Exploring the Powerful Cultural Values Revealed in “The Wedding Dance”
In literary circles, “The Wedding Dance” is a Filipino short story that truly captures the ideals, customs, and traditions that define the Filipino culture. Written by Amador Daguio in 1953, the short story explores the powerful cultural values that are essential in any Filipino context. The characters in this story are a representation of Filipino identity, and their actions reveal a great deal about the beliefs and traditions that are intrinsic to the Filipino culture. In this article, we will delve deeper into the themes and cultural values revealed in “The Wedding Dance.”
The Role of Love and Marriage
Love is an essential component in Filipino culture. “The Wedding Dance” highlights the belief that love and marriage should be founded on mutual respect, understanding, and commitment. In this story, the central characters – Awiyao and Lumnay – have been married for several years but have not been blessed with children, which is stigmatized in Filipino culture. Awiyao’s decision to take a new wife is not due to his lack of love for Lumnay, but rather to fulfill his cultural obligations of having children. The strength of Lumnay’s love for Awiyao is evident as she agrees to divorce him, despite her deep feelings for him, believing that she is not fulfilling her responsibility as his wife.
The Importance of Gender Roles
Gender roles play a significant role in Filipino society, and “The Wedding Dance” illustrates this perfectly. In the story, Awiyao, as a man, is expected to fulfill his role by having children, and Lumnay, as a woman, is expected to be a dutiful and obedient wife. Traditionally, women in Filipino culture are expected to be subservient and accept their role in society. However, Lumnay defies these expectations by questioning her value as a woman in a society that values men who can bear children. She also defies social norms by refusing to accept her husband’s decision to take a new wife, demonstrating the strength of women in Filipino society.
The Importance of Traditions and Customs
Filipino culture is steeped in tradition and customs, and “The Wedding Dance” demonstrates the significance of these practices in daily life. Traditional customs such as courtship dances, betrothal, and dowry are essential aspects of Filipino culture. The story captures the essence of these traditions and their critical role in uniting the couple, as well as their families. The wedding dance is an essential element of the traditional marriage ceremony, with its symbolism of binding couples together in marriage. In “The Wedding Dance,” the dance is a poignant and vital reminder of the obligations and expectations attached to the marriage, highlighting the cultural importance of traditions
Conclusion
The cultural values and traditions presented in “The Wedding Dance” are central to understanding the Filipino identity. This short story perfectly captures the essence of the Filipino culture through its portrayal of love and marriage, gender roles, and the importance of traditions and customs. It illustrates the power of cultural values to define a community and provide guidance in daily life. Indeed, “The Wedding Dance” offers an invaluable insight into Filipino culture, and its themes continue to hold relevance today.
