices, challenging the notion of them as uncivilized. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the rich cultural heritage of the Tagalog people and their society before Spanish colonization.

Takeaways

• 📜 Juan de Plasencia was a Spanish Franciscan missionary who arrived in the Philippines in 1578 and authored 'Costumbres de los Tagalogs', providing insights into the Tagalog culture before colonization.
• 🏞️ The document offers a detailed look into the social structure, including the monarchy, legal system, and social classes like nobles, commoners, and slaves in pre-colonial Tagalog society.
• 💍 It describes the ornamentation, marriage customs, and dowry practices, highlighting the importance of these traditions in the Tagalog culture.
• 🏛️ The 'barangay', a tribal gathering, is revealed as the basic unit of governance, led by a 'datu' who implemented laws and maintained peace.
• 🎎 The caste system within the 'barangay' is outlined, detailing the functions and limitations of each social class.
• 🔮 The Tagalogs' religious practices, including idol worship, divination, and rituals, are explored, showing a complex belief system.
• 🌱 The indigenous calendar and methods of timekeeping based on agricultural cycles and lunar phases are discussed.
• 🗣️ The document provides a record of the Tagalog language, showcasing the linguistic richness of the culture.
• 🏺 It challenges the Spanish colonial narrative by documenting the advanced social, political, and religious systems of the Tagalog people, refuting claims of 'uncivilized' natives.
• 🔗 The customs and traditions recorded serve as a connection to the present, showing the continuity of certain practices and the resilience of Tagalog culture.

Q & A

Who is Juan de Plasencia and what was his role in the Philippines?

Juan de Plasencia, born as Juan Puerto Carrero, was a Spanish prior of the Franciscan order and one of the first group of Franciscan missionaries who arrived in the Philippines in 1578. He spent most of his missionary life in the Philippines, where he founded numerous towns and authored several religious and linguistic books, including the 'Doctrina Christiana', the first book ever printed in the Philippines.

What is the historical background of the document 'Customs of the Tagalog'?

The document 'Customs of the Tagalog' was written in 1581 during the Spanish Colonial period. It was inspired by the missionary work of Juan de Plasencia in the Philippines, particularly his observations and judgments of the Tagalog people's culture and society in Luzon.

What are the main topics covered in 'Customs of the Tagalog'?

The document covers various aspects of Tagalog life, including social classes, ornamentation, the organization of monarchy, the legal system, ownership, inheritance, marriage customs, religious and superstitious beliefs, economics, and language.

How did the Tagalogs' governing system function according to the document?

The document describes the governing system of native Filipinos being led by a Datu, who also served as the captain in their wars. The Datu's executive functions included implementing laws, ensuring peace and order in the barangay, and providing protection to subjects.

What was the caste system within the Tagalog barangay like?

The caste system within the barangay consisted of three social classes: nobles, commoners, and slaves. Each class had specific functions and limitations within and outside of the barangay.

What are the marriage customs described in the document?

The document details the dowry system where the male usually gives dowries to the parents of the female. It also presents rules regarding marriage between individuals of the same and different social classes.

How did the Tagalogs practice their religious beliefs?

The Tagalogs practiced their religious beliefs through worship using drums, feasts, and rituals called 'nag-aanitos'. They also worshipped a series of idols for particular settings and practiced divination.

What did the Tagalogs believe about life after death?

The Tagalogs believed in an afterlife with a place of reward for the virtuous, called 'kaban' or paradise, and a place of punishment for the wicked, called 'kasanan', where they would suffer grief and affliction with the devil called Satan.

How does the document contribute to the understanding of Philippine history?

The document serves as a basis for historical reconstructions of Tagalog society, providing vivid imagery of ancient Tagalog practices. It helps in realizing the mastery of local language and culture that led to the success of Christianity in the Philippines and illustrates the unique Tagalog culture before colonization.

What is the relevance of 'Customs of the Tagalog' in contemporary Philippine society?

The document is relevant as it affirms that during the pre-Hispanic period, Filipinos already had a government, a set of beliefs, and practices. It shows that many 16th-century beliefs and practices are still present and observed today, such as the barangay system and certain customs and traditions.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Historical Insight into Tagalog Customs

This video segment delves into the historical context of the Tagalog people, focusing on the life and works of Juan de Placentia, a Spanish Franciscan missionary who arrived in the Philippines in 1578. Placentia, born in the 16th century, contributed significantly to Philippine history by founding towns and authoring religious and linguistic texts, including the 'Doctrina Christiana', the first book printed in the country. His observations and writings about the Tagalogs' culture and society, particularly their governance, social classes, and legal system, provide a window into the pre-colonial era. The video also discusses the documentary film 'Channel Expedition' which was written in 1581 during the Spanish Colonial period, offering a portrayal of Tagalog customs that was likely influenced by the political and propagandistic context of the time.

