"The stories playing around the Santo Niño have a distinct human interest angle in the Catholic faithful as they usually involve the booming of business, healing of the sick, passing of the board exam, resolution of marital problems, among others.
This image of the Santo Niño is being transformed into a work of art - a model of intricately beaded ceremonial garments.
"The Santo Niño devotion is a famous spiritual heritage spread all throughout the Philippines and there are Filipinos who unquestionably attribute the miraculous powers of the infant Jesus, locally known as the Santo Niño even to the simplest of things."
The costume that is being fitted on the figure is the cultural pride of the Gaddang tribe of Paracelis, Mountain Province in the Northern Philippines.
"Exquisite beadwork are trademarks of the Gaddang textiles."
It has a lavish embroidery in bright, fiery colors.
It is carefully done on handwoven cloth.
"Most ceremonial garments have beaded seams and the front flaps of male G-strings as well as male kerchiefs and shirts may display intricate beadwork."
The cape which symbolizes the wings has feather-like designs.
This is worn by the male.
The beaded kerchief is put on like a crown.
The tassles are made to hang over the face.
Garbed to soar like a bird.
Ready to fly and conquer.
It is a simulated bird dance.
Done through a ritual.
In rhythm with the beating of gongs.
In fellowship with the whole community.
Dressed up, this image is a novelty, a treasure to keep as a collection. But Roman Catholic devotees regard this figure not as a mere toy but an image that they revere.
The Gaddang spirituality however is animistic.
Honoring the Santo Niño is not part of their cultural tradition.
Although most of them at this time are baptised as Christians.
Although most of them at this time are baptised as Christians.
"The stories playing around the Santo Niño have a distinct human interest angle in the Catholic faithful as they usually involve the booming of business, healing of the sick, passing of the board exam, resolution of marital problems, among others.
This would possibly explain why many Catholic devotees have transformed the Santo Niño into a work of art—perhaps a doll to play around with to serve as the hapless model of their creation and what can only be surmised as towering fashion innovation."
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| Acknowledgements: Graal Cawed, owner of *Topskill and her staff dressing up a Gaddang Santo Niño. She had a costumer from Pampanga who ordered the Gaddang costume on the maniquin. *TOPSKILL - Shop is located at the 3rd Floor of Porta Vaga, Upper Session Road, Baguio City, Philippines
Quotes from the article on the Santo Niño by The Freeman, Philstar .
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Quotes from the article on GADDANG by Mary Christine Abriza