Courtship: Palabas

Palabas, meaning performance or farce in English, is one of the many courtship traditions in the Philippines. In other areas, it is also known as sarakahan tupul or magpasumbahi. In terms of courtship, this practice is considered as reckless courting.

In the pre-colonial Philippines, specifically by the Tausug people of Mindanao, it is said that a suitor would pretend to commit suicide by stabbing himself. He would do this in order to coerce the women to engage in courtship. Other versions tell that the suitor would do this in front of the woman's father to demonstrate his bravery and genuine intentions towards the woman of interest. But the suitor was infect rejected by the woman's father, as a consequence, he would actually be struck with a knife or dagger.

There is no question now as to why this practice is called reckless... Aren't we glad this is not used in practice today? Can you guys imagine how many people we might have to send to the a&e after rejecting them - yikes?

We have a couple more pieces left on courtship this month! So stay tuned on our ig @malyaritribe