05:01

🏺 Cultural Practices and Beliefs of the Tagalogs

The second paragraph explores the cultural practices and beliefs of the Tagalogs as documented by Placentia. It covers the social structure within the barangay, including the caste system with its three classes: nobility, commoners, and slaves, and the rules governing marriage and dowries. The video discusses the Tagalogs' religious practices, such as the use of drums in worship, the veneration of idols, and the concept of an all-powerful deity. It also touches on their understanding of time, which was based on agricultural cycles and the lunar calendar, and their methods of adoration and sacrifice. The paragraph further describes the burial customs and the Tagalogs' beliefs about the afterlife, including concepts of heaven and hell, as well as the role of the devil in their cosmology.

10:03

🌿 The Legacy of Pre-Hispanic Filipino Society

The final paragraph emphasizes the enduring legacy of pre-Hispanic Filipino society as observed by Placentia. It highlights the continuity of certain beliefs and practices into the present day, such as the barangay system of governance, which still functions as the basic unit of local government in the Philippines. The video refutes the Spanish claim that the locals were uncivilized, showcasing the sophistication of their government, tax system, and justice system. It also discusses the cultural similarities with Southeast Asian civilizations, indicating a rich and developed society. The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of Placentia's work in understanding the Tagalog culture before colonization and its relevance to the broader narrative of Philippine history.

Keywords

💡Tagalog

Tagalog refers to an ethnic group native to the Philippines, particularly in the region of present-day Manila, and their language, which is one of the major languages in the country. In the video, Tagalog is used to describe the indigenous people and their customs before the Spanish colonization. The document 'Costumbres de los Tagalogs' by Juan de Plazencia provides insights into the social structure, religious beliefs, and daily life of the Tagalogs, showcasing their unique culture and practices.

💡Juan de Plazencia

Juan de Plazencia was a Spanish Franciscan missionary who arrived in the Philippines in the late 16th century. He is noted for his significant contributions to the documentation of the Tagalog culture and language. In the video, Plazencia is highlighted as the author of 'Costumbres de los Tagalogs,' a document that records the customs and traditions of the Tagalog people, providing a valuable historical account of their pre-colonial society.

💡Barangay

Barangay is a term used in the Philippines to denote a village or a small community, and it is also the smallest administrative division in the country. In the video, the barangay is described as a tribal gathering of the Tagalogs, led by a datu or chieftain, who was responsible for implementing laws, ensuring peace, and protecting the community. This concept illustrates the pre-existing social and political organization of the Tagalogs before Spanish colonization.

💡Caste System

The caste system in the video refers to the social stratification that existed within the Tagalog society, consisting of three classes: nobles, commoners, and slaves. This system determined the social status and roles of individuals within the barangay, influencing aspects such as marriage, inheritance, and legal rights. The video discusses how the caste system functioned and its impact on the daily lives of the Tagalogs.

💡Datu

Datu is a term used to describe a traditional ruler or chieftain among various ethnic groups in the Philippines, including the Tagalogs. In the video, the datu is depicted as the leader of the barangay, responsible for governance, conflict resolution, and the welfare of the community. The role of the datu exemplifies the indigenous political structure and leadership before the Spanish conquest.

💡Adat

Adat, as mentioned in the video, refers to the traditional customary laws and practices of the Tagalog people. It was the legal framework that governed their society, including aspects like marriage, inheritance, and conflict resolution. The video highlights how Adat was implemented by the datu to maintain order and justice within the barangay.

💡Religious Beliefs

The religious beliefs of the Tagalogs, as discussed in the video, encompassed a variety of practices and deities. They worshipped idols and conducted rituals such as 'nag-aanitos' during feasts. The video also mentions 'Laon,' the supreme being, and other supernatural beings, reflecting the spiritual and religious diversity of the Tagalog society before the introduction of Christianity.

💡Superstitious Beliefs

Superstitious beliefs among the Tagalogs, as described in the video, included various practices and rituals aimed at appeasing spirits or predicting the future. These beliefs were deeply ingrained in their culture and influenced their daily lives, from agricultural practices to social interactions. The video provides insights into how these beliefs shaped the worldview and practices of the Tagalogs.

