Nuno

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Nuno


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A Nuno or Nuno sa Punso is a dwarf-like creature of Philippine mythology, one which is mostly invisible to the human eye. This creature resides on an anthill called a punso. Nuno's appearance is that of an old man whose face resembles that of a dwarf. The term "nuno" also refers to old relatives or great-grandparents in Filipino dialect.
Mythology claims that "Nuno sa Punso" harms individuals if someone disturbs them or destroys the anthill. Children are the most frequent victims with retaliation against whichever part of the body did the damage.
For example, if a person destroyed their home by kicking it, the offending foot would swell. Worse, a Nuno sa Punso might be found in places other than anthills such as under a large rock, under a tree, along the bank of a river, inside a cave or even in one's backyard.
If modern medicine is unable to cure the illness, one must assume the illness was brought on by a Nuno. The victim should then be brought to an albularyo (practitioner of traditional medicine). The albularyo will do a simple ceremony called tawas in which a piece of a candle is melted on a disc or spoon. Once melted, the wax is poured on water. An image will appear in the wax, either that of a Nuno or of a certain place or situation. The image will be interpreted to determine the possible cause of the sickness.
In order to be cured, the victim's family will provide an offering to the Nuno such as fruit or other food, drinks or a material object. If the victim is still not cured, it may be necessary to personally ask the Nuno's forgiveness. This is a wise measure because the worst punishment a Nuno can bestow is possession by an evil spirit. The victim acts as though insane and could hurt others as well.
To avoid the wrath of a Nuno sa Punso, children are always reminded not to play outside between noon and three. They are also asked to be in the house by six. Though children are free to play, they are cautioned not to be noisy in places a Nuno might dwell. They are further cautioned to ask permission to pass by such places, especially in an unfamiliar area by saying the phrase, "tabi tabi po" which means "please let me pass by" or "please move out of the way as I pass through your territory."