cultural changes

Chapter: Cultural Changes and Identity

Overview

  • Focus on the impact of Spanish colonial rule on Filipino culture and identity.

Early Spanish Influence

  • Methods to quell uprisings included using the principle of "divide and rule."

  • Impact on indigenous culture through:

    • Name changes

    • Intermarriages

    • Plaza complex

    • Fiestas and religious rituals

    • Forms of amusement, attire, house styles, painting, engraving, religion, education.

Name Changes

  • Many Filipinos retained their traditional names such as Magiting, Magtanggol, etc.

  • In 1849, Governor-General Narciso Claveria issued a decree to standardize naming:

    • Allowed the adoption of Spanish names from a prepared list, like Juan, Pedro, Sixto.

  • Some opted for Christian names linked with Catholicism, such as Santo Tomas.

Spanish Influences on Daily Life

  • Introduction of Western culture through:

    • Clothing, cooking, and eating habits.

    • New forms of amusement and Spanish vocabulary.

  • This mix led to a cultural blend that became dominant over time.

Pre-Spanish Naming Practices

  • Lack of surnames before Spanish arrival:

    • Names derived from physical attributes or natural phenomena (e.g., strong = Malakas).

  • Early Spanish influence included Christian names, many bearing saints' names.

Intermarriage

  • Few recorded marriages between Filipino men and Spanish women.

  • Children of these unions called Spanish mestizo (mestizo Espanol).

  • Term also used for offspring of Chinese men and native women.

  • Indigenous individuals referred to as "Indios" or "Indias."

Social Structure and Life

  • Close proximity of the church and municipal buildings symbolized a union between Church and State.

  • Governadorcillo (village leader) required approval of friar-curates for important decisions, including fiesta planning.

Fiestas and Culture

  • Fiesta celebrated town's patron saints; preparations led by religious societies.

  • Provided a break from agricultural labor, featuring:

    • Theatrical performances like moro-moro, comedia, zarzuela.

Amusement and Entertainment

  • Cockfighting as a primary entertainment form, pre-dating Spanish rule.

  • Spanish innovations introduced terms like soltada and dihado.

  • Events such as lottery and horse races also derived from Spanish practice.

Unique Customs During Mourning

  • Wakes included card games (with/without stakes).

  • The ninth day after a death involved staging the duplo, a debate in verse.

Changes in Clothing

  • Introduction of Barong Tagalog and other garments:

    • Men's attire included hats and coats; shoes for the wealthy, barefoot for many.

    • Women's clothing incorporated camisa made from fine materials.

The Mestiza Dress

  • The mestiza dress featured:

    • A transparent upper part called camisa made from silk, husi, or pineapple filaments.

Architecture: The Antillean House

  • Rectangular houses built with durable materials (narra, ipil, molave).

  • Roof styles included nipa or red tiles, often featuring an azotea (balcony).

Women's Position in Society

  • Restrictions on women's property rights without husbands' consent.

  • Friar-curates emphasized obedience to husbands, irrespective of their behavior.

  • Instruction included etiquette and formal dining.

Introduction of a Common Religion

  • Spaniards brought Catholicism, not initially embraced by all.

  • Similarities noted between Catholic practices and earlier indigenous rituals.

  • Vigorous festivals mirrored ancient ceremonies.

Geographical Identity

  • Central authority ruled Christianized lowland areas, distinct from non-Christian regions.

  • Majority recognized and followed laws by the Spanish government and governor-general.

Influence of the Spanish Language

  • Spanish terms adopted across various Philippine languages:

    • Examples: silla (chair), mesa (table), cama (bed).

  • Filipino words derived from Spanish roots.

Advances in Printing and Engraving

  • Introduction of printing technology; notable early printers:

    • Tomas Pinpin: known as the "Prince of Filipino printers."

    • Nicolas de la Cruz Bagay and Domingo Loag also contributed.

Educational Development

  • Rise of middle class enabled access to higher education:

    • Colleges like San Juan de Letran, Ateneo Municipal, University of Santo Tomas.

  • Education included Latin, Spanish, philosophy, theology, and other subjects.

Cultural Change Impact

  • Cultural changes had both enriching and negative effects on Filipino identity.