Last edited on 5/07/2023
Nuno sa Punso
There is a popular saying in the Philippines that goes, “Tabi tabi po Nuno,” which translates to “Please let me pass, Nuno.” Legend has it that this phrase or asking for permission around an anthill or termite mound will protect you from the wrath of a creature called the Nuno. Also known as “Nuno sa Punso,” which translates to “old man of the anthill.”[1] They are dwarf-like size shifters[7] who are known to live in mansions disguised as anthills[6] but are also believed to live in other places, like underneath large rocks, trees, mushrooms, riverbanks, caves, or even in your backyard.[1] People have described them as looking like a small old man with a long beard. They are ugly and easily offended.[7]
Nunos are different from a “dwende” or dwarf. They are known to be territorial and vengeful beings. These creatures protect their homes and their honor well. If they feel either of these have been disrespected, they will curse you as long as you are within proximity to them.[1] Nuno curses range from swelling or pain in a part of the body to vomiting blood to urinating black liquids. They can even permanently possess a person, and this can later cause insanity.[3] A Nuno’s spirit and soul are connected to ants, and that is probably the reason they choose to primarily live in anthills. This connection has given them the added ability to control ants.[7]
Many people believe in the existence of this creature, so children are often warned not to play outside between noon and 3 p.m. and are told to be home by 6 p.m. They must avoid being noisy and disruptive in places where Nunos may live. They must always ask for permission before passing these creatures home.[1] You’ll often hear elders say, “Huwag kang turo nang turo, baka ka manuno.” Which means, “Don’t point your fingers; you might get cursed by a Nuno.”[5] People who are cursed or punished by a Nuno are referred to as “namatanda.”[4]
Although this creature is famous for its anger and vengefulness, Nunos are actually protectors of the Earth.[3] They have the power to endow wealth and give warnings about future events.[5] They also have the ability to sense the goodness and the bad within a person. If a soul radiates purity, they will feel it, and, often times, they will reveal themselves. If they sense skepticism, cynicism, or darkness, they will avoid you or even make you sick to keep you away from their home.[3]
If you ever find yourself cursed by a Nuno, there are a few things you can do. Many people believe that they are partial to bigger women and that you can ease their anger with the attention of a BBW.[1] However, what most people choose to do is to go to an “albularyo” which are faith healers. Albularyos can heal the affected area by wrapping it in some form of leaves and oils while saying a prayer and asking for forgiveness from the Nuno.[2] These faith healers will go through a process called “pagtatawas” to diagnose the victims. In this ritual, they take burning “tawas” or a candle that they will melt and pour onto a spoon. The wax is then dribbled slowly into a bowl of water. They will then read and interpret the shapes that the wax hardened into for the diagnosis.[1] The victims’ family may be asked to provide offerings like fruits, other food, drinks, or some material object for the Nuno.[3] It is also possible to kill a Nuno by capturing it and crushing its head with your fingers or in between your thighs. This will reverse its curse, but it could cause anger and revenge from the Nuno’s friends and family. [1]
Nunos are different from a “dwende” or dwarf. They are known to be territorial and vengeful beings. These creatures protect their homes and their honor well. If they feel either of these have been disrespected, they will curse you as long as you are within proximity to them.[1] Nuno curses range from swelling or pain in a part of the body to vomiting blood to urinating black liquids. They can even permanently possess a person, and this can later cause insanity.[3] A Nuno’s spirit and soul are connected to ants, and that is probably the reason they choose to primarily live in anthills. This connection has given them the added ability to control ants.[7]
Many people believe in the existence of this creature, so children are often warned not to play outside between noon and 3 p.m. and are told to be home by 6 p.m. They must avoid being noisy and disruptive in places where Nunos may live. They must always ask for permission before passing these creatures home.[1] You’ll often hear elders say, “Huwag kang turo nang turo, baka ka manuno.” Which means, “Don’t point your fingers; you might get cursed by a Nuno.”[5] People who are cursed or punished by a Nuno are referred to as “namatanda.”[4]
Although this creature is famous for its anger and vengefulness, Nunos are actually protectors of the Earth.[3] They have the power to endow wealth and give warnings about future events.[5] They also have the ability to sense the goodness and the bad within a person. If a soul radiates purity, they will feel it, and, often times, they will reveal themselves. If they sense skepticism, cynicism, or darkness, they will avoid you or even make you sick to keep you away from their home.[3]
If you ever find yourself cursed by a Nuno, there are a few things you can do. Many people believe that they are partial to bigger women and that you can ease their anger with the attention of a BBW.[1] However, what most people choose to do is to go to an “albularyo” which are faith healers. Albularyos can heal the affected area by wrapping it in some form of leaves and oils while saying a prayer and asking for forgiveness from the Nuno.[2] These faith healers will go through a process called “pagtatawas” to diagnose the victims. In this ritual, they take burning “tawas” or a candle that they will melt and pour onto a spoon. The wax is then dribbled slowly into a bowl of water. They will then read and interpret the shapes that the wax hardened into for the diagnosis.[1] The victims’ family may be asked to provide offerings like fruits, other food, drinks, or some material object for the Nuno.[3] It is also possible to kill a Nuno by capturing it and crushing its head with your fingers or in between your thighs. This will reverse its curse, but it could cause anger and revenge from the Nuno’s friends and family. [1]
Source
- https://mythology.wikia.org/wiki/Nuno_sa_Punso
- http://folklore.usc.edu/the-curse-of-the-nuno-sa-punso/
- https://en.m.wikipedia. I org/wiki/Nuno_sa_punso
- http://lopezkyles.blogspot.com/2016/02/nuno-sa-punso.html?m=1
- http://www.wazzuppilipinas.com/2017/03/the-700-club-asia-unveils-5-truths.html?m=1
- https://mythmuseum.weebly.com/nuno-sa-punso.html
- https://myth-lord.tumblr.com/post/144546895214/name-nuno-alternate-names-nuno-sa-punso-old-man/amp