The Sarimanok is a legendary bird hailing from the stories of the Maranao peoples (in Mindanao). It is a totem bird called Itotoro, which is a medium to the spirit work, linked by its unseen spirit twin, Inikadowa. Sarimanok is usually depicted as a fowl with colorful wings and feathery tail, holding a fish in its beak or talons. Motifs of the sarimanok are found as carved totems or imagery rich with scroll, leaf, and spiral motifs. It is said to be a symbol of good fortune.
The legend of the Sarimanok tells of a sultan's daughter, Sari. She was loved by her father and the people due to her beauty and kindness. On her 18th birthday, the sultan threw a feast to celebrate. In the middle of the feast, a manok (chicken) with bright, glowing feathers flew in, interrupting the celebration. It transformed into a handsome prince.
The prince announced that he had been watching and protecting Sari from the day she was born. Now, as Sari enters adulthood, it was time for him to take her away. He transformed back into the colorful fowl, taking Sari, and flying away into the sun. The prince and the princess were never seen again.
In his grief, the sultan found the best craftsman to carve an image of the mystical bird. Maybe it was easier for him to remember the bird, instead of his daughter...
Some stories say the Sarimanok is a reincarnation of a goddess who fell in love with a mortal man.
The spread of Islam, particularly in Southern Philippines, brought another legend to the region. The prophet Muhammad found a bird in the first of the Seven Heavens. The bird was so large that its crest touched the second Heaven. Its crow would rouse every living creature except man. It would finally stop crowing on the Day of Resurrection.
We don't (currently) have any Sarimanok totems, but we do have a sticker to bring around luck and fortune everywhere you go!