Still Superstitious: ‘Pamahiin’ That Still Haunt Our Modern Lives
Are you one of those who still whisper “tabi-tabi po” when passing through a dark alley? Or maybe you’ve hesitated to sweep the floor at night, afraid it might bring bad luck?
If yes, you’re not alone. These superstitions, or pamahiin, have long been a part of Filipino culture. Some may sound strange, or even hard to believe—especially since they aren’t rooted in scientific explanation but in the traditions and experiences of our ancestors.
Yet, these pamahiin continue to linger in our modern routines because, for many Filipinos, they aren’t just random old beliefs—they serve as gentle warnings meant to protect us from misfortune. As they say, “wala namang mawawala kung susundin mo.”
Pagpag – Don’t go straight home after a wake
Pagpag is the belief that one should not go straight home after attending a wake. It is thought that spirits of the dead may follow you, bringing bad luck or misfortune. Many people make a short stop somewhere else before returning home to “shake off” lingering spirits.
Knock on wood – Warding off bad luck
Knocking on wood is a common practice among Filipinos whenever they mention something negative that might happen. It is believed that by knocking on wood, one can repel or “take back” what was said, preventing it from occurring.
Oro, Plata, Mata – Avoid Multiples of Three in a Staircase at Home
Filipinos believe that the number of steps in a staircase should never be divisible by three. While counting, families often chant “oro, plata, mata”—which translates to gold, silver, and death. Ending on “oro” or “plata” is said to bring success and good fortune, while finishing on “mata” is believed to bring bad luck to the household.
Giving shoes as a gift – Risk of someone walking away
There is a belief that giving shoes to someone may cause them to walk away from you, either ending a relationship or weakening a bond or worse, they might step over your worth as a person.
Sukob sa kasal – Avoid marrying in the same year as a sibling
Sukob is the superstition that siblings should not marry within the same year. Also, couples who marry in the same year a family member dies face bad luck in their marriage.
Tao po! – Announce your presence
When entering a house, Filipinos often say “Tao po!” to announce that they are human and not a spirit. This practice is to show respect to unseen entities and prevent any harm or disturbance caused by disturbing spirits.
Don’t bring anything home from a wake
Bringing home anything from a wake—like food, flowers, or personal items, can carry the spirit of the deceased and bring bad luck or misfortune to the household. To avoid this, people make sure not to take anything from the funeral, no matter how small or harmless it seems.
Pwera Usog – Protecting against sudden illness from strangers
Usog is a Filipino pamahiin where a person, often a stranger, can unintentionally cause a child or even an adult to feel weak, develop a fever, or fall ill just by greeting them or giving compliments. To prevent this, people say “pwera usog” while lightly touching the person’s forehead or chest, or rubbing saliva on the child’s skin—to ward off the negative effect.
Nuno sa Punso – Respect the mound-dwelling spirits
Nuno sa Punso refers to the belief in tiny ancestral spirits or dwarves who live in small mounds or piles of soil. Disturbing their home, by stepping on or destroying a mound, can bring misfortune, illness, or curses.
Atang – Honoring the deceased with food
During Undas, families offer the favorite foods of their late loved ones, believing that the souls return to partake in the meal and be present in the prayers. Some place the dishes in front of the deceased’s photo at home, while others leave them on the tombstone.
Even though we know deep down that we are the ones shaping our own destiny, there’s still a part of us that hesitates before doing something—suddenly remembering these pamahiin. Our parents said it, our grandparents lived by it, and somehow, it stuck with us too.
We follow them out of respect, out of habit, and yes, sometimes out of fear that “baka totoo nga.” But more than anything, we hold on to them because they make us feel connected—to our roots, to our families, and to the unseen forces that shaped our culture.
