Antonio de Pigafetta, an Italian scholar and explorer, is known for his writings on various cultural traditions and customs observed during his travels around the world in the sixteenth century. Pigafetta’s accounts offer us a glimpse of the fascinating practices of cultures that have long since disappeared or evolved beyond recognition. In this article, we will explore some of these cultural traditions documented by Pigafetta.
Philippines: Kissing of Hands
Antonio de Pigafetta’s accounts of his travels in the Philippines describe a unique cultural tradition that is still practiced in some parts of the country even today. In the Philippines, it is customary to show respect to elders, leaders, or other individuals of higher social standing by kissing their hands. This practice is an indication of reverence, and it is deeply rooted in the Filipino culture. Pigafetta noted that when he visited the island of Cebu, he was greeted with a procession of people, and some of the natives approached him and kissed his hand as a sign of respect.
Brazil: Throwing Children into the River
One of the most perplexing cultural traditions that Antonio de Pigafetta documented in his writings is the practice of the Tupinambá people in Brazil, who threw newborn babies into the river as part of a unique baptism rite. Although this might sound barbaric and cruel, it was a deeply ingrained tradition among the Tupinambá people, and they saw it as a way of purifying the child’s soul. Pigafetta noted that the child would be thrown into the river, and the people would wait to see if the child would swim back to the bank or if it would struggle and drown. Those who swam back were considered blessed, while those who drowned were believed to have been cursed by the gods.
Philippines: Bayanihan
Another fascinating cultural tradition documented by Antonio de Pigafetta is the Filipino concept of bayanihan. Bayanihan is a practice where villagers help each other to move their entire house as a community from one location to another. Pigafetta recorded in his writings that he witnessed this practice during his travels in the Philippines. The bayanihan tradition is rooted in the Filipino sense of community and cooperation, and it symbolizes the shared responsibility and willingness to help each other in times of need.
Conclusion
Antonio de Pigafetta’s writings give us a window to the past, providing us with vivid descriptions of various customs and traditions that existed during his time. From the kissing of hands in the Philippines to the throwing of newborns in Brazil to the communal spirit of bayanihan, Pigafetta’s writings reveal the diversity and richness of cultures around the world. As we reflect on these customs and traditions, we can learn to appreciate and understand the different ways in which communities express their values, beliefs, and identity.
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