The Mangyans are the tribespeople of Mindoro; a place better known for its spawning of the tamaraw which is said to be the only one of its kind in the world. But with regards to cleanliness, this unnamed custom seems to have everybody’s nose in the air.
They believe that cleanliness augurs (forecast) the blooming of love. A man or woman, who has reached the age of puberty and past and takes to cleaning himself or herself, as the case may be, means that he or she is preparing for a love affair.
Even after marriage, both spouses must continue to keep dirty. For cleanliness, as in their younger days, means a tryst with a love affair. Not too infrequently does this aspect of their custom cause suspicion on the part of the other spouse.
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Source:
Anima, N. 1975. Courtship and Marriage Practices among Philippine Tribes. La Loma: Omar.
