Bakunawa: Creation and Destruction in Philippine Mythology
Bakunawa is a story of the rage that comes from humans polluting the earth with a dragon that responds with darkness, earthquakes, and stormy winds. This is the modern day interpretation of climate change - earth’s response to the damage humans have created.
The Mabini Hot Spring in Batangas, with its warm, healing waters and whispered tales of a mythical serpent, beckons us to delve into the captivating world of the Bakunawa.
The name "Bakunawa" is derived from the Cebuano and Bisaya term baku (to cover) and nawa (causer). According to Filipino folklore, the mythical creature Bakunawa, is often referred to as the “Moon-Eater” or the “Eclipse Bringer”. The Bakunawa of the Cebuano is known as Baconaua to the Hiligaynon.
This serpent-like creature, adorned with a luminescent crown, occupies a unique and complex space in Philippine mythology, embodying both creation and destruction, healing and wrath.
Legend has it that the Bakunawa, angered by humans polluting its waters, lashed its tail, causing the earth to tremble and unleash the hot spring. It is believed to be the cause of eclipses, earthquakes, rains, and wind.
Bakunawa grew envious of the moons’ radiance and decided to devour them one by one. As the dragon swallowed each moon, darkness descended upon the world, causing fear and panic among the people. They would create noise and light, banging pots and pans, and even beating drums to frighten Bakunawa away during its lunar feasts.
However, the spring's waters, imbued with the Bakunawa's regenerative power, are believed to possess healing properties, curing ailments and revitalizing the body.
Bathing in the Mabini Hot Spring is seen as a way to appease the Bakunawa and seek its healing touch.
A children’s game called Bakunawa for 10 or more players involves one player as Buan, the moon, while another is Bakunawa. The remainder form a circle, holding hands and facing inwards. The moon starts inside the circle and Bakunawa is outside. The goal of the children in the circle is to prevent Bakunawa from entering the circle and capturing the moon – the moon itself cannot leave the circle.
The Shape and Power of the Bakunawa
According to the ancient people of the Philippines, Bathala—a supreme being or god—created seven moons that illuminated the earth, with one illuminating each of the dark nights of the week. Every evening was ever so bright and so beautiful because of these moons, as the moons brought joy and happiness to the people of the earth. This, however, mesmerized one particular dragon that wished to have them all.
The Bakunawa, a huge serpent-like dragon that coiled around the earth and ruled the oceans, first fell in love with the heavenly magnificence of the "seven sisters" such that he envied the almighty for his creations. But to the people of earth's collective dismay and disappointment, the dragon swallowed the moons one by one, each night, as he yearned to possess them all. This growing yearning turned into envy and greed, so the Bakunawa arose again and again from the waters to swallow the moons. The towering, ferocious dragon successfully devoured all—but one.
The Bakunawa is often depicted as a giant serpent with luminous scales, sometimes described as having seven heads and a long, feathered tail. Its crown, crafted from either moonlight or stars, grants it immense power. In some stories, the Bakunawa is associated with the lunar cycle, holding dominion over the waxing and waning moon.
The legend of the Mabini Hot Spring attributes its existence to the Bakunawa. Angered by human pollution of its waters, the Bakunawa lashed its tail, causing the earth to tremble and unleash the hot spring. However, the spring's waters are believed to possess the Bakunawa's regenerative power, offering healing and rejuvenation. This tale highlights the dual nature of the Bakunawa, capable of both immense wrath and the potential for healing and renewal.
The Bakunawa's story transcends a simple narrative of good versus evil. It represents the delicate balance between humans and nature, the consequences of environmental disruption, and the potential for regeneration. The creature's luminescent crown symbolizes the interconnectedness between the earth and the heavens, reminding us of the powerful forces that shape our world.
Resources for the Bakunawa's Story
"Philippine Folkore and Mythology" website: This comprehensive website provides details on the Bakunawa's characteristics, various stories, and cultural significance.
"The Mythology of the Philippines" by Maximo Ramos: This book offers a wider perspective on Philippine mythology, including a chapter dedicated to the Bakunawa and its diverse interpretations.
"Bakunawa: The Moon-Eating Dragon from Philippine Mythology" by YouTube channel Mythlok: This video explores the Bakunawa's connection to the moon and its role in eclipses, providing a visual and engaging introduction to the creature.
