Should I Be Scared of Trees That Fireflies Visit at Night?

Hello Science Fans!

It’s almost Halloween, which comes just before the All Saints Day and All Souls Day holidays in the Philippines. These are nonworking holidays to allow us to honor our dead, which means a lot of us in the cities will be flocking to our hometowns in different provinces.

Whenever we go home, I love hearing about local myths and stories about ghosts, spirits, and monsters. And one I remember very well until now is a story about the balete or banyan tree in our village. At night it would be lit up — not by electric lights — but by fireflies. Our elders would tell us to stay away from the tree because of it, because the fireflies indicate that the tree is the home of various spirits or supernatural entities and any damage we were to inflict — consciously or not — on the tree would cause their wrath to be directed to us.

Scary, right? But is it really just a myth or could some of it have some truth in it?

Check out our short video on the topic below:

Or you can also read on!

Before I try and answer this question using science, let me first say hi to our new viewers.

Hello everyone, my name is Chona and I’m your resident Filipina scientist.

I’m a researcher who loves to go on field and I love hearing about unique traditions and stories in the places we visit.

I’m also a teacher who believes that by discussing science within stories makes it easier to understand and remember.

And SHE-ensya is my science communication channel where I love discussing the science in everyday things.

Should we really be scared of fireflies and balete trees?

Fireflies and banyan trees on their own do not cause harm to humans. If you’re mindful of the various insects and creatures that live in the tree, you could approach it, touch it even, without being harmed or getting sick. In fact, fireflies and banyan trees play important ecological roles in their respective ecosystems:

Fireflies are often effective pollinators, especially for plants that bloom at night. Their nocturnal activities involve visiting flowers for nectar and inadvertently transferring pollen between flowers, aiding in plant reproduction. Fireflies are also sensitive to changes in their habitat, such as pollution and habitat destruction. Their presence or absence can serve as an indicator of the overall health of an ecosystem. A decline in firefly populations can signal environmental disturbances.

Firefly larvae are carnivorous and feed on other insects, such as snails and slugs, which can be pests in agricultural settings. By controlling the populations of these pests, fireflies indirectly benefit crop growth. In turn, firefly larvae and adults serve as a food source for various predators, including birds and spiders. They are part of the food web in their ecosystems, contributing to the diet of many other species.

Firefly larvae contribute to decomposition by consuming organic matter. They break down dead leaves and detritus, which helps recycle nutrients back into the soil, benefiting plant growth.

On the other hand, banyan trees, with their extensive aerial roots and large canopies, provide shelter and habitat for a wide variety of organisms. Birds, insects, bats, and epiphytic plants often make their homes in banyan trees. The dense foliage of banyan trees creates a microclimate beneath them, offering cooler temperatures and higher humidity. This can be essential for various plants and animals, especially in hot and arid regions.

The extensive root system of banyan trees helps prevent soil erosion. Their roots bind the soil together, reducing the risk of landslides and maintaining soil integrity. Banyan trees contribute to nutrient cycling by shedding leaves, fruits, and other organic matter. These materials decompose, enriching the soil with nutrients and organic carbon. The fruits of banyan trees are a source of food for various animals, including birds and mammals. This helps disperse seeds and supports the survival of these species.

Perhaps the legends that grew around fireflies and banyan trees highlight their importance to the environment. This tale can be seen as a warning against recklessly cutting down trees and disturbing natural habitats. We should be careful around areas where we see them so that we can protect and preserve these parts of our forests and our communities so that the fireflies and the balete trees can fulfill their ecological functions. These myths also underscore the deep connection between the natural world and the imagination of the people, reminding us of the importance of preserving and cherishing the environment.

But beyond this, we have more scary creatures and stories that reflect the state of science at the time they became popular.

The Manananggal is a terrifying creature in Philippine folklore, often depicted as a woman who can detach her upper body and fly around at night with bat-like wings. She is known for her penchant for sucking the blood of pregnant women. This myth could be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of parasitic creatures, like mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases like malaria and dengue fever. It can also be seen as a symbol of the dangers associated with pregnancy and childbirth in a time when medical care was limited, and maternal mortality rates were higher.

In turn, we have the Tiyanak, a demonic infant that appears as an innocent baby to lure unsuspecting victims into the forest. Once someone picks up the Tiyanak, it transforms into a monstrous creature. This myth could be seen as a warning against wandering into the wilderness, where one might encounter real dangers like wild animals or one could also get lost.

For those who love forests and mountains, you might have heard of Dalakitnon and the Tikbalang. The Dalakitnon is a creature that dwells in the mountains of the Philippines and is said to be a protector of the forests. While it may not be inherently scary, stories about the Dalakitnon emphasize the importance of respecting natural habitats and not disturbing the balance of the ecosystem. The Tikbalang is a half-horse, half-human creature that resides in forests and mountains. It is believed to be a guardian of the environment. Stories about the Tikbalang may encourage people to treat the natural world with respect and caution when venturing into the wilderness.

And as someone who loves the ocean, one can’t help but hear about the Sirena and the Syokoy. In Philippine mythology, Sirena and Syokoy are often depicted as women and men, respectively, with fish tails. In some places, they are regarded as beautiful guardians, while in other areas they are feared for their ability to seduce and drown fishers or steal children who swim unguarded. These sea creatures may serve as a reminder of the mysteries and dangers of the ocean. The tales of Sirena could also highlight the importance of marine conservation and respecting the creatures that inhabit the seas.

These Filipino myths, while scary and entertaining, can be seen as reflections of the Filipinos’ deep connection to their environment. They provide insights into the cultural, ecological, and historical factors that have shaped the relationship between the people of the Philippines and the natural world around them.

But what do you think?

What are your favorite myths that keep you up at night? Do you think they too might have some scientific or environmental roots? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Thank you so much for dropping by!

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, your resident Filipina scientist, in the comments section below.

And remember, when in doubt, always use your (con)science!