💡Inheritance

Inheritance in the context of the video refers to the traditional practices of passing on property and social status from one generation to another among the Tagalogs. The video discusses how inheritance was regulated by the caste system and the rules set by Adat, with specific customs governing the division of assets and the determination of social status based on parental lineage.

💡Pre-Hispanic

Pre-Hispanic in the video signifies the period before the arrival of the Spanish in the Philippines, which is characterized by the indigenous cultures and societies that existed independently of foreign influence. The video uses the term to contrast the Tagalog culture and practices before and after the Spanish colonization, highlighting the changes and continuities in their customs, beliefs, and social structures.

Highlights

Juan de Placentia was a Spanish prior of the Franciscan order and one of the first missionaries to arrive in the Philippines in 1578.

He founded numerous towns and authored religious and linguistic books, including the first book printed in the Philippines, 'Doctrina Christiana'.

The documentary 'Customs of the Tagalog' was written in 1581 during the Spanish Colonial period to document the indigenous people's way of life.

Placentia's work was influenced by his missionary work and aimed to provide an exoticized description of the Tagalog natives.

The document covers social classes, ornamentation, monarchy organization, legal system, and inheritance customs of the Tagalogs.

It describes the governing system of native Filipinos, led by Datu, who also served as war captains and implemented laws within the barangay.

The caste system within the barangay is detailed, including the roles and limitations of the three social classes: nobles, commoners, and slaves.

Marriage customs, dowry practices, and rules for divorce are thoroughly discussed in the document.

The Tagalogs' religious practices, including the use of drums in worship and the concept of 'nag-aanitos', are described.

The document provides a comprehensive record of the Tagalogs' superstitious beliefs and their worship of idols for various settings.

The Tagalogs' method of timekeeping, based on lunar phases and agricultural cycles, is explained.

Details on Tagalog burial practices, including differences between chiefs, warriors, and commoners, are provided.

The document discusses the Tagalogs' concept of an afterlife, with a paradise for the virtuous and a place of punishment for the wicked.

Placentia's account serves as a basis for historical reconstructions of Tagalog society and provides insights into pre-Hispanic life.

The document highlights the Tagalog culture's uniqueness before colonization and contrasts it with contemporary Filipino culture.

It affirms the existence of a functioning government, tax system, and criminal justice system in pre-Hispanic Filipino society.

The document serves to disprove claims that locals were uncivilized, showcasing their customs, traditions, and Southeast Asian cultural similarities.

Transcripts

[Music]

customs of the Tagalog by Juan de

Placentia presented by group 5.

in this video discussion we will travel

back in time to be discover one of the

essential part of our Philippine history

we will also about to tackle the life of

the Native Filipinos before colonization

and explain the contribution of these

sources in Philippine history

background of the author

15 20 to 1590

one the Placentia was born in the early

16th century as Juan Puerto Carrero in

Placentia in the region of extra Maduras

Bay he was a Spanish prior of The

Franciscan order he was among the first

group of Franciscan missionaries who

arrived in the island on July 2 of

1578. he was one of the seven children

of Pedro Porto Herrero a cutting of a

Spanish Spooner

spent most of his missionary life in the

Philippines where he founded numerous

towns in the zone and authored several

religious and linguistic books most

notably the ukrina Christina

Christian doctrine the first book ever

printed in the Philippines as soon as he

arrived he joined with another

missionary Pride Jacoby oropeza and they

both started preaching around Laguna De

Bay and tayabas Quezon in Quezon

Province where he found that several

towns

Juan de Placentia passed away in Lily

Laguna in the year of 1590

historical background of document

documentary film

Channel Expedition

the archipelago was discovered

Lee minoplas is Expedition

of Tagalog was written on year 1581

during the Spanish Colonial period

who won the Los Angeles portrayal of

costumes of tagalogs was inspired by his

missionary work in the Philippines

Francisco Cena was assigned in the

visayas and Juan de Malaysia was set in

Tagalog region he wrote about the

culture and Society of the people in

Luzon which is quite such a thing was

created

he gathered the elder man and those with

the greatest capacity among the game

just from various neighborhoods

through leather the king of Spain has

won the Palencia to document the

gospel's traditions of the colonized

natives based on his observation and

judgment

of Tagalog is a portion of rural

monographs that were written by The

Chronicles of Spanish expeditions to the

Philippines in the early 16th and 17th

centuries the customs of Tagalog were

deliberately written to give an error

designs portraying of tagalog's

indigenous people which was probably

influenced by politics and propaganda

[Music]

