Barong Tagalog - An Embroidery of Philippine History (California)

Barong Tagalog - An Embroidery of Philippine History

The Filipino Barong Tagalog also known simply as baro or barong is a formal long-sleeved traditional shirt with embroidery and is a part of the indigenous clothing of the Philippines. The Filipino Barong Tagalog combines aspects of both colonial and indigenous Filipino clothing styles.The origins of the Barong are murky but what is known is that small communities formed in the rural areas of the Philippines were originally established as security measures against the rise of the Spanish in the country. Many Spaniards lived in the Philippines and were considered to be a threat to the locals. In addition the Spanish sought to distinguish the local Phillipinos from themselves and insisted on a uniform garment. To counter the threat of violence from these Spaniards many Filipinos in their villages and in their towns began to wear their own distinct style of clothing in order to show their support of the Spaniards and the empire they served. The Spaniards viewed the Phillipinos that wore the Barong Tagalog as adherents to the social order that was being established.