Binukot

Binukot (Hiligaynon: confined, secluded or restricted) is a cultural practice in Philippines that dates back to Pre-hispanic times that continuous to present times. most popular among the people of Central Panay or the Panay Bukidnon to keep women from public eye from early childhood.

Etymology

Binukot is indicated as an adjective that means confined, secluded, restricted. Its root, bukot, is denoted as “be blanketing, be swaddling oneself” while bukotán is a verb that means “to blanket, swathe, swaddle” much like an infant or a sick person.

The Practice

The Binukot or Binukotan is a pre-hispanic practice in the Philippine archipelago that exist up to this day; the tribe or the community chooses the most beautiful girl or boy to be secluded; this seclusion is for the protection and for prestige of the highborns. He or she will be secluded and be well-kept and pampered and treasured, and to some point revered.

The female Binukot is isolated by her parents from the rest of the household at 3 or 4 years old. She is not exposed to the sun, not allowed to work, and is even accompanied by her parents when she takes a bath. This results in a fair, frail, fine-complexioned and long-haired woman. As she stays at home most of the time, her parents and grandparents entertain her with various oral lores and traditional dances. This makes the Binukot excellent epic chanters and repositories of their history.