Five Superstitious Beliefs That Filipinos Still Follow
In the Philippines, superstitious beliefs are not very unusual. In fact, they may be considered the standard beliefs, especially by the elderly. Who has not had their Lola tell them not to stay out past five PM because the Dwendes come out at dusk, and you might step on them? Or get told not to sleep while your hair is wet because you could get blind or crazy? Those are just some of the more common superstitions that our elders deem as reminders to keep us safe and sane.
Five Superstitious Beliefs That Filipinos Still Follow
Going on a trip near graduation means danger
If your friends ever plan on going on a trip before graduating, better hold on and maybe push it through after graduation. Based on superstition, graduating students are more prone to danger and accidents the closer they get to the ceremony. A lot of parents worry about their children who go on vacation before graduating. Of course, it is only a belief, however, there are instances in the Philippines where graduating students went missing or worse while on a trip. That could very much be just a coincidence, but parents deem that as solid evidence.
Pagpag
Another common superstition is the belief that after leaving a wake or a funeral, you have to go somewhere else because the dead might follow you home. This belief is called “pagpag,” wherein you are quite literally shaking off the spirit of the dead somewhere like a convenience store or a fast-food restaurant. Anywhere really, just make sure that you are not bringing another soul, a dead one at that when you get home.
“Tabi-tabi po.”
This superstitious belief is mostly maintained by those who live in the countryside where there are more woods and anthills. You have to say “tabi-tabi po” when crossing uninhabited territory as a sign of respect and a way to excuse yourself. You have to say it out loud because you do not want to bother the spirits or elements in nature that may be inhabiting them. Particularly around anthills, because there is a belief that dwarves or “nuno sa punso” live in them. And when you bother them, they could harm you or make you sick.
Eating pansit during birthdays
Filipinos love to eat pansit during occasions but even more so when it is during birthdays. People believe that eating the dish makes you lucky. Additionally, they think that because the noodle is long, then eating it on your birthday could make your life long as well. This is a superstition that a lot of Asian cultures uphold as a symbol of luck and prosperity.
Do not leave the house if you see a black cat
This is a common prejudice against black cats! Elders say that seeing a black cat means that you are going to get in an accident. Basically saying that those dark furry creatures bring a bad omen. A good counterpart for this superstition is that there are so many people with black cats as pets. You do not see them get endangered every day, right?
These are just some of the superstitious beliefs within Filipino culture. How about you, what were the common beliefs that you grew up with in your household?
