Philippine Creation Stories: Ecological Significance and Ecological Wisdom

Abstract

This study determines the ecocritical significance embedded in the formalistic elements and the man’s treatment to nature in selected Philippine Creation Stories. Specifically, it investigates the formalistic elements in the aspects of metaphor and themes; the ways human treat nature through attitudes, values, and behaviors; and ecological wisdom expressed in the stories. This is a qualitative study using content analysis. Results revealed that ecocritical significance such as space consciousness, Earth’s minerals, season/climate, plantation, animals, natural landscapes, land and sea creatures, cosmic elements, supernatural beliefs on cosmic characters, supreme deities/spirits, and primordiality are revealed in the formalistic elements of the stories. Treatment of nature in the stories reveal the attitude of ecocentrism; values of respect or reverence for nature; and behaviors of taking vengeance, worshipping nature, honoring seasonal changes, and respecting natural landscapes or spaces. Ecological wisdom on interdependence of nature and humanity, importance of diversity in nature to ensure stability, the balance of nature, and man’s role as nature’s steward are reflected in the stories. The study concludes that ecocritical significance are embedded in the formalistic elements and the man’s treatment to nature in the selected Philippine creation stories.