Placencia was able to record information

in this document on social classes

ornamentation the organization of

monarchy and the legal system

explain ownership inheritance costumes

marriage costumes religious and

superstitious beliefs economics and

language

[Music]

content and contextual analysis of the

important historical information found

in the document or film

leadership marriage religion and other

meanings

the account was able to describe the

governing system of native Filipinos at

that bank led by Adat

he is also the captain in their Wars the

data's executive function includes

implementing laws ensuring peace and

order in the barangay and giving

protection to his subjects recovering

between 30 to 100 famines

the tribal gathering in Tagalog is

called the barangay natives inferred

that the reason for giving themselves

this name arose from the boat as they've

reached this land

the primary account included a detailed

description of the caste system within

the barangay consisting of the three

social classes

bells commoners and slaves as well as

their function and limitation within and

outside of the barangay in terms of

dowries and marriage between individuals

of the same and different

social class rules and Customs were also

heavily described

the male usually gives dowries to the

parents of the female

account also presented rules in terms of

Diaries in case of divorce

the primary source thoroughly discussed

the division of Children between spouses

or two different barangay if the couple

came from different countries

it contains a comprehensive record of

the rules in assigning a child social

status depending on the parent's tattoos

the account provided information about

the worship of tagalogs they use drums

which beat the feast and during this

time the barangayo family united worship

which they called nag-aanitos

[Music]

the Tagalog also have series of Idols

whom they worship for particular

settings

foreign

means signify all powerful or maker of

all things which they worship the most

they tend to look at almonds at what

they encounter and also practice

divination to show their love the

account was able to indicate that the

natives have no established division of

years months and days only the

recognition of sun time and water time

determine time through land cultivation

by phase of the moon seasons of fruits

flowers and leaves they are yielding

the tagalogs also have a manner in

adoration offering and sacrifice

depicted in the document

there is a proclamation of feast and

offering to the devil of what they had

to eat

adoration is done in front of an idol

which they annoyed with fragrant oil

from musk civet or common aromatic words

the tagalogs have an officiating priest

or Priestess do the poetic singing and

responding people the catalonian

Ray Placencia was also able to include

the distinctions of devils found in

Luzon

Placencia also described the

superstitious beliefs and supernatural

beings of the Native tagalogs in detail

the manner of burying was discussed in

depth in the document

stated that the manner of burial for a

chief is different from of the deceased

Warrior

the form of burial of the eaters or

negrilos was also stated

discuss the idea of life after the rest

of the Native tagalogs

maker or Paradise for who just Valiant

morally upright and virtuous

kasanan or place of punishment grief and

affliction

a place of Anguish For The Wicked with

the devil called Satan

[Music]

the cencia's account is mainly

descriptive since it was supposed to

illustrate the daily lives of the

tagalogs

the original work itself is a product of

observations and judgments

therefore it is probable that Juan de

placencia's work might contain

partiality in presenting his

observations and assessments

contribution and relevance of the

document in understanding the grand

Narrative of Philippine history

the patagonalics enabled the exploration

of the ancient lives of the people

living in central lyson

it just like any other Colonial texts

written during the Spanish Colonial

period was intentionally made to provide

an exoticized description of the Tagalog

natives

it has continued to serve as a basis for

historical reconstructions of Tagalog

Society

the information provided in the text

gave vivid imagery

which allowed for further analysis of

the practices of the ancient tagalogs

and comparisons with other accounts of

succeeding periods and significant

events in Philippine history

the account AIDS in realizing that

Mastery of the local language and

culture led to the success of

Christianity in the Philippines

Juan de placencia's work made the

Filipinos realize how unique the Tagalog

culture was before colonization

he used his work to inform the Filipinos

about the differences and the

similarities of our culture by then and

now

contains detailed information on

exciting topics such as Customs

Traditions religious and superstitious

beliefs

it primarily depicts the prevailing

system of the Filipinos during the

pre-hispanic time

it can be inferred that many of the 16th

century beliefs and practices are still

present and observed today

[Music]

it affirms that during the pre-hispanic

period Filipinos already have a

government and a set of beliefs and

practices

[Music]

the barangay still serves as the

smallest unit of government in our

country today which is also lead by

barangay captains equivalent to datus in

the past

disprove the claim of some Spaniards

that locals were uncivilized and lacking

in culture

so it provided an elaborate observation

on functioning government tax system the

criminal justice system indigenous

calendar and long-standing customs and

tradition such as garments gold

ornaments houses and Idols that are

comparable to Southeast Asian

civilization and culture

foreign

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

foreign