SARIMANOK IN FLIGHT
The
Sarimanok has become the symbol of the Maranao people. Very recently; it gained
an 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 poor people are
not expected to use it. Others believe it to have been used in rituals during
the good olden days. Whatever they believe it to be, I and others have
different interpretation. Sarimanok is a work of art and like other arts (such
as literature, fine arts, music, poems, etc.) reflects not only the ingenuity
of the people who made it but also their mental outlook and to some extent; the
prevailing conditions at the time. Viewing it from this angle; we see in the Sarimanok
contentment, idle nature detached from realities and resignation. Then we ask; could
this be the same with people it represents? If yes, then it could rightly 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 is gracefully designed.
The
Americans, Israelis and Germans are proud of their Eagle and they have the
reasons to. Eagles are fierce birds which feed on weaker birds and smaller animals.
Could it also be this reason why these groups of people gained the reputation
of being the bloodiest 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 hue. Its color,
therefore does not affect its essential being. Blue for the organization suits
best our Sarimanok for it symbolizes peace which is the prime goal of the Ranao
Council. It will also make our Sarimanok appear like a love ‘blue’ bird which
has often been made 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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