Spiritual Meaning

Filipino Superstitions :Have you ever wondered why your Filipino friend takes a detour after attending a funeral, or why they insist on saying “tabi-tabi po” when walking through a forest? Welcome to the enchanting world of Filipino superstitions, where ancient beliefs dance with modern practices, creating a tapestry of traditions that continue to shape daily life in the Pearl of the Orient.

From the bustling streets of Manila to the serene beaches of Palawan, these age-old superstitions weave through Filipino culture like invisible threads, binding generations and preserving a unique cultural identity. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a Filipino seeking to reconnect with your roots, or simply fascinated by global folklore, this exploration of 30 Filipino superstitions promises to be an eye-opening journey into the heart of Philippine beliefs.

Prepare to be captivated by tales of mischievous spirits, lucky omens, and practices that blur the line between the mundane and the mystical. As we unravel these beliefs, you’ll discover not just superstitions, but windows into the Filipino psyche, revealing a people deeply connected to their heritage, yet navigating the complexities of the modern world.

So, grab a plate of pancit for good luck, avoid sweeping after sunset, and join us as we delve into the fascinating realm of Filipino superstitions. Who knows? You might just find yourself second-guessing whether to cut your nails at night or pondering the significance of an itchy palm. Let’s embark on this magical journey through Philippine folklore and uncover the stories behind these enduring beliefs and practices.

The Philippines, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse influences, is a land steeped in tradition and folklore. Among the many fascinating aspects of Filipino culture are the numerous superstitions that have been passed down through generations. These beliefs, while often seen as irrational by outsiders, play a significant role in shaping the daily lives and decisions of many Filipinos. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 30 of the most common Filipino superstitions, delving into their origins, meanings, and the practices associated with them.

1. Don’t Go Home Directly After a Funeral

One of the most widely observed superstitions in the Philippines is the belief that one should not go straight home after attending a funeral. Many Filipinos believe that evil spirits or the soul of the deceased may follow them home, bringing bad luck or even death to the household.

Practice: To ward off these malevolent forces, people often take a detour before returning home. Some may stop at a shopping mall, a restaurant, or simply drive around the block. This practice, known as “pagpag,” is thought to confuse any lingering spirits and prevent them from following the living to their homes.

2. Stepping Over Someone Will Stunt Their Growth

In Filipino culture, it’s considered bad luck to step over a person, especially a child, who is lying down or sitting on the floor.

Belief: It’s thought that stepping over someone will stunt their growth or prevent them from growing taller.

Practice: If one accidentally steps over another person, they should immediately step back over them in the reverse direction to “undo” the potential curse.

3. Sweeping at Night Sweeps Away Good Luck

Many Filipino households avoid sweeping the floor after sunset.

Belief: It’s believed that sweeping at night will sweep away the household’s good fortune and prosperity.

Practice: Cleaning is typically done during daylight hours. If sweeping at night is unavoidable, some may throw coins on the floor before sweeping to counteract the potential loss of wealth.

4. Saying “Tabi-Tabi Po” When Passing Through Unfamiliar Places

Filipinos, especially in rural areas, often utter the phrase “tabi-tabi po” (excuse me, please step aside) when passing through unfamiliar places, particularly at night.

Belief: This practice stems from the belief in nature spirits or “elementals” that inhabit trees, rocks, and other natural formations. The phrase is a polite way of asking these unseen beings for permission to pass through their domain.

Practice: Simply saying “tabi-tabi po” out loud when entering an unfamiliar area, especially in nature.

5. Avoiding the Number 13

Like many Western cultures, some Filipinos consider the number 13 to be unlucky.

Practice: Many buildings in the Philippines skip the 13th floor, jumping from 12 to 14. Some people also avoid scheduling important events on the 13th day of the month.

6. Not Wearing Red During Thunderstorms

There’s a widespread belief in the Philippines that wearing red during a thunderstorm increases one’s chances of being struck by lightning.

Practice: Many Filipinos will change out of red clothing if a storm is approaching, opting for neutral colors instead.

