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classicistranieri.com - The Mirrored Project Gutenberg eBook of A Little Book of Filipino Riddles, by Various This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Title: A Little Book of Filipino Riddles Author: Various Release Date: December 15, 2004 [EBook #14358] Language: English Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LITTLE BOOK OF FILIPINO RIDDLES *** Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the PG Distributed Proofreaders Team, from scans kindly made available by the University of Michigan.Page 1
Copyrighted 1909 by Frederick Starr
The Torch Press Cedar Rapids, Iowa Page 3
This Little Book of
Filipino Riddles
Is Dedicated To
Gelacio Caburian
Casimiro Verceles
Rufino Dungan
of
Agoo, Union Province
Page 4
Although I had already inquired for them from Ilocano boys, my first actual knowledge of Filipino riddles was due to Mr. George T. Shoens, American teacher among the Bisayans. He had made a collection of some fifty Bisayan riddles and presented a brief paper regarding them at the Anthropological Conference held at Baguio, under my direction, on May 12–14, 1908. My own collection was begun among Ilocano of Union Province from whom about two hundred examples were secured. Others were later secured from Pangasinan, Gaddang, Pampangan, Bisayan and Tagal sources. My informants have chiefly been school-boys, who spoke a little English; they wrote the text of riddle and answer in their native tongue and then we went over them carefully together to make an English translation and to get at the meaning. Many Filipinos know how to read and write their native language, although few have had actual instruction in doing so. There is no question that errors and inconsistencies Page 5exist in the spelling of these riddles, due to this lack of instruction and to the fact that the texts have been written by many different persons. I am myself not acquainted with any Malay language. I have tried to secure uniformity in spelling within the limits of each language but have no doubt overlooked many inconsistencies. The indulgence of competent critics is asked. It has been our intention throughout to adhere to the old orthography. Thus the initial qu and the final ao have been preferred.
The word for riddle varies with the population. In Ilocano it is burburtia, in Pangasinan boniqueo, in Tagal bugtong, in Gaddang ———, in Pampangan bugtong, in Bisayan tugmahanon.
Riddles are common to all mankind. They delighted the old Aryans and the ancient Greeks as they do the modern Hindu and the Bantu peoples of darkest Africa. Many writers have defined the riddle. Friedreich in his Geschichte des Räthsels, says: “The riddle is an indirect presentation of an unknown object, in order that the ingenuity of the hearer or reader may be exercised in finding it out.... Wolf has given the following definition: the riddle is a play of wit, which endeavors to so present Page 6an object, by stating its characteristic features and peculiarities, as to adequately call it before the mind, without, however, actually naming it.”
The riddles of various Oriental peoples have already been collected and more or less adequately discussed by authors. Hebrew riddles occur in the Bible, the best known certainly being Samson's:
“Out of the eater came forth meat,
And out of the strong came forth sweetness.”
Arabic riddles are many and have been considerably studied; Persian riddles are well known; of Indian riddles at least one collection has been printed separately under the name Lakshminatha upasaru, a series of Kolarian riddles from Chota Nagpur has been printed as, also, an interesting article upon Behar riddles; Sanskrit riddles are numerous and have called for some attention from scholars; a few Gypsy riddles are known; two recent papers deal with Corean riddles. We know of but two references to Malayan riddles; one is Rizal, Specimens of Tagal Folk-Lore, the other is Sibree's paper upon the Oratory, Songs, Legends, and Folk-Tales of the Malagasy. This is no doubt an incomplete bibliography but the field has been sadly neglected and even to secure Page 7this list has demanded much labor. It suffices to show how deeply the riddle is rooted in Oriental thought and indicates the probability that riddles were used in Malaysia long before European contact.
To what degree Filipino riddles are indigenous and original is an interesting but difficult question. So far as they are of European origin or influenced by European thought, they have come from or been influenced by Spain. Whatever comparison is made should chiefly, and primarily, be with Spanish riddles. But our available sources of information regarding Spanish riddles are not numerous. We have only Demofilo's Collecion de enigmas y adivinanzas, printed at Seville in 1880, and a series of five chap-books from Mexico, entitled Del Pegueño Adivinadorcito, and containing a total of three hundred and seven riddles. Filipino riddles deal largely with animals, plants and objects of local character; such must have been made in the Islands even if influenced by Spanish models and ideas. Some depend upon purely local customs and conditions—thus numbers 170, 237, etc., could only originate locally. Some, to which the answers are such words as egg, needle and thread, etc., (answers Page 8common to riddles in all European lands), may be due to outside influence and may still have some local or native touch or flavor, in their metaphors; thus No. 102 is actually our “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall;” the Mexican form runs:
“Una arquita muy chiquita
tan blanca como la cal
todo lo saben abrir
pero ninguno cerrar.”
But the metaphor “the King's limebox” could only occur in a district of betel-chewing and is a native touch. Many of the Filipino riddles introduce the names of saints and, to that degree, evidence foreign influence; but even in such cases there may be local coloring; thus, calling rain-drops falling “rods,” “St. Joseph's rods cannot be counted,” could hardly be found outside of the tropics. Religious riddles, relating to beads, bells, church, crucifixes, are common enough and are necessarily due to outside influence, but even such sometimes show a non-European attitude of mind, metaphorical expression or form of thought.
Everywhere riddles vary in quality and value. Many are stupid things, crudely conceived and badly expressed. Only the exceptional is fine. Examine any page of one of our own riddle books Page 9and you may criticize almost every riddle upon it for view-point, or form, or flavor. We must not demand more from Filipino riddles than from our own. Some knowledge of local products, customs, conditions, is necessary for the understanding of their meaning; when understood, they are fully equal to ours in shrewdness, wit and expression. Krauss emphasizes the fact that everywhere riddles tend to coarseness and even to obscenity and discusses the reasons. What is true elsewhere is true here; a considerable number of Filipino riddles are coarse; we have introduced them but emphasize the fact that any scientifically formed collection of German or English riddles would contain some quite as bad.
Probably few of our readers have considered the taxonomy of riddles. Friedreich offers a loose and unscientific classification as follows:
Several of these forms occur in our collection.
More scientific than Friedreich's work is Petsch's Studien über das Volksrätsel. His analysis and dissection of riddle forms best enable us to test the indigenous content of our Filipino riddles. He recognizes two fundamental riddle types. He says: “Two groups of riddles have long been distinguished in the collections, the true rhymed riddles and the short ‘catch-questions’ expressed in prose. The difference is not only in form but in content. ‘True riddles’ have as purpose the describing of an object in veiled, thought-arousing, perhaps misleading, poetical clothing, which, from this presentation of its appearance, its source, its utility, etc., shall be recognized by the intelligence, i.e., can and shall be guessed. ‘Catch-questions,’ on the contrary, are not to be guessed, the questioner intending himself to give the solution; at their best they are intended to trick the hearer, and since their solution is impossible to the uninitiated are not ‘true riddles’ but false ones. Since I propose to divide the total riddle material of each single nation between these Page 11two great chief groups, may I not somewhat extend the scope of the latter, including some things which are rejected from most collections as having little to do with actual riddles—those questions which are generally insoluble and such tests of wisdom as appeal not to wit and understanding, but to knowledge—which are certainly not true riddles. Thus, in the group here characterized as ‘false’ different classes of things are brought together, the characteristics of which I shall investigate later.” It would be interesting to quote the author's discussion further. We can, however, only state that he recognizes three classes of “false riddles,” to which he gives the names “wisdom tests,” “life-ransoming riddles,” and “catch-questions.”
Of “true riddles” there is a vast variety of form and content. Most typical is the descriptive riddle of a single object to be guessed. In its complete and normal form Petsch claims that such a riddle consists of five elements or parts. 1 Introduction; 2 denominative; 3 descriptive; 4 restraint or contrast; 5 conclusion. 1 and 5 are merely formal, trimmings; 2 and 3 are inherent and essential; 4 is common and adds vigor and interest. Such complete and “normal” Page 12riddles are rare in any language. Usually one or more of the five elements are lacking. It is only by such an analysis of riddle forms that a comparative study of riddles can be made. Any single riddle is best understood, by the constant holding before the mind this pattern framework and noting the degree of development of the case in hand.
The Filipinos themselves recognize several classes of riddles. An old Tagal lady told us there were three kinds:
There is no science in this classification, which embodies considerable corrupted Spanish. Another informant recognizes six classes:
These names call for little comment and the classification they embody is of the loosest. The word parabula is Page 13Spanish in source and equivalent to our parable; biniyabas is Tagal.
