Sarimanok

The Sarimanok (pronounced sá·ri·ma·nók), also known in its feminine form as papanok, is a legendary bird deeply rooted in the mythology and culture of the Maranao people of Mindanao, a southern island in the Philippines. The name derives from two words: sari, meaning "assorted" or "varied," and manok, which originally meant "bird" in early Spanish colonial records, though it now commonly refers to "chicken." Thus, the Sarimanok is often described as a “bird or chicken of many colors.”

The Sarimanok is a central symbol in Maranao art and tradition, often portrayed as a vividly colored bird with elaborate wings and a flowing, feathered tail. It is typically shown grasping a fish in its beak or talons, and its head is adorned with intricate designs—featuring scrolls, leaves, and spiral motifs. This mythical creature is widely regarded as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.

Its origins trace back to the Itotoro, a totemic bird in Maranao belief. The Itotoro is thought to act as an intermediary between the human world and the spirit realm, linked to its unseen spiritual twin, a bird known as Inikadowa.

Later Islamic influences added another layer to the Sarimanok’s mythology. One legend recounts that the Prophet Muhammad encountered a colossal rooster in the first of the seven heavens—so vast that its crest touched the second heaven. This heavenly bird's crowing stirred all living beings except humans. It is said that the Day of Resurrection will arrive when this celestial rooster falls silent.