7. The Sukob Superstition

The “sukob” belief discourages siblings from getting married within the same year.

Belief: It’s thought that if siblings marry in the same year, one of the couples will experience bad luck, potentially leading to the failure of their marriage.

Practice: Families often plan weddings carefully to avoid having siblings marry in the same calendar year.

8. Itchy Palms and Money

An itchy palm is often associated with money in Filipino superstition.

Belief: An itchy left palm means money is coming, while an itchy right palm suggests money will be spent.

Practice: Some people may rub their itchy left palm on wood to “ensure” the money comes, while others might avoid scratching an itchy right palm to prevent unnecessary spending.

9. Placing Money in a New Wallet

When giving or receiving a new wallet as a gift, it’s customary to place money inside it.

Belief: This practice is thought to ensure that the wallet will never be empty and will always contain money.

Practice: Even a small amount of money is placed in a new wallet before gifting it.

10. The Broom and Marriage Superstition

In Filipino culture, it’s considered bad luck for a broom to touch someone’s feet, especially if that person is single.

Belief: If a broom touches or sweeps over someone’s feet, it’s believed they will never marry.

Practice: People are careful when sweeping near others, and if a broom accidentally touches someone’s feet, they might playfully hit the broom to “reverse” the bad luck.

11. Not Cutting Nails at Night

Many Filipinos avoid cutting their nails after sunset.

Belief: It’s thought that cutting nails at night will shorten one’s life or bring bad luck to their parents.

Practice: Nail trimming is typically done during daylight hours.

12. The Pregnant Woman’s Cravings

There’s a strong belief surrounding the cravings of pregnant women.

Belief: If a pregnant woman’s food cravings are not satisfied, it’s thought that the baby might drool excessively or even be born with a birthmark resembling the craved food.

Practice: Family members often go to great lengths to fulfill a pregnant woman’s food cravings.

13. Serving Pancit on Birthdays

Pancit, a type of noodle dish, is a staple at Filipino birthday celebrations.

Belief: The long noodles symbolize long life, so serving and eating pancit on one’s birthday is believed to promote longevity.

Practice: Pancit is almost always included in birthday meal preparations.

14. Leaving Some Food on the Plate

Many Filipinos intentionally leave a small amount of food on their plate after a meal.

Belief: This practice is thought to ensure abundance and that there will always be food on the table in the future.

Practice: A few grains of rice or a small morsel is often left uneaten.

15. The First Rain of May

The first rainfall in May holds special significance in Filipino folklore.

Belief: It’s believed that the first May rain has healing properties and can grant wishes.

Practice: Some people collect rainwater from the first May rain to use for healing purposes or stand in the rain while making a wish.

16. Bathing on Good Friday

Many Filipinos, particularly those of Catholic faith, avoid bathing on Good Friday.

Belief: It’s thought that bathing on this holy day can bring bad luck or illness.

Practice: Some people refrain from bathing or taking only a quick wash on Good Friday.

17. Breaking a Mirror

Similar to Western superstitions, breaking a mirror is considered bad luck in the Philippines.

Belief: Breaking a mirror is thought to bring seven years of bad luck.

Practice: People are generally careful around mirrors, and if one breaks, some may perform rituals like sprinkling salt or saying prayers to ward off the bad luck.

18. The Number of Steps on a Staircase

When building a house, some Filipinos pay attention to the number of steps on staircases.

Belief: It’s thought that the number of steps should not be divisible by three, as this is considered unlucky.

Practice: Architects and builders might adjust the number of steps to avoid multiples of three.

19. Pointing at Rainbows

In Filipino folklore, pointing at a rainbow is discouraged.

Belief: It’s thought that your finger might fall off or become crooked if you point directly at a rainbow.

Practice: People, especially children, are often told to use their whole hand to gesture towards a rainbow instead of pointing with a finger.

20. Sleeping with Wet Hair

Many Filipinos avoid going to sleep with wet hair.

Belief: It’s believed that sleeping with wet hair can cause blindness or mental illness.