Some features of our riddles call for comment. Filipino riddles, in whatever language, are likely to be in poetical form. The commonest type is in two well-balanced, rhyming lines. Filipino versification is less exacting in its demand in rhyme than our own; it is sufficient if the final syllables contain the same vowel; thus Rizal says—ayup and pagud, aval and alam, rhyme. The commonest riddle verse contains five or seven, or six, syllables, thus:
Daluang balon
hindi malingon
or
Bahay ni San Gabriel
punong puno nang barel.
Just as in European riddles certain set phrases or sentences are found frequently at the beginning or end of the riddle. In Ilocano and Pangasinan a common introductory form is “What creature of God” or “What thing made by Lord God,” the expression in reality being equivalent to a simple “what.” These pious forms do not at all necessarily refer either to animals or natural objects; thus, a boat or a house is just as good a “creature of God” as a fowl is. A common form of ending Page 14is “Tell it and I am yours,” “Guess it and I am your man.”
Quite analogous to calling inanimate or artificial things “creatures of God” is the personification of all sorts of things, animate and inanimate; thus, a rat is “an old man,” a dipper is “a boy.” Not infrequently the object or idea thus personified is given a title of respect; thus, “Corporal Black” is the night. Akin to personification is bold metaphor and association. In this there may or may not be some evident analogy; thus a crawfish is “a bird,” the banca or canoe is “rung” (like a bell.) Not uncommonly the word “house” is used of anything thought of as containing something; thus “Santa Ana's house,” “San Gabriel's house;” this use is particularly used in speaking of fruits. “Santa Ana's house is full of bullets” is rather pretty description for the papaya. The word “work” is often used for a thing made, or a manufactured article.
Saints' names are constantly introduced, generally in the possessive case; examples are “Santa Ana's house,” “Santa Maria's umbrella,” “San Jose's canes.” Less commonly the names of other Bible worthies occur; thus “Adam's hair.” There is not always any Page 15evident fitness in the selection of the Saint in the connection established. San Jose's connection with rain is suitable enough. One would need to know a good deal regarding local and popular hagiography in order to see to what degree the selections are appropriate.
Sometimes words without meaning, or with no significance in the connection where they occur are used. These may serve merely to fill out a line or to meet the demands of metre. Such often appear to be names of the style of “Humpty Dumpty;” these may be phonetically happy, as similar ones often are in European riddles, fitting well with the word or idea to be called up. Marabotania is probably meaningless, merely for euphony. Place names with no real connection with the thought are frequently introduced, as Pantaleon, Mariveles. “Guering-guering” and “Minimin” are merely for sound.
Particularly interesting and curious are the historia-vino given in numbers 312–317. No doubt there are many such. Those here given were secured from one boy at Malolos. When first examined, I believed the boy had not understood what I was after. He assured me that they were bugtong and bugtong of the best and finest class. The idea in these Page 16is to propound a statement in a paradoxical form, which calls for some reference to a bible story or teaching; the answer is not immediately clear and demands a commentary which is quite often subtle and ingenious. Friedreich gives examples of similar expository religious riddles from Europe.
A curious group are the relationship riddles, numbers 286–289, which closely resemble trick questions among ourselves. The evidence of outside influence is here conclusive in the fact that the ideas and terms of relationship in them are purely European, in nowise reflecting the characteristic Malayan system and nomenclature.
Some of the riddles are distinctly stupid. “I let the sun shine on your father's back” seems to mean no more than that the house roof is exposed to the solar rays. It is doubtful whether this means much even in the original Tagal. Of course many of the riddles demand for their adequate understanding a knowledge of native customs, which the outsider rarely has. Thus, until one knows a common method of punishing naughty children, the riddle “I have a friend; I do not like to face him” means nothing. Perhaps the most difficult to adequately present are some plays Page 17on words. These frequently need a considerable explanation. In some of these the parts of the word to guess are concealed in or are suggested by the form of the statement and one must extract them and combine them; such are “iscopidor” and “sampaloc.” In others the play depends upon homophony, the same sound or word have different meanings. In yet a third class the answer is a smart Aleck sort of an affair, “How do you take a deer without net, dogs, spear, or other things for catching?” “Cooked.” Most inane of all, but with plenty of analogues among ourselves, are those where the answer itself is introduced into the question with the intention to mislead; “Its skin is green and its flesh is red like a watermelon.” “Watermelon.”
Filipino riddles are mostly given out by young people. When several are gathered together they will question and answer; they are much in vogue when a young gentleman calls upon his sweetheart; among Tagals and Pampangans at least the chief occasion for giving bugtong is when a little group are watching at night beside a corpse. In propounding a riddle it is not uncommon to challenge attention by repeating as witty a rhyme, which is quite as often Page 18coarse as witty. One Tagal example runs:
Bugtong co ka Piro!
Turan mo ka Baldo!
Pag hindi mo naturan
Hindi ca nang iwang;
Pag maturan mo
May tae ang puit mo.
I have a bugtong compadre P!
Guess it compadre B!
If you cannot guess it
You have not cleaned yourself;
If you do not guess it
You are dirty.
We have mentioned two references to Malay riddles. Of the eight given in Rizal's paper five have been given us by our informants. As Rizal's entire paper will be reprinted in another volume of this series we have not copied the other three. Sibree's paper is important for comparison, since it presents matter drawn from the uttermost point of Malaysia, Madagascar, which has been unaffected by Spanish influence. Sibree's article is translated from a little book by another missionary, the Rev. Louis Dahle. Dahle's book is entitled Specimens of Malayasy Folklore and its material is presented in Malagasy Page 19only. Mr. Sibree translates twenty of his riddles. They are in character and flavor like many of the Filipino riddles. As Sibree does not give the native text and I have not seen Dahle's book, I cannot know whether they are rhymed. They are all of the type of true riddles to be guessed, descriptions wherein one or two characteristics or striking features are presented, either directly or figuratively. Examination of this little series deepens an impression already made by study of our own collection, namely, that the true riddles in our series are largely original Filipino while the insoluble riddles, the catches, the plays on words, are those where foreign influence is most evident. Although Sibree's article is easily accessible, we quote a few of these Malagasy examples for comparison.
“Cut and no wound seen?” “Water,” is our number 231.
“The mother says let us stand up, but the children say let us lie across?” “A ladder.” and “At night they come without being fetched and by day they are lost, without being stolen?” “The stars.” are quite in the style and spirit of Filipino riddles. Compare “Coarse rafia cloth outside and white robe inside?” “Manioc root” with the “Poor Page 20outside; rich within,” “Langca” of the Ilocano.
The order of presentation of these riddles has been a considerable problem. To arrange them rigidly in Petsch's order of development might have been fairly satisfactory but would have rendered the finding of any desired riddle difficult. We have struck out a crude arrangement in alphabetical order of the English answers, with subdivisions under some general headings. The arrangement is not scientific nor completely developed, but it will perhaps work fairly well in practice. The original text is first given for riddle and answer; the English translation of both follows; then are given such explanation and comment as are necessary. When a riddle occurs in different languages, the text of the question is given in one, but the fact of its occurrence in others is indicated.
We are indebted to many for assistance. The list is too long for individual acknowledgment. To our original Ilocano helpers this little book is dedicated. To Messrs. George T. Shoens, Francisco A. Santos (Calumpit), Rufino Santos (Arayat) and Conrado Benitez (Pagsanghan), we are so deeply indebted that their names must be mentioned. To Page 21school boys in Agoo, San Fernando (Union), Malolos, Manila and Tayug, we owe many thanks. Would that the publication of this imperfect collection might lead to their greater interest in a neglected section of their folklore. Some Malay worker ought to perfect and complete the work here begun.
This volume is the first number of a series of little books which the undersigned plans to bring out under the general title of Philippine Studies. Each number will treat of a distinct and separate subject; each will be independent. The extent to which the series will be developed, will depend upon the reception given to it and the degree in which it appears to respond to a real need. Two numbers at any rate are already arranged and the second should appear within a year.
Frederick Starr.
Bernheisel, K. Korean Conundrums. Korean Review. 1905, pp. 81–86.
Bloomfield, M. Religion of the Veda, pp. 215–218. (Sanskrit Riddles.) Journal American Oriental Society, Vol. X, p. 172.
Dahle, L. Specimens of Malagasy Folk-Lore. Atananarivo, 1877, 8vo, pp. 457.
Del pequeno Adivinadorcito. Mexico. Five chap-books, 16mo each, 16 pp.
