Years before the Philippines were colonized by the Kingdom of Spain, a babaylan was the medical doctor in the Philippines, and he or she commonly used medicinal plants in treating ailments. Most of the babaylans were female. However, there were few males who became the Babaylans, and they wore female attire to act the role of the babaylan.
In ancient Filipino society, the babaylans were believed to be women who were possessed by a spirit or women had encountered life altering experiences. Their functions include the role of community leader, warrior, priestess, healer, sage, and seer.
Moreover, the babaylans were equally ranked with a datu (known as a ruler in a tribe) in political and social society. They listen to their community and guide their people on how to solve their problems. Hence, they were utmost respected by the people.
Unlike the datu who gained the knowledge of dark powers (like Ropok, Panlus, Bosong, Kaykay or Hokhok), the babaylans possessed powers to influence weather and to tap spirits in nature. They had an ability to negate the powers of the datu and to protect their own tribe from invaders.
In addition, the babaylans can heal the sick and the wounded. They had an ability to create remedies, potions and antidotes from roots, seeds, leaves, barks, and other medicinal plants.
Moreover, they can lead rituals with offerings to Bathala, Diwata and other spiritual entities. They respect nature, spirit, sky, and other entities.
When the Spaniards came and conquered the Philippines, the babaylans were forced to abandon their ritual practices. They were either killed or escaped to the mountains or even other nearby countries and kingdoms. Eventually, they were branded as witches or mangkukulam. They were then feared and despised.
Today, the babaylans have continued to practice their legacy. They treat patients, perform rituals and other duties. In fact, Matigsalom and other communities in Mindanao appoint a babaylan to become their representative for peace and harmony in the society.
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History and Medicine in the Philippines
Literatura faktuBefore the Philippines were colonized by foreign countries, Filipinos have Babaylan who is equally ranked to the status of a chieftain (Datu). The Babaylan guided her people with her knowledge in food, animals, clothing, medicine and other ways of l...
