Gugurang

Gugurang is the chief god of the Bicolanos and the keeper of a sacred fire at Mt. Mayon.

Mt. Mayon, which is located in the province of Albay. The volcano is said to be the home of the god Gugurang. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Rovin Jay Sallena)

Long time ago when the world was still young, the good and evil gods were not yet enemies as they are now. They're friends, each living separately in a mountain (Bolod, Bicol). Gugurang and Asuang were brothers. Gugurang, the good god, was living inside Mt. Mayon, and Asuang, the evil one, inside Mt. Malinao. As gods, they had control of the welfare of the people. But, Gugurang was more powerful than Asuang, who was merely a subordinate; the former was the chief deity (cagurangnan) of the Bicolanos.

Now, Gugurang was given full control over the people, who learned to look up to him for protection. Whenever the people disobeyed his orders or wishes, he would cause the pit of the Mayon to rumble terribly. The people in that time took this as a sign of warning, and accordingly, mended their foul ways because of their sins were beyond forgiveness Gugurang would make the volcano erupt to wipe out the sinners.

Gugurang is the symbol of the good (an mga marhay) ready to punish the bad (an mga maraot). When the people saw fire (calayo) flowing out of the crater of Mayon, they would grow afraid. They would then offer a sacrifice (atang) to him to appease his wrath. The Baliana or the priestess, officiated in the ceremony. Always when they committed wrong, there would be loud moaning of the earth followed by an eruption of fire and lava.

Reference

• "Gugurang" Our Own Voice http://www.ourownvoice.com/tales/tales2004a-2.shtml (accessed on August 22, 2007)

Citation

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