limokon

The omen bird of the Mandaya. The bird, a dove, is believed to be a messenger from the spirit world. Its calls warn people of danger or promise them success. If the coo comes from the right side, it is a good sign, but it is considered a bad sign if it comes from the left, back, or front. In that case the Mandaya knows that he must change his plans.

Among the Bagobo too the limokon is believed to be used by the spirits to communicate with mortals. They know and respect its call. If a man is about to buy or trade for an article and the bird gives its warning the sale is stopped. See also labeug, koling, and salaksak.

In ancient times the limokon were very powerful and could talk like men, though they looked like birds. One limokon laid two eggs, one at the mouth of the Mayo River and one farther up its course. The eggs hatched and the one at the mouth of the river became a man, called Begenday, and the other a woman, called Mag. Begenday, who had become lonely, traveled up the river and found the women. They became the ancestors of the Mandaya.

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