Unearthing Cultural Values in “The Wedding Dance” by Amador Daguio
In a world where culture and tradition are gradually fading away, it’s crucial to keep revisiting cultural values to preserve our identity. Literature is a way of preserving cultural traditions, and “The Wedding Dance” by Amador Daguio does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the Igorot culture. This short story is not just about love and betrayal, but it also highlights the culture, beliefs, and customs of the people in the story.
“The Wedding Dance” tells the story of Awiyao and Lumnay, a couple forced to end their marriage due to the incapability of having children. Lumnay is heartbroken but agrees to let Awiyao marry another woman, hoping that he’ll return to her once she’s conceived. Through this storyline, Daguio explores various cultural values passed down from generations, such as love, marriage, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Marriage is an important aspect of any culture, and in the Igorot culture, it’s essential. A man without a wife is often seen as incomplete, and women without husbands are considered worthless. In the story, Awiyao is pressured to find another wife as he’s incapable of having a child with Lumnay. However, Awiyao genuinely loves Lumnay but respects the values of his culture that prevents him from breaking the custom.
The concept of “Loyalty” is highly esteemed in the Igorot community. Awiyao respects and loves Lumnay, but he must follow his culture even if it means breaking ties with someone he genuinely loves. Similarly, Lumnay puts Awiyao’s needs before hers, hoping he’ll return to her once he has fulfilled his duty, despite her heartbreak.
Another key cultural value portrayed in the story is the importance of sacrifice. Lumnay sacrifices her happiness, hopes, and dreams to follow the cultural norms and beliefs of her community. She puts her personal needs aside and encourages Awiyao to find another wife to fulfill his duty and keep the values and traditions alive.
In conclusion, “The Wedding Dance” vividly portrays the cultural values and traditions of the Igorot people, such as the importance of marriage, loyalty, and sacrifice. It highlights the lengths individuals in these communities go to preserve their culture, even if it goes against their personal wishes. The story provides an excellent insight into how cultures develop, the traditions they carry, and how those traditions shape the people’s lives. It’s an excellent reminder to preserve our culture, understanding its significance and passing it on to future generations.
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