aswang
aswang n.
- A malevolent nocturnal being in Boie’nen folklore, commonly imagined as a humanlike creature that goes out at night to hunt, abduct, kill, or consume people. It may fly or possess extraordinary powers and may appear outwardly human while concealing its supernatural nature.
- A person believed or accused to be such a creature.
Extended definition:
In traditional stories, an aswang may live among other aswangs, leave its dwelling after dark, and return before daybreak carrying human victims. Some narratives describe special ways of preventing a slain aswang from returning to life, such as applying lemoncito or kalamansi juice to its wounds.
Example:
Sinaklot nyo aswang si Ipay lalaylalay toyatey sa baxey nira sa kagebgeban.
“The aswang carried Ipay away to their house in the mountains.”
Usage note:
The word refers to a culturally specific supernatural being and should not automatically be translated simply as witch, vampire, ghoul, or monster. These English terms express only parts of the traditional concept.
Semantic domain: Folklore · supernatural beings · malevolent spirits
Cross-references: demonyo “demon”; diablo “devil”; santelmo “apparition or wandering supernatural light”
Source note: Featured in Benjamin A. Claveria’s traditional narrative “The Aswang and the Paratagak.”
LD DOMAIN: Spirituality and Religion
BOIE’NEN DOMAIN: Folklore and Oral Tradition
SUBDOMAIN: Supernatural being