How Ancient Filipino Taboos Shaped Right and Wrong
Long before written laws or colonizers arrived, ancient Filipino communities relied on taboos (bawal) and customs (kaugalian) to guide moral behavior and keep peace within the barangay. These taboos weren’t just superstitions—they were unwritten rules rooted in respect, harmony, and community survival.
For example, it was considered bawal to speak ill of elders or disturb sacred nature spots like forests or rivers—many believed that spirits, or anito, guarded these places. Breaking these taboos didn’t just mean punishment—it risked the wrath of the unseen and the disapproval of the whole village.
Customs also regulated how people behaved in marriage, hospitality, leadership, and even eating. Utang na loob (debt of gratitude), pakikisama (smooth interpersonal relationships), and hiya (a sense of shame) were not just cultural values—they were lived rules that kept the society cohesive.
And how were these enforced? Not by police or jails—but through public shame, ritual cleansings, or the threat of spiritual consequences. In some cases, a datu or babaylan acted as both judge and spiritual guide, reinforcing both justice and harmony.
These ancient taboos and customs laid the foundation of Filipino values we still carry today—respect for elders, fear of dishonor, and strong family loyalty.