Demofilo. Colleccion de enigmas y adivinanzas. Sevilla, 1880. 8vo, pp. 495.
Friedreich, J. B. Geschichte des Rätsels. Dresden, 1860. 8vo, pp. viii, 248.
Führer, A. Sanskritische Rätsel. Zeitschrift der Deutsch. Morganländer Gesel. 1885. pp. 99–102.
Haug. Vedische Rätselfragen und Rätselspruche. Trans. Munich Academy, 1875.
Krauss, F. S. Allegemeine Methodik d. Volkskunde 1891–97, p. 112. Page 23
Korean Conundrums. Korean Review. Seoul; 1906. pp. 59–60.
Lakshminatha upasaru. Collection of Riddles. Patna, 1888. 32mo, pp. 32.
Ludwig. Der Rig Veda. iii. pp. 390.
Mitra. Sarat Chandra. Riddles current in Bihar. Journal Asiatic Society, 1901, 8vo, pp. 33–58.
Petsch, R. Studien über das Volksrätsel. Berlin. 1898, 8vo, pp. 139.
Phillott, D. C. Persian Riddles. Calcutta, 1906. Journal Asiatic Society of Bengal, pp. 86–94.
Rizal, J. Specimens of Tagal Folk-Lore. London, 1889, Trubner's Record, pp. 45–46.
Sibree, Jr., J. The Oratory, Songs, Legends and Folk-Tales of the Malagasy. London, 1883, Folk-Lore Journal, pp. 38–40.
Two Gypsy Riddles. Journal Gypsy Folk-Lore Society, 1907, pp. 92.
Wagner, P. Some Kolarian Riddles. Calcutta, 1904. Journal Asiatic Society of Bengal, pp. 62–79.
Page 24Ania iti pinarsua iti Dios a balin suec a maturog?
(Iloc.) Panniqui
What thing that God made sleeps with its head down?
Bat
Pantas ca man, at marunong bumasa at sumulat, aling ibon dito sa mundo ang lumilipad ay sumususo ang anak?
(Tag.) Kabag
Although you are wise and know how to read and write, which bird in this world flies and yet suckles its young?
Bat
Uppat iti adiguina, maysa iti baotna, dua iti paypayna, dua iti boneng.
(Iloc.) Carabao
Four posts, one whip, two fans, and two bolos.
Apat na tukod langit at isang pang hagupit.
(Tag.) Kalabao
Four earth posts, two air posts and whip.
Carabao
Saquey so torutoro duaray quepay-quepay a patiray mansobsoblay.
(Pang.) Dueg
One pointing, two moving, four changing.
Carabao
The head points, the ears move, the legs change position.
Nu mat-tut-lud ay atanang udde; nu mat-tadag ay ibbafa.
(Gad.) Atu
If he sits down he is high; if he stands up he is low.
Dog
Adda maysa nga parsua ni Apo Dios nga adda uppat a sacana, ipusna quen maysa nga ulona nga aoan ti imana.
(Iloc.) Caballo
There is one creature of our Lord God which has four legs and a tail and one head; but it has no arms.
Carga nang carga ay ualang upa.
(Tag.) Babuy
Always working and no pay.
The pig
He is ever eating garbage and waste.
Eto na si “Nuno,” may sunong na guinto.
(Tag.) Babuy
Here comes “Nuno” with gold on his head.
Pig
The pig is a constant scavenger and frequents the space below latrines and privies; it is a common thing that his snout is yellow as result of his search.
Magmagna ni inam sangsangitam.
(Iloc.) Burias
While the mother is walking the child is crying.
A little pig
Adda maysa nga lacay gomogoyod ti oay.
(Iloc.) Bao
There is an old man, who always drags rattan.
Rat
Kahoy cong Marigundong, na sangay ualang dahon.
(Tag.) Sungay
My tree in Marigundong (town in Cavite) has branches but no leaves.
Horn
The branching horn of a deer.
Maco ca quian, yacu naman ing quian.
(Pamp.) Ding bitis daring animal a tiapat a bitis nung lalacad ya.
Away! let me have your place.
The forward legs of an animal
The hind feet tread in the prints of the forefeet.
Nang hataken co ang baging nagkagulo ang matsing.
(Tag.) Batingao
When I pulled the vine the monkeys came around.
Bell
Tinugtog co ang bangca nagsilapit ang isda.
(Tag.) Campana sa misa Page 28
I rang the banca and the fishes came.
Bell
Banca is the canoe or boat; to strike it as with the pole is to ring it. People called to mass by the ringing bell are likened to fishes.
Togtoquec ti teppang agarayat ti bagsang
(Iloc.) Campana
I strike upon the washout and the bagsang come for help.
Bell
The curved side of the bell is compared to a washed out slope or curve of the bank; the bagsang are small fishes; the bell is the church bell—the little fishes are the people.
Otin nen laquic Tapal ni baleuet ed corral manaquis, ya agnaecal.
(Pang.) Campana
Tapal's ——— hanging within the corral is crying to get out.
Bell
Tapal is a nickname for an old man.
Adda tallo nga babbalasang quet no mapanda maquimisa; iti caoes ti maysa ata berde, quet dadiay maysa Page 29ata porao, quen dadiay maysa ata lomabaga; quet norommuardan ata malabaga amin iti caoesdan.
(Iloc.) Mamabuyo
There are three ladies who went to mass; the dress of one was green, of another white, of the other red; when they came out together the dresses of all were red.
Betel
Nasatiyan pa nang kanyang ina, kinuha at pinapagasawa.
(Tag.) Ang bungang isinasama sa itso
Still in his mother's body was taken and made to marry.
Betel
The areca nut is first taken out of its covering before being united with the betel leaf and lime.
Bulong tiptipparo; puso balasang baro.
(Iloc.) Mama
A tiptipparo leaf; the heart, a young man and a young woman.
Betel
Papel a berde sinoratac ti purao Page 30quet intedco iti sangaili dina insubli.
(Iloc.) Gaoed
I wrote a green paper with white: I gave it to my visitor and he did not return it.
Betel-leaf
White lime is smeared upon the green leaf, which is then used to enwrap a bit of areca nut for chewing.
Nagcapa dimet nagpadi; Nagcorona dimet nagari.
(Iloc.) Manoc
Gown but not priest; crown but not king.
Cock
Nancorona agimiet ari; nan capa agmuet pari.
(Pang.) Manoc
The king's crown but not king; the priest's cope, but not priest.
Cock
Ania ti pinarsua ni Apo Dios nga ag-gungon ti maquimbaba quet agpidot ti maquin ngato?
(Iloc.) Manoc
What thing that Lord God made Page 31sifts below and picks up above?
Fowl
Dinay pinalsay Dios ya managtay carne?
(Pang.) Manoc
What creature of God is with meat on its head?
Cock
Ania a parsuo ni Apo Dios ti nagsusoon ti carne nga aoan ti imana?
(Iloc.) Tapingar
What creature of our Lord God carries meat but has no hands?
Cock
The meat is the cock's comb.
Uyana-uyana mamuntuk yang baya!
(Pamp.) Manuc
Here he comes with glowing charcoal on his head!
A cock
No umayac idiay balayo agtuptupuaccayo.
(Iloc.) Manoc
If I come to your house you will jump away.
Fowl
Ania ti pinarsua ni Apo Dios nga Page 32ipagnana ti bocotna?
(Iloc.) Baloto
What creature made by Lord God walks on its back?
Boat
Oalay asoc ya quisquis no onbatic tirakiang.
(Pang.) Baloto
I have a hairless dog, who goes belly upward.
Boat
Naligo ang capitan hindi nabasa ang tian.
(Tag.) Banca
The captain took a bath without his belly getting wet.
Banca
Adda impatacderco a caoayan no agbolong intan.
(Iloc.) Parao
I set up a bambu; if it leafs out we shall go.
Prao
The bambu set up is the mast; the leaf is the sail.
Nano nga cahoy nga con may dahon may gamut, pero eon ua-ay gani dahon ua-ay man sing gamut?
(Bis.) Parao
What tree is it, that when it has Page 33leaves it also has roots, but when it has no leaves it also has no roots?
Parao
Sail, rudder and oars.
Nagalacat nagahayang.
(Bis.) Sacayan
He walks with his back.
A ship
Manica maco tana,
tipa ca queti tana.
(Pamp.) Ancla
Come up and let us go, go down and here we stay.
Anchor
Ania ti pinarsua ti Dios a masicog ti licudan?
