Overview

The relation between women and nature has been a recurring theme in storytelling since the beginning of time. Philippine mythology states that the world only existed as water and sky. One day, from a piece of bamboo, a man and woman sprung forth. Witnessed by the animals, they married and had many children who scattered throughout the world. Humankind, especially women, are ingrained in the landscape. From the powerful Mother Nature herself to the small, lovely flower, nature has become a metaphor to describe women, positively or negatively. Flowers are used to describe women’s pure and beautiful demeanor. Storms and deserts are used to describe their descent into moral corruption. Authors have utilized these motifs either as tools to maintain the patriarchy or ways to liberate themselves. In the following texts, make note of how women take part in fulfilling these roles.