The Legend of the Coconut Tree
In the old days there was no coconut. But there was a
kindhearted family.
The father, Iyog, was a carpenter who built sturdy houses.
Whenever a typhoon visited the town, the houses swayed with
the wind but they never crumbled.
The mother, Niyang, was seamstress. She could easily
weave any material into a fabric. The whole town was impressed
with her work.
The couple dearly loved their only child Uko. They were
always together, at play or at work, from breakfast till bedtime.
Uko was an industrious and cheerful boy. Each morning he
would go to the brook and fetch water for their kitchen. He would
also fill the jar of their elderly neighbor. Being helpful was
inherent in Iyogs family. Every time a townsfolk was in need of
help, it was Iyogs family that was called in first to help.
Because of this, the central district of the town was named
after Iyogs family, in appreciation of their kindheartedness. Aside
from that, Iyog was chosen as the town chief.
But not all the townspeople were impressed with Iyogs
family. There was one who was jealous the witch Unyang.
I should be the one reaping admiration because I have
powers over everyone else! she said to herself, overcome with
envy. I can heal the sick!
But you always demand a live chicken in exchange for
every act of your kindness, Unyang, the gecko clinging to a trunk
said.
Thats beside the point. I should be the one lavished with
praise. I should be the town chief, Unyang said.
How can that be? Youll never get the sympathy of the
townspeople. They are in awe of the kindheartedness of Iyog,
Niyang and Uko, not in your ferocity, chided the frog as it hopped
and jumped.
Its impossible for you to become nice. Kindness comes
from within, and you lack it, hissed the snake, eyeing with
interest the chicken inside a ruined cage.
In that case, Im going to get their kindness and make it
mine. Ill suck and swallow it, Unyang said.
That remains to be seen. You know very well Iyogs family
should wholeheartedly give you that kindness, said the slippery
grass lizard that suddenly appeared on the rocks.
Youre in for a difficult task, Unyang!
In unison, the foul-smelling creatures that lived in the witchs
cave laughed mockingly.
Be quiet! Or Ill devour you all for my breakfast! The
creatures scrambled to safety in every nook and cranny.
Uko was on his way home after fetching water from the
brook when Unyang suddenly appeared on his path. Uko was
taken aback when he saw the monstrous witch.
Ill give you all the water you need in exchange for your
diligence. You wont have to fetch water anymore. All you have to
do is wish for it and it will come to you on its own accord, the
witch said enticingly.
Overcome with fear, Uko cried. I wont! I refuse!
Niyang immediately came to her sons rescue. She had been
gathering abaca.
A-ha, Niyang! I also have something to propose to you, the
witch said. Give me the love you have for other people and Ill
give you servants in return. Your hands will no longer suffer from
hard work.
I refuse, Niyang answered. What are hands for if not for
working? Iyog arrived from gathering firewood. What are you
doing to my wife and son, Unyang?
I need your helpfulness, Iyog. Give it to me. In return, I shall
give you a house so big youll never be able to build it even in
your dreams.
We dont need a big house, Unyang, Iyog refused. We are
already contented being together in our small home.
Unyang was enraged. Youll pay dearly for turning me
down!
As the witchs anger exploded, she spewed out black smoke,
a swarm of insects and a blinding red light.
The smoke, the insects and the light enveloped Iyogs family.
Slowly, they strangled melted and crushed each member of
the family. The witch laughed heartily. Now theres no one else to
be praised except me! Unyang shouted at the shocked
townspeople.
Everyone was dumbfounded when a tree slowly sprouted
from the ground. It grew taller and taller. Leaves like human
hands also sprouted. And the tree suddenly bore large round
fruits. Utterly amazed, Unyang failed to dodge the fruits as they
fell quickly one after the other. She lost consciousness. The
townspeople seized the opportunity. They tied up the witch and
dumped her far from the town so that she would no longer cause
them any harm.
In time, Iyog and Niyangs tree came to be called niyog
(coconut). The fruit was called buko (young coconut fruit). And
the coconut has always been called the tree of life.
