Aswang

Introduction

In folklore, aswang are creatures that share the same grotesque characteristics as werewolves and vampires. They are also known to have varying appearance patterns and have no consistent image. Since they are often described based on hearsay, aswang are often regarded as a catch-all term for evil spirits that usually appear at night.

They usually go unnoticed during daylight hours. They then blend in with the regular people around them, and they are always looking for their next victim. Most of them are associated with women due to their long dark hair, which covers their bloodshot eyes.

The legends about aswang date back to 16th century when Spanish explorers first recorded their encounters with the creatures in writing. However, these stories might have come from the Philippines’ Malay communities, which brought their supernatural beliefs with them. According to Spanish conquerors during the 16th century, the local people were the ones who pushed the fear of aswang to its extreme.

Physical Traits

Aswang are usually seen as predatory creatures that prey on humans at night. They usually transform into a dog, a cat, or a bird as they wait for their prey to be alone. According to experts, if you look directly into the eyes of someone, you might see an aswang. A quick way to identify aswang is by using a special oil that’s been curated by a Filipino witch doctor known as albularyo. It can boil when the creature is around.

Although it’s not always possible to see aswang during the day, they are known to be in their weakest state at that time. This means that they are not capable of harming people during the day. They are typically associated with women, and they often have long black hair. The Aswang is also said to have flipped feet which is an instant giveaway and also avoid bright lights and noise.

Family

Most aswang couples are not usually together during the night. This means that they are more likely to hunt alone. They can also be separated if they are not sharing food. One way to become a aswang is by tying a chicken egg to your stomach. Once the egg passes through the body, it is placed in a bamboo tube filled with chicken manure and coconut oil.

Once they die, the individuals who possess the aswang will have their powers transferred to another creature. This can be done by letting a chick go from one stomach to another through their mouth. Aswang can also be killed using various objects such as garlic, salt, water, a rosary, or a crucifix. Aswangs are also said to be killed by getting whipped by the tail of a stingray. This is because they don’t like the sound of its slashing.

Other names

There are various forms of aswangs. The zegben can transform into a Tasmanian devil while the tik-tik, which is the sound made by the hunters, can turn into large birds or bats. A woman who is normally by day turns into a manananggal at night and eats foetuses. She can also remove her torso and turn into a bat by sprouting wings. The busaw is a type of grave robber or corpse thief. It commonly scavenges from the remains of deceased individuals in cemeteries. A Bubuu aswang has bloodshot eyes that can make a sound similar to that of a laying hen at night.

Powers and Abilities

One of the scariest things about aswang is that they usually go unnoticed during daylight hours. They then pick their victims at night. They are considered to be part witch, vampire, and beast. The idea that they can walk among people without being noticed is terrifying.

The aswang are known to eat flesh, especially children and foetuses. They reportedly have a proboscis-like tongue that they use to suck out blood from the womb. They are believed to be on a nightly hunt for their next meal in the small towns of the Philippines.

Aswang use a variety of sounds to trick their prey. One of these is a repeating “tick.” As it approaches, it becomes quieter to make you believe that the creature is moving further away.

Modern Day Influence

Since Aswangs are known to be shape-shifter creatures, animals that are commonly associated with humans are often assumed to be aswang because of the sounds that these animals. Some of the animals that have been killed due to this belief include the bats, the flying lemur, and the Tasmanian devil.

One possible explanation behind the aswang’s legend is that the creatures were originally from the Capiz region. Filipino men are prone to suffering from a rare genetic condition known as XDP which results in uncontrollable muscle movements and spasms which are in line with the depictions of the aswang.

It’s also possible that aswang are used as a scapegoat for people who carry out horrific murders. For many people, blaming a monster is easier than trying to understand why a fellow human committed such a heinous act and the tabloids use the aswang as a way to boost their sales.