Myths About the Moon

The moon has captured the imagination of people throughout history. Traditional tales involved the moon, especially when the moon was full and bright. In Philippine folklore, horrifying creatures usually come out during a full moon. Rituals and celebrations, such as fertility dances and planting and harvesting rituals, are often done at times when the moon is full.

The following is one of the legends about the moon, which hails from the Visayan region.

Once upon a time, Sun and Moon were married and they had many children, the stars. Sun was very fond of his children, but whenever he tried to embrace any of them, he burned them up because he was very hot. This made Moon angry that she finally forbade him from touching the stars again, and he was greatly grieved.

One day, Moon went down to a spring to do some washing, and when she left she told Sun that he must not touch any of their children in her absence. When she turned, however, she found that he had disobeyed her, and several of the stars had perished. She was very angry, and she picked up a tree to strike him, whereupon he threw sand on her face, causing the dark marks on the face of Moon, which can still be seen up to this day. Sun started to chase her. Sometimes he gets so near that he almost catches her, but she escapes, and she goes far ahead day by day.