Lakapati : The Transgender Goddess

Lakapati

Introduction

Among the deities of Philippines, Lakapati is regarded as the most kind and understanding as she was known for her role as the benevolent giver of prosperity and food. She was also said to have brought fertility to the fields and the health of the flock. In ancient times, Lakapati was regarded as a great mother goddess. Since she was described as a half-man and half-woman, some believed that she was a transgender goddess to whom they prayed for protection from hunger. During a full moon, they would offer a plate of rice to her and would also give her herbs and plants if they needed help. They carried statues and carved figures of the goddess around in order to worship her.

Physical Traits

Lakapati was depicted as a hermaphrodite, having both male and female genitalia, symbolizing the balance of everything although her bodily expression is notably feminine. Despite the threats that Spain made, the people still continued to revere Lakapati and used the small unhusked grain as her emblem.

Family

Lakapati’s partner in some myths is Mapulon, god of seasons, and they give birth to Anagolay, goddess of lost things. In others, she is the consort of Bathala (or Abba), supreme god while depicted as intersex or transgender and they reside in heaven. In one tale, Lakapati creates the world by giving Bathala a clay and banana blossom ball, which he shapes into seas and mountains and places in the sky to become Earth. Other myths portray Lakambakod, god of crops, as Lakapati’s partner.

Other names

Lakapati was also know an Ikapati which often led to a lot of confusion as Ikapati was often refered to as a goddess while Lakapati was known to be androgenous. The goddess Lakapati was an important figure in the ancient culture of the Filipino people and her name means “giver of food.” The name Lakapati comes from the words “Lakan” and “Pati,” which literally means lord or master.

Powers and Abilities

Lakapati was considered to be the giver of food. She/He was also the goddess of fertility and abundance in agriculture. One of the most common ways to please the deity was to offer a plate of rice in the evenings during a full moon. In addition to this, a ceremonial chant was said while holding up a child as an offering to the goddess which roughly translated to, “May your servant have enough to eat.” Ancient Tagalogs believed that Lakapati would ensure that they are taken care of.

Modern Day Influence

The Kambal Tuko or siamese twins is an important symbol in the mythology and is said to represent Lakapati and is refered to as anting-anting. It is also considered to be a representation of Eve and Adam, is believed to be a fertility talisman for couples. This anting-anting is very popular among couples who want to have children. Some believe that the Kambal Tuko may be a deviation from the Lakapati idol that was presented by the artist, Buenaventura to depict the male/female image as a singular entity.