Customs of the Tagalogs by Juan de Plasencia

Fray Juan de Plasencia

One of the seven children of Pedro Portocarrero, he grew up in Extremadura during the Golden Age of Spain and was a Franciscan missionary in the Philippines.

Relacion de las Costumbres de Los Tagalos

A book written by Plasencia in 1589 that describes the political, social, economic, and cultural practices of Filipinos before they were Christianized.

Doctrina Christiana en Lengua Espanola Y Tagala

The first printed book in the Philippines published by Plasencia in 1593, used as reading material for Filipinos to deepen their faith.

Venerable

A title honored to Plasencia by the Franciscan Order after years of converting natives and teaching catechism.

gobernadorcillo

A position held by Filipinos during Spanish rule to ensure loyalty to the Crown, supervised by friars.

friars

Religious figures who performed administrative duties in local politics, including supervising elections and educating youth.

Miguel de Loarca

An encomendero of Panay who arrived in 1576 and wrote Relación de las Islas Filipinas in 1582, describing the way of life of Filipinos in Western Visayas.

Antonio de Morga

He came to the Philippines in 1595 and authored Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, providing information about the Philippines in the late 16th century.

Archivo General de Indias

The location in Seville, Spain where the original text of Plasencia's Customs of the Tagalogs is kept.

Barangay

A tribal gathering ruled by chiefs, associated with the Malay people who arrived in the Philippines by boat.

Datu

The chiefs of the village who governed the people and were revered; they could punish subjects for offenses against them.

Maharlica

Individuals born free within the social hierarchy of a barangay, retaining their status unless they marry a slave.

Aliping Namamahay

A caste of individuals who serve their masters but can own property.

Aliping sa Guiguilir

Individuals considered slaves who serve their masters and can be sold off.

Property

Land area divided among the barangay, with restrictions on cultivation by outsiders unless inherited or bought.

Irrigated portions

Specific land areas within a barangay that were divided among its members.

tingues

Mountain ridges owned collectively by the barangay, not divided among individuals.

superstition

Beliefs or practices that are not based on scientific understanding, often related to religion or cultural traditions.

burying the dead

Cultural practices associated with the rituals and customs of interring deceased individuals.

12 Priests of the Devil

A term used in the context of worship and religious beliefs among the Tagalogs.

social hierarchy

The structure of status and caste within a barangay, consisting of Maharlica, Aliping Namamahay, and Aliping sa Guiguilir.

civic duties

Responsibilities performed by friars that included educating youth and assisting in local governance.

historical context

The background and circumstances surrounding the events and practices during the first century of Spanish rule in the Philippines.

primary source

A document or account that provides firsthand evidence or direct testimony about a historical event.

Spanish missionaries

Religious figures who contributed to the historiographical tradition in the Philippines during the Spanish period.

Blair and Robertson collections

A collection in which an English version of Plasencia's work appeared in volume VII.

Filipiniana Book Guild series

A series that published an English translation of Plasencia's work as part of its volume for pre-Hispanic Philippines.

Tingues

Mountain ridges owned collectively by barangays.

Property Rights

Laws governing land ownership and usage.

Chief's Fisheries

Designated fishing areas controlled by chiefs.

Marriage Customs

Traditions surrounding marriage and divorce practices.

Dowry

Property or money brought by a bride.

Adoption Value

Children receive double the purchase price upon adoption.

Simbahan

Place of worship in the chief's house.

Pandot

Festivals celebrated by the tribe.

Nagaanitos

Worship of ancestral spirits.

Bathala

Supreme deity worshipped by the Tagalogs.

Tala

Morning star, named by the Tagalogs.

Balatic

Greater Bear constellation recognized by Tagalogs.

Lic-ha

Idols representing various deities.

Dian Masalanta

Idol of love and generation.

Mangagauay

Deceptive healer pretending to cure sickness.

Mancocolam

Entity that can emit fire uncontrollably.

Osuang

Mythical being reported to fly and kill.

Superstition

Beliefs based on omens and signs.

Tigmamanuguin Bird

Bird whose song indicates good or bad omens.

Burial Practices

Customs for mourning and interring the dead.

Plasencia's Account

Primary source detailing Tagalog customs and beliefs.

Political Stratification

Social hierarchy within Tagalog society.

Datus

Chiefs or leaders in Tagalog communities.

Maharlikas

Noble class in Tagalog society.

Alipins

Servant class in Tagalog society.

Indigenous Calendar

Traditional system for tracking time and seasons.

Cultural Complexity

Depth of indigenous beliefs and practices.

Garments and Ornaments

Traditional clothing and jewelry worn by Filipinos.