Pre-Spanish and

Spanish Literature
Group 1
Objectives:
Identify the geographic, linguistic and ethnic dimensions of Philippine
literary history from pre-colonial era to the contemporary.

Value the contributions of local writers to the development of regional

literary traditions,

Differenciate the Pre-Spanish and Spanish literature in terms of

elements, structure and traditions
 Linguistic
Spanish was the language of the Philippine Revolution and the
country's first official language. It was co-official, along with
English, until 1973. With the present Constitution, Spanish was
changed into an auxiliary or "optional and voluntary language"
Today it is regulated by the Academia Filipina de la Lengua
Española.
 Linguistic
Spanish Words you thought were Filipino (Examples):

•Tsismis (Chismes)
•Sige (Sigue)
•Maski (Mas Que)
•Lugar (Lugar)
•Lakwatsa (La Cuacha)
Pre-Spanish Literature
( 1965 )
 Pre Spanish Literature
When we say “pre-Hispanic” or “pre-Spanish”, it pertains to a period in a
particular nation’s history that was not yet colonized by Spain. In the
phrase “pre-Hispanic Philippines”, pre-Hispanic is the adjective while
Philippines is the proper noun. Looking into the term more closely, the
adjective pre-Hispanic is composed of two words: the prefix “pre”
(meaning “before”) and the adjective “Hispanic” which relates to, is
characteristic of, or is derived from Spain (or Spanish-speaking nations)
 Pre Spanish Literature
What is Ethnic Dimension?

-Ethnic means relating to a population subgroup with a common

national or cultural tradition.

- Ethnic Dimension relates to characteristics of a human group

having racial, religious, linguistic, and certain other traits in
common.
 Pre Spanish Literature
Before the Spaniards arrived in 1565, the Philippine

archipelago had kingdoms and sultanates. The society

was organized by social classes such as Datu,
Maginoo, Maharlika, Timawa, Alipin. Valuable items
in the islands included jars, which symbolized wealth,
and later metal and tobacco. The people had to trade
using feathers, rhino horns, beaks, resin and rattan.
 Pre Spanish Literature
• Works of literature were oral- literary has been passed on
by words and the use of the mouth.

• Subjects of literary works were about life, blessings, and its

consequences; from birth to death.

• The living sources of pre-colonial literature were the local native

townfolk.

• Baybayin was the oldest among all writing system.

 Pre Spanish Literature
• Legends • Proverbs
• Folk Tales • Chants ( bulong )
• Epics • Riddles (bugtong)
• Folk songs • Sayings (kasabihan)
• Epigrams ( salawikain ) • Sawikain
 Pre Spanish Literature
The pre-spanish literature is characterized by;

1. Legends - are forms of prose, the common theme of which is

about the origin of a thing, place, location or name. The events
are imaginary, devoid of truth and unbelievable. Its aim is to
entertain.
Examples:
• The Legend of Bulkang Mayon
• The Girl who turned into a Fish
 Pre Spanish Literature
2. Folk Tales - these are made up of stories about life,
adventure, love, horror, and humor where one can derive
lessons about life.
Examples:
• The Monkey and the Turtle
• Why the Fish has Scales
 Pre Spanish Literature
3. Epics - are long narrative poems in which a series of heroic
achievements or events usually of a hero are dealt with at
length.
Examples:
• Lam-Ang
• Kudaman
 Pre Spanish Literature

4. Folk Songs - are one of the oldest forms of Philippine

literature that emerged in the Pre Spanish period. These songs
mirrored the early forms of culture. Many of these have 12
syllables.
Examples:
• Dandansoy
• Aking bituin
 Pre Spanish Literature

5. Epigrams ( salawikain )- these have been customarily used and

served as laws or rules on good behaviour by our ancestors. To
others, these are like allegories or parables that impart lessons
for the young.
Example:
• Ang matapat na kaibigan, tunay na maaasahan. ( You will know
a true friend in time of need )
 Pre Spanish Literature
6. Proverbs- A proverb is a short statement that states a general
truth and is not credited to anyone specifically. Another fact is
that proverbs have been passed on from one generation to
another; whereas, epigrams are found in works of art and
literature.
Example:
•While the blanket is short, learn how to bend. ( Hangga't makitid
ang kumot, matutong mamaluktot.
 Pre Spanish Literature

