Unpacking the Cultural Values Revealed in “The Wedding Dance” by Amador Daguio
Amador Daguio’s short story “The Wedding Dance” delves deep into the cultural values of the Igorot tribe in the Philippines. The story revolves around the wedding of Awiyao, the main protagonist, and Lumnay, his former wife. Through the lens of the story, we can explore the cultural nuances and deep-rooted traditions of the Igorot tribe.
The Importance of Marriage in the Igorot Culture
The Igorot culture places significant importance on marriage and family values. The story shows that divorce is not recognized in their traditions, and the ties between spouses are supposed to be strong. Moreover, the wedding ceremony plays a critical role in their culture as it is considered a sacred occasion.
The wedding ceremony revolves around the dances and rituals that symbolize the beginning of the new lives of the couple. Additionally, the celebration signifies the union of two families and communities. Thus it is a must that the wedding dance takes place. This highlights the importance of community and social relations.
The Role of Gender in the Culture
The story also illustrates the traditional gender roles in the tribe. It is prevalent for men to marry multiple wives, and women are responsible for taking care of their husbands. The society looks down upon women who cannot bear children. Women are also expected to be submissive to their husbands, as illustrated in the story when Lumnay admits that she cannot survive without Awiyao, even though he has re-married.
The Idea of Bravery and Courage
Furthermore, the story also highlights the idea of bravery and courage in the culture. The Igorots value physical strength and endurance highly, and this is seen in the traditional dances. The wedding dance is considered a competition between the men and women, where they dance to exhaustion, signifying their physical prowess.
The Role of Superstition and Beliefs
Igorots also believe in superstitions and their deep-rooted beliefs. They believe that the spirits have a role to play in their lives, and it is essential to appease them. This was evident in the story when Awiyao believed that his leaving of Lumnay for another woman was because of his personal inadequacies and lack of spiritual favor.
Conclusion
“The Wedding Dance” by Amador Daguio is a beautiful portrayal of the cultural values of the Igorot tribe. The story highlights the significance of marriage, the importance of gender roles, the idea of bravery and courage, and the role of superstition and beliefs. By deep-diving into such narratives, we can gain valuable insights into the cultural values of different tribes and societies, promoting cultural diversity and acceptance.
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