Cultural significance of walis tambo

In the Philippines, one of the most common things you would see inside the house was a walis tingting

However, the more widely used term for this word is simply “walis”

Previously, the word “pamalis” or “pangwalis” was more commonly used

The word “walis” in English in translated as “sweeping”

The tips of the broom are pointy and are effective at sweeping up leaves and dirt

Aside from this, the “Walis-Tambo” is also used

However, this broom is mostly used inside the house while the “tingting” is commonly used outside

Instead of hard bristles, the walis-tambo uses phragmites grass

It is handy and can be used anywhere in the house

It is known as Walis Tambo because the soft bristles are made from the Phragmites Reed called Tambo in the Philippines

The reeds flower in December and the blooms are gathered together to make the walis tambo