Philippine Literature During the Spanish Colonial Period

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards detailing literary and dramatic genres that flourished during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines.

Spanish-Era Literature (Tatlong Katangian)

Literature characterized by diverse forms and methods (such as awit, kurido, pasyon, duplo, sarsuwela), predominantly religious themes, and works largely imitated or adapted from Spanish forms, themes, or traditions.

Parabula

A prose narrative derived from the Holy Scriptures (Banal na Kasulatan) intended to guide people along the righteous path of life.

Pasyon

A poetic narrative chanted or sung during Lent (kuwaresma) about the life, suffering, and passion of Jesus Christ.

Dalit

A devotional poetic form performed with singing and the offering of flowers as a tribute to the Virgin Mary (Birheng Maria).

Awit

A metrical romance (tulang romansa) featuring 12 syllables per line (labindalawang pantig), typically focusing on heroes, warriors, and scenes of life.

Korido

A narrative poem (tulang pasalaysay) consisting of 8 syllables per line (walong pantig), featuring miraculous and legendary themes adapted from European subjects introduced by the Spaniards.

Awiting-bayan

Folk songs whose content reflects the lifestyle, customs, thoughts, and sentiments of the community and nation.

Dung-aw

A poetic chant recited or sung by a grieving individual beside the corpse of a deceased spouse, parent, or child.

Sarsuwela

A three-act musical melodrama or comedy involving songs and instrumental music, dealing with intense emotions such as love, revenge, and jealousy.

Dulang Pantanghalan

Stage plays performed inside a theater, which include the Senakulo, Komedya/Moro-Moro, Karilyo, and Saynete.

Senakulo

A stage play (dulang pantanghalan) that dramatizes and recounts the life and death of Jesus Christ.

Komedya / Moro-Moro

An ancient Spanish dramatic form depicting historical battles between Spain and the Muslims.

Karilyo

A theatrical shadow play performed by manipulating cardboard human-shaped figures behind an illuminated white sheet or cloth.

Saynete

A comedic recreational stage play from the later years of Spanish colonial rule that focuses on depicting the customs of a specific race or indigenous people.

Dulang Panlansangan

Street plays and community performances, including Tibag, Pangangaluluwa, Panunuluyan, and Salubong.

Tibag

A street performance held during the month of May depicting Saint Helena's (Santa Elena) search for the cross on which Christ was crucified.

Pangangaluluwa

A traditional street performance and custom associated with Todos Los Santos (All Saints' Day).

Panunuluyan

A traditional street play enacted on Christmas Eve depicting the search of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph for lodging in Jerusalem and the birth of Jesus in the manger.

Salubong

A street performance that dramatizes the Easter reunion between the resurrected Lord Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

Dulang Pantahanan

Domestic or parlor dramatic games and traditions held inside homes, including Karagatan, Duplo, Pamamanhikan, and Huego de Prenda.

Karagatan

A domestic poetic joust or game based on the legend of a young maiden who dropped her ring into the middle of the sea.

Duplo

A domestic poetic game associated with the death or mourning of a person; derived from the Spanish word meaning 'double' (doble or ibayo).

Pamamanhikan

A domestic social custom regarded as a real-life drama, referring to courtship or asking for a bride's hand in marriage (panunuyo, panililigaw).

Huego de Prenda

A parlor game of forfeits played during a wake (lamayan) in which the players' statements and dialogue are deliberately simplified or shortened.