(Iloc.) Botoy
What thing created by God has the fullness of pregnancy (masicog) behind?
The calf of the leg
Masicog is the swollen abdomen of the pregnant woman.
Bulong ti cappa-cappa nagtalicud nagpada.
(Iloc.) Lapayag
Cappa-cappa leaves placed back to back.
Daluang balon hindi malingon.
(Tag.) Tainga
Two wells, of which you cannot catch sight.
(Your) ears
Pito iti taoana; taltallo iti requepna.
(Iloc.) Lapayag, agong, mata, ngioat
There are seven windows; only three shut.
Ears, nostrils, eyes, mouth
Sipac nga sipac, saan nga mangeg ti caaroba.
(Iloc.) Mata
Claps and claps, but the neighbors do not hear.
Eyes
Tepac cac tan tepac agnereguel na ybac.
(Pang.) Mata
Clapping and clapping but my companions cannot hear me.
Eyes
Dalaua cong cahon bucsan ualang ugong.
(Tag.) Mata
I open my two boxes noiselessly.
Dalawang batong maitim malayo ang dinarating.
(Tag.) Mata
Two black stones which reach far.
Eyes
Dalawang tindahan sabay na binubucsan.
(Tag.) Mata
Two stores are open at the same time.
Eyes
Adda dua nga Princesas quet nagseng nga tan da iti dua nga bantay; no agsangit iti maysa agsangit danga dua.
(Iloc.) Mata
There are two princesses, who live on the two sides of a mountain; when one cries both cry.
The eyes
Adda dua nga pisi agtongpal idiay langit.
(Iloc.) Mata
There are two halves; they go toward the sky.
Eyes
Malaon nang patay hindi maibaon at buhay ang capit bahay.
(Tag.) Bulag ang isang mata Page 36
It is a long time since it died, yet it can not be buried for its neighbor is still alive.
One blind eye
Señora a samsamping addai ti uneg ti sarming.
(Iloc.) Taotao ti mata
A samsamping is in the middle of the mirror.
The pupil of the eye
Daluang balahibuhen masarap pag daiten.
(Tag.) Mata at kilay
Two hairy things, it's pleasant to have them meet.
Eyelids
Adda dua nga Princesa quet nagbaetanda ti maysa nga bantay quet daytoy a bantay adda met dua nga oaig quet no agsangit daguitoy a Princesa agayos met daytoy nga oaig ngem no saanda nga agsangit mamagaan daguitoy nga oaig.
(Iloc.) Mata quen agung
There are two princesses with a mountain between them. In this mountain are two brooks and when the princesses cry these brooks Page 37flow and when the princesses do not cry the brooks dry up.
Eyes and nose
Isang biyabas pito ang butas.
(Tag.) Mukha
One guava with seven holes.
Face
Limang puno nang niog; isay matayog.
(Tag.) Dalire
Five cocoanut palms; one is higher.
Fingers
Adda lima nga Principes nagcallogongda amin ti pisi.
(Iloc.) Ramay
There are five princes and their hat is one half.
Fingers
The nails are the hats.
Adda maysa nga ealapati nga nagna ti tinga ti ili manocayo cona ti ari no adda mainayon nga pisi justo nga dua polo cami.
(Iloc.) Ramay
There is a dove that walked in the middle of the town. How many are you said the king. If there is a Page 38half added we shall be twenty.
Fingers
Ni ni conconana aoan ti matana
(Iloc.) Tammodo
Here, here, he says, but has no eyes.
Forefinger
It points here and there, touching the things in question, but it cannot see.
Tata baculud ay ain-mena maita na ut-tunna si catanang-nga.
(Gad.) Quiray
A mountain the summit of which cannot be seen, being very high.
Forehead
Tubo sa punso, ualang buko.
(Tag.) Buhoc
Sugar-cane on clay, with no joints (knots).
Hair
Cahoy nga tambalisa, tapson indi malaya.
(Bis.) Buhoc
A plant which does not fade when cut down.
Hair
Iclog iti calao bolig iti lima.
The calao's egg is five-parted.
Hand
The calao is the hornbill; the egg here in question is perhaps his strange head-excrescence.
Isang bayabas peto ang butas.
(Tag.) Ulo
One guava with seven holes.
Head
Isa ca bungsud nga pito ang iya buho.
(Bis.) Olo
A small hill having seven holes.
Head
Sica a tao ti yan ti minuterum.
(Iloc.) Puso
You are the man who has the minute-beater.
Heart
Minuterum the pendulum beating.
No agtacderac ania ngata ti omona a ipagnae?
(Iloc.) Mocod
If I stand, what will be the first that steps?
Heel
Daluang bangiasan nag hahagaran.
Two fence stakes chasing each other.
Legs
Atian na ing gulut; ing gulut na ya ing atian.
(Pamp.) Bitis
Its front is the back, and its back is the front.
The lower leg (below the knee)
Adda oaig a bassit napnut bucbucaig.
(Iloc.) Ngioat
There is a small brook filled with shells.
Mouth
Isang balong malalem, punong puno nang patalem.
(Tag.) Bibig
A deep well is filled with chisels.
Mouth
Isa ca cahon-cahon nga punu sang tiguib.
(Bis.) Baba
A box full of chisels.
Mouth
Dua nga bobon napnot allid quen dagum.
Two wells filled with wax and needles.
Nose
Baston ti Ygorot dica maparot
(Iloc.) Bato
The cane of the Igorot, you cannot pull up.
Penis
Mapatar ya dalin tinoboay garing.
(Pang.) Ngipuen
Plain earth has grown ivory.
Teeth
Umona nga aglaguis sa agdareedec.
(Iloc.) Ngipen
First place the bars and then the posts.
The teeth
The comparison is with fence-building. Here the posts are first set, and then the cross-pieces. The babe has first smooth, horizontal gums; then the upright teeth appear.
Nagapanilong apang basa.
(Bis.) Dila
He is under the shed but is always wet.
Enlongon empantion onbangon mansermon.
(Pang.) Dila
Coffin in graveyard wakes up sermon.
Tongue
Na manantang ay maccatua udde na mannam ay malussao.
(Gad.) Attut
He who loses it rejoices, but he who finds it gets mad at it.
Bad odor; breaking wind
Iti nacapocao agayayat quet iti nacabiroc agong onget
(Iloc.) ottot
Who loses it is glad; who finds it is mad.
Bad odor; Breaking of wind
Magna sirirquep no nacalucat madi met.
(Iloc.) Mucat
It walks while it is shut; when it is open it does not care to walk.
Secretion from eye corner
Aso cong pute inutusan co, ay hindi na umue.
I sent out my white dog and he did not return.
Spittle
The practice of spitting, even unrelated to betel-chewing or tobacco-chewing, is far commoner among the Filipinos than among ourselves.
Tinadtad a root insenpen a panonot.
(Iloc.) Libro
Chopped grass hidden in the mind.
Book
Fodder or “food for thought.”
Nagbulong nagbunga nanganac diay nangala.
(Iloc.) Pagbasan
It has leaves and fruits, Godfather took it.
Book
Ania iti anac a pooranna iti baguis ni inana?
(Iloc.) Candela
What son burns his mother's intestines?
Candle
Tite nang pare, mapute.
The priest's ——— is white.
Candle
Kung babayaan mong ako ay mabuhay yaong kamatayay dagli kong kakamtan, ngungit kung akoy pataing paminsan ay lalong lalawig ang ingat kong buhay.
(Tag.) Kandilang may sindi
If you let me live I shall soon die; if you kill me I shall live long.
A lighted candle
Masondug a cayu talaque na donna.
(Gad.) Candela
A slender tree which bears only one leaf.
Lighted candle
Isang butel na palay punong puno ang bahay.
(Tag.) Ilao
A grain of rice fills the whole house.
Light
The flame of a candle is a little thing, comparable to a rice grain; yet it gives light to the whole house.
Adda uppat a nga amigos; idi naparsua toy lubong inda naisigud.
There are four friends; they have existed since the beginning.
The four directions
Aldao rabii agririaoac.
(Iloc.) Reloj
Day and night I cry.
Clock
Amanu na mararamdam, dapot masaquit yang intindian, nung ing lupa na ing quecang lauan a usta mu ing qucang sasabian.
(Pang.) Relos
His words are audible but difficult to understand; when you look at his face you will understand what he says.
Clock
Ania ti parsua ni apo Dios nga aoan ti imana nga aoan ti sacana quet ammona ti agsao?
