babaylan
babaylán with stress marks
religious community leader
Usage Note
Babaylan were pre-colonial Filipino spiritual leaders, often female, who served as priest, healer, and intermediary between the community and the spirit world. Today they are reclaimed as symbols of indigenous spirituality, feminist empowerment, and decolonization in academic and activist circles.
Examples
" Sumangguni ang mga tao sa babaylan. "
Natural Translation
The people consulted the babaylan.
Literal Translation
Consulted the people to-the babaylan.
" Ang babaylan ang pinaka-makapangyarihang tao sa nayon noon. "
Natural Translation
The babaylan was the most powerful person in the village before.
Literal Translation
The babaylan the most-powerful person in-the village before.
" Bago dumating ang mga Espanyol, ang babaylan ang gumagamot sa maysakit at nakikipag-usap sa mga espiritu ng mga ninuno. "
Natural Translation
Before the Spaniards arrived, the babaylan healed the sick and communed with the spirits of the ancestors.
Literal Translation
Before arrived the Spaniards, the babaylan the healing the sick and conversing with the spirits of the ancestors.
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