The Legend of Makahiya ( Zinnia Mamiel Bendayon Philippiners )

( The Legend From Philipine)

Long time ago, there was a couple in Barangay Masagana (Pampanga today) who wanted a daughter. Their wish was granted and the wife gave birth to a baby girl. They called her Maria. Maria was very beautiful but very shy that she wouldn't go out from their house

Weeks later. Spaniards came to their town. The Spaniards were very cruel that they get everything they wanted. They robbed houses and killed everyone who got in their way and who refused to give what they wanted.

The couple was very frightened to lose their daughter so, they hid Maria in the bushes so the Spaniards couldn't find her.  After the Spaniards left their town, the couple  tried to look for Maria but they couldn't find her even in the bushes where they hid her, instead they found a little plant that is very sensitive that when you touch it, it would immediately close.

So they thought it was their daughter, Maria. They called the plant "Makahiya" that means Touch me not," like their daughter who was very shy.