SARIMANOK IN FLIGHT
The
Sarimanok has become the symbol of the Maranao people. Very recently, it gained international popularity when it was made the symbol of the Miss Universe
Beauty Pageant. When literally translated, it simply means an artificial cock.
Muslim scholars cannot even agree on the real symbolism of the Sarimanok. Some
believe it to be a symbol of power, prestige, and wealth, so that people of lower socioeconomic status are
not expected to use it. Others think it was used in rituals during ancient times. Whatever they believe it to be, others and I have a different interpretation. Sarimanok is a work of art, and, like other arts (such as literature, fine arts, music, and poetry), it reflects not only the ingenuity of the people who created it but also their mental outlook and, to some extent, the
prevailing conditions at the time. Viewing it from this angle, we see the Sarimanok as contentment, an idle nature detached from reality, and resignation. Could this be the same with the people it represents? If yes, then it could be
the symbol of the Maranao people. The RANAO COUNCIL, therefore, since it dedicates itself to the well-being of the Maranao people, has to make Sarimanok its symbol,
but a unique one. Not the colorful, resigned and idle cock but an active and
aggressive one. Alone, it symbolizes the ideals of the Ranao Council: to
transform a fatalistic, resigned, and contented people into an active and
progressive one. For simplicity, the Sarimanok is bereft of its motif design
(okir), but it is still gracefully designed.
The
Americans, Israelis, and Germans are proud of their Eagle, and they have good reasons to be. Eagles are fierce birds that feed on smaller animals and weaker birds.
Could it also be the reason why these groups of people gained a reputation as the bloodiest and most aggressive conquerors of our age? The Sarimanok is
different. On air, it is very graceful and never fierce, but cornered in an
enclosed cockfight arena, it fights to the death.
The
Sarimanok is a mythical fowl and may appear in different hues. Its color,
therefore, does not affect its essential being. Blue suits our Sarimanok best, as it symbolizes peace, which is the primary goal of the Ranao
Council. It will also make our Sarimanok appear like a love ‘blue’ bird, which
has often been made a symbol for lovers.
It is a bearer of love and peace.
The
other symbols in the organization’s seal have been explained in the other
insignias of the RANAO COUNCIL. They carry the same symbolism…
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