Hanan is one of the most respected and significant goddesses in several ancient cultures that lived on the Philippine Islands. Although originally a Tagalog deity, her popularity has spread throughout the region.
Before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the Philippines, the indigenous people had an intricate religious system that featured many fascinating Filipino gods, goddesses, and mythical characters. These supernatural beings had unique stories and were associated with a specific part of daily life.
This article discusses the fascinating Tagalog goddess Hanan and her role in Philippine culture.
Who is Hanan in Philippine Mythology?
Hanan is the Tagalog Goddess of New Beginning. She is associated with the birth of a child, the transition from night to day, the beginning of a new planting season, and even the entrance of a new year. During these unique periods, people say prayers to ask for divine favour and good luck.
Although detailed stories about Hanan are scarce due to the oral nature of Philippine folklore, she is believed to have been significant in pre-colonial rituals and practices, particularly those involving agriculture and seasonal changes.
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Tagalog Origin Story of the Goddess Hanan?
Although Hanan is often referred to as a goddess, she is actually a demigoddess. According to the ancient Tagalog stories, she is the daughter of the supreme god Bathala and a mortal woman.
Hanan was not born alone; she is the youngest of three daughters of Bathala. Her two other sisters are Mayari, the Tagalog goddess of the moon, and Tala, the goddess of the stars.
Hanan’s Mother died during the birth of the three girls, and to protect them from danger, Bathala took the girls to Kaluwalhatian, the upper world where all the deities lived. Here, Hanan and are two sisters were raised under Bathela’s watchful and protective eyes.
Physical Appearance of Hanan
Most direct ancient historical records about Hanan have been destroyed and lost; thus, very little is known about how the ancient Tagalog people actually portrayed Hanan.
In recent depictions, Hanan is depicted as a beautiful young woman with flowing black hair and a radiant Aura like the early morning she represents. Her eyes are calm and peaceful, and her skin is smooth and beautiful. The physical appearance of the goddess Hanan embodies youthfulness and vitality that can be associated with new beginnings.
DIY: Designing a costume of Hanan from Philippine Mythology
In Philippine cultural festivals and holiday celebrations, young girls often dress up in fascinating and captivating costumes that capture the goddess’s essence. Dressing up in these customs is another way to pay homage to the ancient goddess.
Designing a Hanan costume from Philippine Mythology requires simple materials that can be easily collected and styled appropriately.
Simple Materials needed to design a realistic costume of the goddess Hanan include;
- Light, flowy fabric (e.g., chiffon, satin, or organza). Preferably Patel pink, gold, orange or yellow color.
- A base dress, long skirt, and blouse (preferably white or beige to reflect light).
- Golden Headpiece
- Faux Flowers (in soft Pastel Colors) for embellishments. Natural flowers can also be used.
- Gold Jewelry (Necklace, Bracelets, and earrings)
DIY: Step-by-step process of making the costume.
- Depending on your choice, start with a simple white base dress or skirt and blouse. Tie the colourful, flowy fabric around your waist to give the costume a radiant colour. You can also wear it across your chest like an Indian saree.
- Create a homemade crown using a headband, faux flowers, and gold spray paint. If you want to go natural, you can use natural sunflowers or dried maize husks.
- Add embellishments like small sun charms or rhinestones. You can also use elastic bands to create ribbons for the wrist or arms.
- Apply extensive makeup to your face. Include bright colors like yellow and pink as you do this.
- Apply body glitter and shimmer to the exposed skin. Style hair in soft waves, adding flowers or a sunburst clip.
Powers and Abilities of Hanan.
For the Tagalog people, the powers and abilities of the Hanan cut across all areas of life. First of all, her role in bringing about the dawn of a new day was very important for the agrarian Tagalog society, which needed the light for their crops to grow and flourish.
Hanan was also involved in other cyclical areas of life, from the emergence of new harvest seasons to the beginning of a new year.
As part of Hanan’s association with new beginnings, she was worshipped as the goddess of childbirth and midwifery. Special prayers were offered to the goddess for safe delivery.
Hanan in Modern Culture.
Although Hanan’s image was somewhat suppressed and partly forgotten during the colonial era, she is now being rediscovered through various platforms, including art, literature and digital media. The themes of hope, renewal, and resilience present in her story and role in Philippine mythology hold universal appeal.
Also, just like the ancient Tagalog culture venerated Hanan in their rituals, modern rituals and self-improvement programs draw inspiration from this ancient Filipino goddess. She is a metaphor for starting anew in all areas of life, including personal growth, social reforms, and environmental consciousness.