(Iloc.) Leros = reloj
What creature of God has no arms and legs, but can talk?
Clock
Ang nagapahimo nagahibi; ang nagahimo indi iya; ang tag-iya uala Page 46sing calibutan.
(Bis.) Longon
The one who orders it made is crying; the one who has it, it is not his to give; the one who owns it does not care anything about it.
Coffin
Taong buhay inaanay.
(Tag.) Bulutong
A living person being eaten up by “anay.”
Smallpox
Anay, termites or white ants.
Ania ti pagayatan na a mabalud.
(Iloc.) Ti masaquit
Why does he wish to be in prison?
Pain
Dadiay adalem agassiquet; dadiay ababao agatengngned.
(Iloc.—also Pang., Bis.) Calzon; bado
What is deep reaches only to the waist; what is shallow comes to the neck.
Daluang pipit nag titimbangan sa isang siit.
(Tag.) Hicao
Two pipits balancing on a bambu stick.
Earrings
The pipit is a small bird.
Bumili ako nang alipin mataas pa sa akin.
(Tag.) Sambalilo
I bought a slave, taller than myself.
Hat
Aniat aramid a canennaca,
(Iloc.) Bado
What work devours you.
Camisa
The word work is used in several of these riddles with the meaning of a thing made, a manufactured article. The camisa is a shirt.
Nacaquitaac iti dua a sasacayan; maymaysat naglugan.
(Iloc.) Zapatos
I saw two boats; only one person was on board.
Shoes
Dala mo siya, dala ca niya.
You carry it it carries you.
Shoe
Dalan mucu, dalan da ca, mipa quinabang cata.
(Pamp.) Sapin
Carry me, I will carry you; let us share alike.
Shoes
Con aga naga lapta, pero con hapon naga tipon.
(Bis.) Tuba
In the morning it is scattered in many places, but in the evening it is united into one place.
Tuba
An intoxicating drink made from cocoapalm sap; it is gathered daily. In the morning it is at the trees which yield; at evening it is brought in and stored.
Adda maysa a balasang conana toy maysa a baro no ayatennac dacquel ti pagdacsam.
(Iloc.) Arac
There was a lady said to a gentleman “If you love me it will harm you.”
Wine
Yti pagapugan ti Ari; Page 49no maluctan saan nga maisubli.
(Iloc.) Itlog
The limebox of the king; if you open it you cannot restore it.
An egg
Adda bayabasco idiay Manila aoan ti pamorosanna.
(Iloc.) Itlog
I have a guava in Manila that has no stem.
Egg
Ang balay sang encantadora ua-ay ventana ua-ay puerta.
(Bis.) Itlog
The house of an enchantress which has neither window nor door.
Egg
Lindus ne enetiran, dapot king asbuk ya milulan.
(Pamp.) Balulingi
Harpooning at it he missed it, but it went into his mouth.
Balulungi
The shovel-nosed shark. In aiming at food, if it really enters his mouth which Page 50is below the long and projecting snout, he must seem to miss it.
Adda maysa nga lacay; puqiiis nga oacray.
(Iloc.) Corita
There is an old man; his hair cut short, the hair hangs.
Corita
It is a fish, with slender, pendent, feelers.
Asino ti nabiag a togtogaoanna ti ngeoatna?
(Iloc.) Corita
What living thing sits on its mouth?
Corita
Ania iti parsua ni Apo Dios nga pispisi iti baguina?
(Iloc.) Dadali
What creature of our Lord God is but a half-body?
Flounder
Nag saeng si pusong, sa ibabao ang gatong.
(Tag.) Bibingca
The clown cooked rice with the fire above.
Cake
Tignan, tignan, bago ngiuitan.
Look at it first, before making a face at it.
Corn
Refers to eating it from the cob.
Piña piña marabotinia
no aoan dayta matayca.
(Iloc.) Bagas
Piña piña marabotinia,
If there is none you will die.
Rice
Siasino ngata ti nagbuniag a daga?
(Iloc.) Asin
What earth has been baptised?
Salt
Aniat cangatoan a recado?
(Iloc.) Asin
What is the best spice?
Salt
Perlas yang maningning a ibat qung mina, nung mibalic ya qung penibatana matda ing ningning na.
(Pamp.) Asin
A sparkling pearl that came from the mine, in going to its source loses its brilliancy.
Salt
The original source was the sea; but in water salt dissolves. Page 52
Matebtibonec malimtimbocol bagobagooay tapuco anbalbalangay dalem.
(Pang.) Atsuete
Round, plump; hairy outside; red inside.
Atsuete
A red fruit used for seasoning fish.
Ulo ng principe tinadtad ng ispile.
(Tag.) Bunga ng bangcol
Head of a prince stuck full of pins.
Bangcol
It is like a round ball stuck with pins.
Dinan yan penalsay Dios ya loab tod tabla it say paoay toel equet.
(Pang.) Cabatite
What creature of God is smooth inside but like a net outside?
A fruit. Cabatite
Agbibitin a sinanlagangan.
(Iloc.) Damortis
Hanging like a pot-rest.
Camachilis (fruit)
Balay ni Santa Ana nalicmut ti caramba.
Santa Ana's house is surrounded by a jar.
Cocoanut
Langit ngato, langit baba, danom ti tengana.
(Iloc.—also Pang., Tag.) Niog
Sky above, sky below, water in the middle.
Cocoanut
Danum sadi Minimin, di mastrec ti angin.
(Iloc.) Niog
The water of Minimin, the wind cannot reach it.
Cocoanut
Sang bata pa maniuang, anay sang tigulang na matamboc.
(Bis.) Lubi
When young he is lean, but when he becomes old he is fat.
Cocoanut
The meat of the cocoanut grows in thickness.
Tatlong bundok ang tinibag bago dumating nang dagat.
(Tag.) Niog
Three mountains were blown down before they reached the sea.
The husk, the shell, and the meat are passed to reach the water within.
Pispisi a dalayap nagcatlo nagcapat.
(Iloc.) Buquel ti capas
A half-lemon divides into three or four.
Fruit of cotton
Adda maysa nga banga nga bassit; Napno ti bato nga babassit.
(Iloc.—also Pang.) Bayabas
Here is a little pot; it is full of small stones.
Guava
Aling cacania dito sa mundo ang nacalabas ang buto?
(Tag.) Kasoy
Which of his brothers in this world has his bones outside?
Kasoy
A fruit, the hard seed of which projects entirely beyond its outer surface.
Isang ungoy nakaupo sa lusong.
(Tag.) Kasoy
One monkey sitting on a mortar.
Kasoy
The seed of the balubad or Kasoy suggests the figure. Page 55
Babuy sa pulo, ang balahibu ay paco.
(Tag.) Langca
Wild hog, whose hairs are nails.
Langca
Pobre ti rabaona mayaman ti onegna.
(Iloc.) Langca
Poor outside, rich within.
Langca
Tinadtad ti rabaona, lauya ti onegna.
(Iloc.,—also Pang.) Langca
Minced outside; lauya within.
Langca
Lauya; meat on bones, thoroughly cooked in water with vinegar and spices. Langca is a large sort of breadfruit.
Agbibitin nga oging.
(Iloc.,—also Pang.) Longboy
Charcoal hanging.
Longboy
A plum-like fruit.
Adda inbitin co nga langdet tangtangaden ti baboaquet.
(Iloc.) Longboy
I hang up a chopping-block: the old women look up at it.
Hindi hayop, hindi tao,
Nag dadamit ng de pano.
(Tag.) Mabalo
Not an animal, not a man,
Yet it is clad in velvet.
Mabalo
A fruit somewhat like a peach.
Agbibiten a puso.
(Iloc.) Manga
A heart hanging.
Mango
Isang cabang señorito, pulus may sombrero.
(Tag.) Bunga
A group of little gentlemen, all with their hats.
Palmnuts
Bahay ni Santa Ana punong puno nang bala.
(Tag.) Papaya
Santa Ana's house is full of bullets.
Papaya
The papaya contains abundance of round, shining, black seeds the size of buckshot or larger.
Metung a bulsa mitmu yang paminta.
A pocket full of peppercorns.
Papaya
The round black seeds of the papaya are the peppercorns.
Abongnin Doña Maria alictob na botilla.
(Pang.) Apayas
Doña Maria's house is surrounded by a bottle.
Papaya
Balay ni Santa Maria nalicmut ti espada.
(Iloc.,—also Pang., Gad., Bis.) Piña
Santa Maria's house is surrounded by swords.
