Harvest from the Tree of Life: The Coconut in the Folk Literature of the Philippines (79726)

Session Information: Cultural Studies
Session Chair: Satarupa Bal

Saturday, 25 May 2024 09:30
Session: Session 1
Room: Room 707
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

All presentation times are UTC + 9 (Asia/Tokyo)

***Schedule request: Morning 05/25***

This research delves into the intricate tapestry of Philippine folk literature, specifically focusing on the symbolic importance of the coconut tree. Methodologically, the study extensively gathers data from diverse folk forms like riddles and proverbs sourced from Damiana Eugenio's collection. Fieldwork in the primary province where coconuts originate in the Philippines which is Quezon Province supplements the study with contemporary riddles and proverbs collected from the coconut farmers through a focused interview. After a rigorous literary and cultural analysis, the riddles and proverbs unveil the coconut's multifaceted roles, spanning historical origins to everyday applications. It illuminates the coconut's profound significance in Filipino folklore, portraying it as a metaphorical embodiment of the "Tree of Life." The findings contribute to scholarly discussions on folk traditions, offering insights into the complex cultural fabric of the Philippines. By elucidating the coconut's cultural symbolism and practical significance, the research enriches understanding on how traditions shaped Filipino identity.

Authors:
Romeo Peña, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Philippines


About the Presenter(s)
Dr Romeo Peña is from Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Philippines

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Posted by Clive Staples Lewis

Last updated: 2023-02-23 23:45:00