Amihan (mythology)

Amihan is a Tagalog deity and the name of the northeast monsoon in the Philippines. In Philippine mythology, particularly among the Tagalog people, Amihan is often depicted as a genderless or androgynous deity, sometimes associated with the creation myth. Amihan is believed to be the first being created by the supreme god Bathala and played a crucial role in the emergence of the world.

Amihan's primary role is the bringer of the northeast wind. In Tagalog culture, this wind is associated with the cooler, drier season, which is an important part of the agricultural cycle. It brings relief from the heat and moisture of the other seasons.

In some accounts, Amihan is described as a bird-like being who, upon the creation of the world, flew between the sky and the sea, causing the waves to crash and eventually creating land. It is said that Amihan sought a place to land and eventually stirred up the waters, leading to the formation of the first island, Luzon.

Other variations of the creation myth suggest Amihan, feeling loneliness, sought to create other beings. This is sometimes associated with the creation of the first humans, or the creation of other deities.

While not always a central figure in every version of the Philippine creation narrative, Amihan represents a key element: the wind and its life-giving properties. Amihan's genderless representation reflects a more fluid understanding of creation and nature in early Philippine beliefs. The stories of Amihan continue to be retold, preserving the cultural heritage and understanding of the natural world within Filipino mythology.