Pineapple
Señora a nasam-sam-it addat oneg ti siit.
(Iloc.) Piña
A sweet lady among the thorns.
Pineapple
Isang dalagang may corona at caloob saan ay may mata.
(Tag.) Piña
The lady with a crown has eyes everywhere.
Agbibiten a danog.
(Iloc.) Santol
A fist hanging.
Santol
Bahay ni Sang Gabriel, punong puno nang barel.
(Tag.) Lucban
San Gabriel's house is full of guns.
Shaddock
Con adlao naga uba, pero con gabi naga saya.
(Bis.) Catre; mosquitero
During the day she is naked, but at night she puts on her skirt.
Bed; mosquito bar
Aso co sa pantalan, lumucso nang pitong balon, umuli nang pitong gubat, bago nag tanao dagat.
(Tag.) Sungkahan
My dog from the wharf jumped over seven wells, jumped again over seven forests, before it saw the sea.
Mancala
This well-known game is played upon a Page 59board in which a number of round pits are scooped out; two lines of seven of these are placed side by side.
Bumile ako nang bigas, bigas din ang ibinayad.
(Tag.) Ang pagbibigay nang magandang arao o gabi sa kanino man.
I bought rice with rice.
The exchange of greeting—good morning or good night.
Taray nga taray di met macaalis.
(Iloc.) Indayon
Running and running, but it cannot go away.
Hammock
Adda caballoc a labang agsinanpontol panalian.
(Iloc.) Indayon
I have a gray horse; I can halter him at both ends.
Hammock
Kabac na niog magdamag na kinayod.
Half-a-cocoanut, retreating slowly all night.
Moon
Kabiac na niog, magdamag na ipod nang ipod.
(Tag.) Buan
A half-cocoanut, scraped the whole night.
Moon
The moon keeps freshly white, like cocoanut meat just scraped.
Sancagalip a rabong sila oanna amin a lobong.
(Iloc.) Bulan
A half section of a bambu shoot illuminates the whole world.
Moon
Adda pisi a dalayap nga incalic; tal-lo a papadi dina macali.
(Iloc.) Bulan
I planted a half-lemon; three priests cannot dig it up.
Moon
Letrang C a maging O, O maging C.
(Pamp.,—also Tag.) Bulan
The letter C becomes O, O becomes C.
Sim-migpatac ti tanobong silaoco a nagodong; sim-migpatac ti alodig, silaoco nga nagaoid.
(Iloc.) Bulan quen bituen
I chop a tanobong for light when I go to town; I chop an alodig for light when I go home.
Moon and stars
A tanobong is a sort of bambu; alodig is a small bush.
Adda maysa nga dalayap imporoac co idiay tayac no may bagam cucuanac.
(Iloc.) Bulan
There was a lemon which I threw out into the wide plain. Guess it and I shall be yours.
Moon
Ako ay naghasik nang mais, pagka umaga ay palis.
(Tag.) Bituin
I sowed maize grains; in the morning they were swept away.
Stars
The stars, grains of maize, disappear with the dawn. Page 62
Sangaplato nga busi maoarasanna amin ti inilinili.
(Iloc.) Bituen
A plate of roasted rice can be spread all over the town.
Stars
Mayaquit alila nung ing sumbu macaslag ya, dapot nung capilan milaco ya carin la paquit.
(Pamp.) Batuin at aldo
When the lamp is shining they can scarcely be seen, but when it is taken away they become visible.
Stars and sun
Abong nen Don Juan agnalocasan.
(Pang.) Aguco
Don Juan's house, you cannot open.
Sun
Caoayan queling agnataquiling.
(Pang.) Agueo
You cannot look directly at caoayan queling.
Sun
A sort of bambu, of great diameter.
Isbu ti andidit di masirip.
(Iloc.) Ynit
Andidit's urine cannot be looked at.
Sun
The andidit is a cricket. Page 63
Kung ako ay iyong pakatitigan pagkita sa akiy di mapapalaran.
(Tag.) Arao
If you look at me, you cannot see me.
Sun
Nagmulaac iti saba idiay daya saan a nagbunga ta naabac ti cuenta, nagmulaac iti niog idiay laud saan a nagugut ta naabac iti panonotna.
(Iloc.) Ynit quen bulan
I planted a banana in the east and it did not fruit for it lost the count and I planted a cocoanut in the west and it did not sprout because it lost its mind.
Sun and moon
Tapat nga guindadugangan tapat nga nagamag-an.
(Bis.) Buho
The larger it grows, the lighter it becomes.
A hole
Dinan yan penalsay Dios ya say quenantoit maengal?
(Pang.) Abong
What creature of God, having eaten makes a noise?
Ama iti pinarsua ni Apo Dios nga agtagtagari ti quin nanna?
(Iloc.) Balay
What creature of Lord God has talking its food?
House
Ama iti parsua ni Apo Dios nga umona nga agsilia sa agap-ap.
(Iloc.) Balay
What creature of Lord God puts the saddle first and then the blanket?
House
The roof of a house is built before the walls.
Naligo ang Kapitan hindi binasa ang tiyan.
(Tag.) Sahig
The Captain took a bath, but did not wet his belly.
Floor
When being scrubbed with water, the bambu is as promptly dry as a duck's back.
Hindi hayop, hindi tao nag ngangalan nang Tranquilino.
(Tag.) Trangk'a nang pinto
Not animal, not man; its name is Tranquilino.
Lock of door
Mere resemblance in sound between Page 65Tranquilino, a personal name, and Trangka—a lock.
Kung sino ang naunang umakiat siyang nahuli sa lahat.
(Tag.) Pagaatip
He who climbed first became the last.
Nipa thatching
In roofing the work begins at the lower part and ends at the ridge.
Adda ay ayatec nga gayyem (amigo) ngem saanco a cayat a casango.
(Iloc.) Adigi
I have a loving friend but I do not wish to face him.
Post
A post in the house construction. Mothers punish naughty children by standing them in the corner facing the post.
Quimmali siramari quimmagat.
(Iloc.) Adigi
Set into the ground, breaks through, and bites.
Post
A post in house construction meets the requirement. It is firmly planted, penetrates flooring, and clutches and holds a rafter or other pole. Page 66
Atin cung metung a caballero pabanua yang makakabayo, dapot eya mamako.
(Pamp.) Pakabayu ning bubungan
I have a horseman who has been riding for a year but has not gone a bit.
Rider of bambu, over the ridge to keep the nipa from being blown away.
Balubog nang ama mo, pina arawan co.
(Tag.) Palupo nang babay
I let the sunshine on your father's back; i.e. the sun shines on your father's back.
The long poles at the roof crest of the house.
These poles are the “father's back;” they are directly exposed to the sun's rays.
No omoli baro, no omolog balo.
(Iloc.) Atep
When it ascends it is new (young); When it goes down it is a widow.
Minalemae nga agtacop binigatac met nga agpiguis.
(Iloc.) Tandoc
I mend it every evening, I tear it every morning.
Window
Na labi mansacabac; no agueo manpilatae.
(Pang.) Ventana
At night closed; in day open.
Window
Abosta kippit, Comalcalipkip.
(Iloc.) Riquep
Although thin, it can slide.
Window shutter
Ypacapetco toy colisipeo dita bocotmo maimbagan ta nasaquitmo.
(Iloc.) Tandec
I place my colisipco upon your back and it cures your illness.
Cupping-horn
Colisipco is a slender bambu sucking tube. Tandoc is a piece of horn for blood-letting. Page 68
Adda maysa nga amigoc no icaraed cod toy olic, maornos datoy booc.
(Iloc.) Sagaysay
I have a friend and when I arrange my head, my hair is in order.
Comb
Aniat ina ni saba?
(Iloc.) Ni daga
Quet ania met ti amana?
Barrita
What is the mother of the banana?
The earth
And what its father?
Digging-stick
Tombong con tombong manpilicay gustum.
(Pang.) Agniob
Intestine (gut) choose what you want.
Fire-blower
It is a simple tube of bambu.
Magdala ya laman mete, mamita yang laman mabie.
(Pamp.) Mamaduas ing apana ating asan a dumamit.
He carries the flesh of the dead, but seeks the flesh of the living.
Banga sadi Sinait, naapinan ti nangisit.
(Iloc.) Tintiroan
A pot from Sinait, lined with black.
Ink bottle
Adda bassit nga quita nga casla tisa ngem mabalinna nga ayoanan ti maysa nga balasang nga casla mangayoan a cas maysa nga leon.