7. Chants (bulong) - used in witch craft or

enchantment.
Examples:
• Tabi tabi po makikiraan po lamang
• Hele hele Bago keyme
 Pre Spanish Literature

8. Riddles (Bugtong) - these are made up of one or more

measured lines with rhyme and may consists of four to 12
syllables.
Examples:
•Balong malalim, puno ng patalim (A deep well full of knives) -
Bibig (Mouth)
•Dalawang katawan, tagusan ang tadyang (Two bodies with ribs,
exposed) - Hagdan (Ladder)
 Pre Spanish Literature

9. Sayings (kasabihan) - often used in teasing or to comment on a

person's actuations.
Examples:
• Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi
makararating sa paroroonan.
• Ang kaginhawaan ay nasa kasiyahan, at wala sa kasaganahan.
 Pre Spanish Literature
10. Sawikain- Sayings with no hidden meanings.
Examples:
• mabigat ang kamay
“hand is heavy”
= lazy
• isulat sa tubig
“write on water”
= forget about it
Spanish Literature
( 1966 - 1871 )
 Spanish Literature

When the Spaniards came, there was an immediate shift

on the focus of literature. It became centered on the
Christian faith, and the stories about natural
phenomena suddenly became all about the lives of
saints and other religious hymns.
 Spanish Literature
The Spanish colonization begun in 1565-1863. Back then, the first
Filipino alphabet was replaced by the Roman alphabet. The
Spanish language was introduced and used as a medium of
communication. Religious themes overpowered the the culture of
the majority; except the native oral literature. The works of ancient
literature were collected and translated to Tagalog and other
dialects. Spaniards brought European legends and traditions into
our songs, corridos, and moro-moros.
 Spanish Literature
• The first Filipino alphabet called ALIBATA was replaced by the roman
alphabet.
• The teaching of the Christian Doctrine became the basis of religious
practices.
• European legends and traditions brought here became assimulated in
our songs, and recreational plays, just like the cenaculo, tibag, lagaylay,
carillo, sainete, panunuluyan, salubong, zarzuela, corridos, and moro -
moros.
 Spanish Literature
• Secular (Non-religious literature)- the subjects
revolved around valiance and adventure.

• Non-secular (religious literature)- revolved around

the life and death of Jesus Christ.
 Spanish Literature
Folk Songs

Folk Songs became widespread in the Philippines. Each

region had its national song from the lowlands to the
mountains of luzon, visayas, and mindanao.
Examples of Folk Songs:
A. Dandansoy
B. Leron - leron sinta
C. Pamulinawen
 Spanish Literature
Recreational Plays

There were many recreational plays performed by

Filipinos during the Spanish times. Almost of them
were in a poetic form such as The Cenaculo,
Panunuluyan, Salubong, The Sarzuela, The Moro-
Moro and etc.
 Spanish Literature

The Cenaculo - this is a dramatic performance

to commemorate the passion and death of
Jesus Christ.
 Spanish Literature

Panunuluyan - this is presented before 12:00

on Christmas Eve. This is a presentation of the
search of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph for an
inn wherein to deliver the baby Jesus.
 Spanish Literature

Salubong - an Easter play that dramatizes

the meeting of the Risen Christ and his
Mother.
 Spanish Literature

The Zarzuela - considered the father of the

drama; it is a musical comedy or melodrama
three acts which dealt with man's passions and
emotions like love, hate. revenge, cruelty,
avarice or some social or political problem.
 Spanish Literature

The Moro-Moro - a play that depicts a Christian

princess who is captured by the Mohammedans.
The father organizes a rescue party where
fighting between the Moros and Christians
ensues.
Activity
 Group 1
Leader:
Yuri P. Leabres

Members:
Shiela May G. Sawal Trisha Ferlyn N. Santos
John Raizen S. Dela Cruz Hedwig Yuan A. Navales
Mira Sophia M. Sanglay Jhester Mark S. Nava