Culture and Tradition of Visayas

What is the culture and tradition of the Visayas?

Sometimes or often, the Visayas is often associated with the Cebuanos or Cebuanos. Called Cebuano or Cebuano on the island of Cebu, the Cebuanos are located in the provinces of Cebu, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Leyte, and Southern Leyte; throughout the island of Mindanao; and in small and relatively large communities across the country. Known as Bisaya, Cebuano is the lingua franca of Visayas and Mindanao. While other languages ​​and dialects are also spoken, English is both widely known and understood in these areas.

Cebu City is known as the Queen City of the South and is often considered the cultural capital of the Cebuanos. The city serves as the gateway to Catholicism in the Philippines, so the Cebuanos are said to be fully Christian. Spanish culture and indigenous traditions of the Philippines strongly influence Cebuano culture.

Cebu's main source of livelihood is the vast ocean surrounding it. For that reason, the Cebuanos enjoy seafood. Fishing was the main source of income for the island before technology and modernity gained.

The Visayas is famous for their guitars, baskets, hats, and mats of all kinds. The following are the basics of Cebuano culture:

• being artistic and creative

• various art forms (painting, sculpting, and drawing), singing, dancing writing

• Many famous Philippine artists come from Cebu City, and artists, singers, and writers live there.

Here are some customs:

• Mamae - representative of the man's parents in the dispute

• Sagang - representative of the woman's parent in the dispute

• Marriage - the boy's parents express the lover's good intentions

• Kneel - asking for a woman's hand

• Hukut - a woman's gift to her fiancé as a sign of good fortune to her

• Back-to-back - banquet held on the eve of the wedding

• Alap or Alussalus - throwing coins in the plate/basin while the newlyweds are dancing

• Packages - leftover food sent home to guests

• Cleansing - helping newlyweds clean the house/dining area

Important Knowledge

The following are just some of the important things to know about the Visayas:

• Religion. Most Visayas are Catholics. In Cebu, the Sinulog, the feast of the Child Jesus or your Holy One is celebrated. It is celebrated annually in January. The original image that Magellan gave to the ancient tribes is in the care of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino, located just near the standing cross made by the Spaniards.

• Food. Like most Filipinos, rice is the staple food of the Visayas. Barbecue and heart are also popular, they are cooked in coconut leaves. The influence of the Mexicans and Spaniards was felt in the food of the Visayas. Lumpia is also popular among the Visayas.

• Tradition. Sinulog is the biggest and most colorful festival in Cebu. The neighboring towns of Cebu, on the other hand, have their versions of the festival.

• Belief. It is popular among the Visayas that after giving birth, the placenta is buried on the beach so that they can say that the baby will be healthy as he grows up. It seems lucky when the first child grows up. While in the first haircut of the child, the haircuts will be placed in the middle of the pages of the bible or any book so that the child will grow up to love reading. It is also a big thing for the Visayas not to sweep while on a hill, because it can cause other family members to die as well.

Today Cebu is the most dynamic place in the Philippines and the development of the industry including Hotels, Malls, Electronics Semiconductors, and then Tourism.

How about you? What is your culture and traditions in your place?