(Iloc.) Tulbec
There is a little thing like a piece of crayon, but it can guard a lady like a lion.
Key
Hindi madangkal, hindi madipa, pinag-tutuangan nang lima.
(Tag.) Carayom
You can not span it, you cannot measure it by your outstretched arms, and it is being carried by five.
Needle
Begut nc ing andang tinuki ya ing ubingan.
(Pamp.) Carayum ampong sinulad.
He pulled out a stick and it was followed by a snake.
Na una ang trozo sa manghihila.
(Tag.,—also Bis., Pang.) Carayom
The log comes first, then the hauling cable.
Needle (and thread)
Tinoduc ni ampalocneng ti obet ni ampatang quen.
(Iloc.) Dagum
The soft one is thrust through the anus of the hard one.
Needle and thread
Ania nga abut iti tacopan iti iapadana nga abut?
(Iloc.) Iquet
What hole do you mend with holes?
Net
Magmagnaac mangibatbatiac ti magnaac agbalbalicas.
(Iloc.) Pluma
I am walking leaving tracks where I walk.
Pen
Mangipatacderac ti adigi madomadoma a corte.
(Iloc.) Pluma
I set up a post variously cut (fashioned).
The pen of this riddle is the old-time quill pen.
Con uyatan naga lacat; con buhi-an naga liguid.
(Bis.) Pluma
When held it goes; When let loose it lies down.
Pen
Bolong na unas mancancanioas.
(Pang.) Catli
Sugarcane leaves moving crisscross.
Scissors
Pukeng payat nangangagat.
(Tag.) Gunteng
A narrow vagina bites.
Scissors
Maysa nga colibangbang tinaoentaoen nga mangan.
(Iloc.) Raquem
There is a butterfly which is eating every year.
Rice knife
The small knife used to cut rice. Its shape suggests that of a butterfly.
Diac maquita nacamolagatac; no abbongac maquitac.
(Iloc.) Anteojos
I cannot see although my eyes are Page 72wide open; if I cover, I can see.
Spectacles
Diotay pa si compare cahibalo na mag saca sa lubu.
(Bis.) Subay
My compadre is tiny, yet he knows how to climb up a cocoanut tree.
Ant
Bahay ni Man Tute haligue ay bali-bali.
(Tag.) Alimango
House of Mr. Tute, whose rafters are twisted.
Crab
Nano nga pispis nga ua-ay pag lupad, may pac-pac cag may bala-hibu, cag naga butu.
(Bis.) Ulang
What bird is it, having wings cannot fly, which makes its nest and hatches its young under its wings?
Crayfish
No umolog maturog; no umoli tomacqui.
(Iloc.—also Pang.) Alinta
When it goes down, it sleeps; when Page 73it goes up it drops waste matter.
Earthworm
Magmagna mamingpingqui.
(Iloc.) Colalanti
Walking, it strikes fire. Makes a spark.
Fireflies
Con sa latagon palanacal; con sa balay magansal; pero con sa mesa in a ugdang.
(Bis.) Lango
Out in the field she talks too much; In the house she makes much noise; But when at table she is quiet.
Fly
Ang patay nag bata sing buhi, ang buhi nag bata cag ang iya bata iya guin bilin sa patay, cag ang patay amo ang nag buhi sang bata sang buhi.
(Bis.) Langao, uhid, carne
A living thing left its young to a dead thing; this dead thing gave nourishment to the young of the living thing.
Fly, maggots, meat
Siasino iti parsua ni apotayo nga Dios nga casla agropropa a caballo Page 74quet iti payacna casla bulong iti caoayan?
(Iloc.) Dudon
What creature of our Lord God has a face like a horse and wings like bambu leaves?
Grasshopper
Adda maysa nga tumatayal yanna amin nga lugar uray no tayac quen cabaquiran, quet iti rupana rupa iti baca, iti tengnguedna tengngued iti caballo, iti barocongna barocong iti tao, iti payacna casla bolong iti caoayan iti ipusna casla uleg, iti sacana casla saca iti tocling.
(Iloc.) Oasay-oasay
There is a flying thing, which stays anywhere,—even in the forest and tayac; its face is the face of a cow, its neck the neck of a horse, the breast the breast of a man, the wing is like the leaf of a bambu, his tail resembles a snake, and his feet look like the feet of a bird.
Madilim na bundoc hayop na walan buto.
(Tag.) Cutu
Dark mountain—boneless animal.
Louse
Atimon sa cagulangan ua-ay alipopo-an.
(Bis.) Lusa
Melon of the wilderness without a stem.
Nit
Ating metung a cacanan ing queang pengan marayu ya qung atian.
(Pamp.) Paro
There is a certain thing to eat; its fleshiness is far from its belly.
Shrimp
Ing labuad nang quebaitan yang ena na buring balicad, uling ing hie na carin mipalamang.
(Pamp.) Yamuc
He does not like to return to the land where he was born for there he will meet his fate.
Mosquito
Born of water; he drowns in water. Page 76
Aling hayop dito sa mundo, ang inilalakad ay ulo?
(Tag.) Suso
What animal in this world walks with his head?
Snail
Maysa a naparato ti catayna pagsilona.
(Iloc.) Laoalaoa
A joker uses his spittle for a snare.
Spider
Ating palacio mitmu yang cuartu, balang metung a cuartu maqui metung yang curatu.
(Pamp.) Calaba ning tainumu, o panilan.
There is a palace full of rooms, each containing a priest.
Honeycomb
Aroi Dom Pedro, hindi macolabas sa carcel?
(Tag.) Tinik
Oh! Don Pedro, why don't you get out of prison?
Sting
Tinik means either a sting of an insect or the thorn of a plant. It is the sting or thorn which here is considered in prison and exhorted to escape. Page 77
Metung a butil a pale kitmu ne ing bale.
(Pamp.) Sumbu
A single grain of rice, filled the whole house.
A lamp
Memala ya ing labak meto ya ing tugak.
(Pamp.) Sumbu
The swamp dried up and the frog died.
An oil lamp
Adda lognac quen adda met agtaytayab daytoy nga agtaytayab aggiyan ditoy nga lognac quet no mamamagaan daytoy nga lognaquen matay met datoy agtaytayaben.
(Iloc.) Lamparaan
There is a pond and a bird; this bird lives in the pond. When the pond dries up, the bird dies.
Lamp
Aniat casam itan ti nasamit?
(Iloc.) Ayat
What is the sweetest of the sweet?
Ania ti ayat nga agmalmalem?
(Iloc.) Ti apagcascasar
What love lasts all day?
Of those just married
Ramaycot panagaladco luac ti panagsibugco.
(Iloc.) Panangasaoa
I fence with my fingers; I water with my tears.
To marry
Nag molaac iti masetas ditoy locong iti dacolapco iti pinag si bogco toy loac quet iti pinamorosco toy matac.
(Iloc.) Nagayanayat
I planted a plant in the midst of the palm of my hand, I watered it with my tears, I gathered it with my eyes.
Loving each other
Acoi nag tanim nang dayap sa gitna nang dagat marami ang nahanap, iisa ang naka palad.
(Tag.,—also Iloc.) Dalaga
I planted a lemon tree in the middle of the sea many sought it only one found it.
Oalay saquey ya dalayap temmobod puegley na dayat amayamay ya manped peraod sac sacquey so acagaoat.
(Pang.) Panangasasa
There is a lemon-tree growing in the middle of the sea; many people desire to take it, but cannot; only one person can succeed.
Your sister
To be married.
Mig quera cu babo ebus, lalam sasa cu me tudtud.
(Pamp.) Dase
I lay down upon the buri, under the nipa I slept.
Petate
The sleeping mat is laid down upon the floor (of buri); the roof is of nipa.
Sa gabey dagat sa arao ay bumbong.
(Tag.) Baneg
At night it is a sea, in the day it is the bambu carry-tube.
Petate
The petate is the sleeping mat of rushes; in the day-time it is rolled up and set away; at night it is unrolled and spread Page 80upon the floor. The word sea is often used for any extended or flat surface.
No aldao tubong no rabii dadali.
(Iloc.) Icamen
If day a tube; if night a flounder.
Sleeping mat=petate
Quitquitaec quet quitaennac; no cataoaac cataoaan nac.
(Iloc.) Espejo
I am looking at it, and it looks at me; if I laugh, it laughs.
Mirror
Guerret nga agpucpuc-cao, agpucpuc-cao a guerret.
(Iloc.) Tambor
Guerret crying, crying guerret.
Drum
Guerret is a section cut transversely from a fish. It has somewhat the shape of a drum.
Ania ti pinarsua ni Apo Dios nga iti ngioat na adda ti tian-na maymaysa taequiag na, quen ti ramay na adda ti bocot ti dacolapna, quen naquinruar ti baguisna.
There is a creature made by Lord God whose mouth is in his belly; he has one arm and his fingers are in his back; and his intestines are outside.
Guitar
Secal que batal legari que atian, ginulisac yang masican.
(Pamp.) Dibil
I choked him, I sawed him across the belly, he screamed furiously.
Violin
Bibingca nang hari, hindi mo mahati.
(Tag.) Tubig
The king's cake, you cannot divide it.
Water
No tinagbat, nagpiglat.
(Iloc.) Danom
If you chop it, it heals at once.
Water
Ing inda maging anak ya, ing anak maging inda ya.
(Pamp.) Yelo
The mother becomes the daughter and the daughter becomes the mother.
Siac nacaquitaac iti siam abilit quet pinaltogac iti lima mano iti natedda?
(Iloc.) Lima
I saw nine birds; I shot five of them; how many were left?
Five
The dead ones: the rest flew away.
Ang madamu guina dugangan, pero ang diotay guina buhinan.
(Bis.) Ang pag limas sang tubi sa sulod sang sacayan.
The greater is increased, the smaller is diminished.
When water is pumped out of a boat.
Ang iya olo sapat, ang iya lanao cahoy cag ang iya icog tauo.
(Bis.) Carabao arado cog tauo.
His head is an animal, his body is wood and his tail is man.
Plowing
Adda tallo nga caquita; dadiay immona magmagna nga aoan tagarina; Page 83dadiay maicadua mangmangan quet; dadiay maicatlo magmagna nga tomanagari.
(Iloc.) Agarado
There are three things; the first is walking without talking; the second is eating; the third is walking and talking.
Plowing
The carabao, the plow, and the man.
Manoc cong pute, nag talon sa pusale.
(Tag.) Hugas bigas
My white chicken jumped into the puddle.
Rice-washing
The water that runs from rice washing is white; it falls from the kitchen down into the accumulated water under the house.
Ania ti aramid ti babay a dina malpas?
(Iloc.) Abel
What woman's work is never finished?
Weaving
There is always a lower edge which cannot be woven. Page 84
Acoi nag tanem nang sile sa tabe nang catre, ang idinileg coi, puro ang ibinungay diamante.
(Tag.) Bata
I planted a pepper near a bed, I watered it with honor, it yielded a precious jewel.
Baby
Con mag atubang si tatay; apang con mag talicud si nanay.
(Bis.) Insik
If it faces you it is your father; but if it turns its back it is your mother.
Chinaman
Seen from before the general appearance is that of a man; from behind, a woman.
Taung inucul dang loco, dapot ing dapat na mibulalag quing yatu.
(Pamp.) Cristobal Colon
One whom they thought a fool, his work beeame world-known.
Columbus
Nag habla ang may sala nag tago ang justicia.
The culprit appears in court, the justice is hidden.
The Confessional
The person confessing is plainly seen; the priest receiving the confession is out of sight.
Nagmolaac iti pipino idiay arisadsad ti convento dimet nagbunga ti pipino no di Sto. Cristo.
(Iloc.) Natay
I planted a pip near the convent but it did not produce a squash but Sto. Cristo.
A dead person
Ania ti ringgor nga saan nga agtaud ti dila?
(Iloc.) Umel
What quarrel is not made with the tongue?
A dumb man's
Sin-o ang napatay nga guin lubung sa tiyan sang iya nanay?
(Bis.) Pari
Who died, who was buried in his mother's bosom?
Friar
He was buried in the church.
Duro co nga dalagan pero ua-ay aco dinalaganan?
(Bis.) Naga sacay sa duyan Page 86
Who was running fast but did not move from where he started?
One in a hammock
Ing makalub makalual ya, ing makalual makalub ya.
(Pamp.) Ing inda ampo ing anak.
What was exposed is inside, what was inside is exposed.
Mother and babe, when the latter is baptized.
The mother stays at home in the house.
Pinonggosco a pinongos bino caycayan iti Dios.
(Iloc.) Masicog
I grasped and grasped and God loosed it.
Pregnant woman
Ania ti anac a mangisquis quen mana.
(Iloc.) Ti mangrarit ti piracna.
What child shaves his mother?
Who spends her money
Aniat baybay a di aglippias?
(Iloc.) Ti Quinaquirmet
What sea does not overflow?
Though he has abundance he gives out none.
Con tulcon nimo uala sia pag pahuay sang lacat apang uala man sing limacatan.
(Bis.) Manoghabol
She appears to be always walking, but after all is still in her place as before.
A weaver
Deli queenteng kaballero rianu mang tiknang an nang palacio, agad yanag malaso.
(Pamp.) Balite
A gallant horseman causes any castle in which he is to crumble to pieces.
The Balite
This is the great parasitic fig, which encloses other trees in its embrace.
Adda maysa nga cayo nga bulong nga bulong di met agsabong; sanga nga sanga dimet agbunga.
(Iloc.) Caoayan
There is a plant that produces leaves after leaves, but no flowers; branches after branches, but no fruit.
Siroc iti balay ti bacnang di macaycayan.
(Iloc.) Bulong ti caoayan
Under the bacnang's house it cannot be clean.
Bambu leaves
Nab-barnasi sin accab-bing-nga udde sicuana.
(Gad.,—also Iloc., Pang., Bis.) Ufud.
When newly-born, well dressed, but when he gets old he is naked.
Bambu shoot
The bud is covered with a down, which disappears.
Nang munte ay may tapis, nang lumaki ay bulisles.
(Tag.) Caoayan
When young she wore a tapis; when grown she is unclad
Bambu shoot
The tapis is the most characteristic part of the woman's dress. It is a wide band of dark cloth (black or brown) worn over the other clothing, around the whole middle part of the body. Page 89
Nanganak ang virgen itinapon ang lampen.
(Tag.) Sagueng
The virgin gave birth to a child and threw away the blanket.
Banana
Nanganak ang asuang sa tuktok nagdaan.
(Tag.) Sagueng
An asuang gave birth to a child from the top.
Banana
Naguit-log ni cannaoay inocopan ni teg-gaac idi cuan guiaoen ni oac ti nagtaraquen.
(Iloc.) Saba
A stork laid an egg; the crane hatched a lark from it; the crow took care of the young.
Banana
Sancadaoa sangalabba.
(Iloc.) Sangcabulig a saba
A seed-bearing stem; one fills a basket.
Bunch of bananas
Macagto sa simbahan si Mary, pito o ualo ang iya saya.
(Tag.) Puso
Mary is going to church having seven or eight shirts.
The bud is wrapped or folded within a number of bracts.
Adda puso a maysa dagat nag apuanna alupasit naglasatanna.
(Iloc.) Puso ti saba
There is a heart that came from the earth and pushed up through alupasit.
The heart of the banana
Alupasit is banana fibre.
Caballo moreno umosoc idiay ngato.
(Iloc.) Sabonganay ti saba
The red horse comes out upward.
Banana flowers
Isda co sa Sapa-sapa sapin-sapin ang taba.
(Tag.) Saha nang saguing
My fish in Sapa-sapa has manifold layers of fat.
Stem of banana
The stem of a banana cut through shows in wrapping layers, not unlike fat.
Dasug ca kaka, libutad ya y inda.
(Pamp.) Saging ampo ding sui na
Move on my brother, let mother be in the middle.
A banana plant and its suckers Page 91
The new ones displace the older ones, pushing them outward.
Ang puno lubi; ang dahon espada; ang bunga bala.
(Bis.) Cahoy ngaburi
The trunk cocoanut; the leaves swords; the fruit bullets.
Buri palm
Angibitinac na liquen tangtanga yey mamasiquen.
(Pang.) Camantilis
I was hung by a potring; the old men looked up at me.
Camachili
The pendent fruit suggests the riddle.
Nano nga sapat nga ang iya palod hayang pero ang iya tudlo culub?
(Bis.) Packing sang lubi
What animal is it which has its palm upside up but its fingers upside down?
Cocoanut leaves
Payung y Santa Maria amena mabata.
(Gad.) Tafal
Saint Mary's umbrella cannot be wetted.
This is the cultivated plant commonly known as taro. Its great leaf sheds water perfectly.