Practice: People typically dry their hair thoroughly before going to bed, even on hot nights.

21. The Balete Tree Superstition

The Balete tree holds a special place in Filipino folklore and is often associated with supernatural beings.

Belief: These trees are thought to be home to various spirits and mythical creatures.

Practice: Many Filipinos avoid cutting down Balete trees and may leave offerings at their base to appease the spirits.

22. The Tikbalang’s Knots

The Tikbalang, a mythical creature in Philippine folklore, is said to disorient travelers in the forest.

Belief: It’s thought that the Tikbalang creates invisible knots in tall grass or vines to confuse people and make them lose their way.

Practice: Some travelers carry salt or wear their shirts inside out to protect against the Tikbalang’s tricks.

23. Sudden Chills or Goosebumps

Experiencing sudden chills or goosebumps is often attributed to supernatural presence in Filipino culture.

Belief: It’s thought that these sensations occur when a ghost or spirit passes by.

Practice: Some people may say a quick prayer or greeting to acknowledge the spirit’s presence.

24. The Bilao and Rice Superstition

The bilao, a flat basket used for winnowing rice, plays a role in Filipino superstitions.

Belief: It’s considered bad luck to sell a bilao, especially if it’s the last one in the house.

Practice: Instead of selling, people may give away their old bilao or keep at least one in the house at all times.

25. Dropping Utensils

The accidental dropping of utensils is often interpreted as a sign of incoming visitors.

Belief: A dropped spoon suggests a female visitor, while a dropped fork indicates a male visitor.

Practice: When a utensil is dropped, some may jokingly ask who’s coming to visit.

26. The Evil Eye or “Bati”

The concept of the evil eye, known as “bati” in the Philippines, is a common superstition.

Belief: It’s thought that complimenting someone, especially a child, too much can lead to illness or misfortune due to the evil eye.

Practice: To ward off “bati,” people often say “pwera usog” after giving a compliment or lightly pinch the person being complimented.

27. Leaving the House During Holy Week

Many Filipinos, particularly Catholics, avoid leaving the house or traveling during Holy Week.

Belief: It’s thought that accidents or misfortunes are more likely to occur during this sacred time.

Practice: Families often stay home during Holy Week, engaging in prayer and reflection.

28. The Anting-Anting

The anting-anting is a Filipino amulet believed to have magical properties.

Belief: These amulets are thought to provide protection against harm, bring good luck, or even grant invulnerability.

Practice: Some people wear anting-anting as jewelry or keep them in their homes or vehicles for protection.

29. Not Eating the Chicken’s Tailpiece

In some Filipino households, there’s a superstition surrounding the chicken’s tailpiece, known as the “pope’s nose.”

Belief: It’s thought that eating this part of the chicken will make a person more talkative or gossipy.

Practice: Some people avoid eating the chicken’s tailpiece, especially if they want to keep secrets.

30. The Importance of “Pasalubong”

“Pasalubong” is the practice of bringing gifts when returning from a trip.

Belief: While not strictly a superstition, it’s believed that bringing pasalubong ensures good relationships and continued blessings.

Practice: Filipinos often buy gifts for family, friends, and coworkers when returning from travels, no matter how short the trip.

Conclusion

These 30 superstitions represent just a fraction of the rich tapestry of beliefs that color Filipino culture. While some may dismiss these practices as mere superstition, they continue to play a significant role in the daily lives of many Filipinos, shaping behaviors, decisions, and social interactions.

It’s important to note that adherence to these superstitions varies widely among individuals and regions. Urban areas and younger generations may place less emphasis on these beliefs, while they remain more prevalent in rural areas and among older Filipinos.

Understanding these superstitions provides valuable insight into Filipino culture, history, and values. Whether one chooses to believe in them or not, these practices are an integral part of the Philippines’ cultural heritage, reflecting the nation’s complex history, diverse influences, and unique worldview.

As the Philippines continues to modernize and globalize, it will be fascinating to see how these traditional beliefs evolve and adapt, balancing age-old wisdom with contemporary knowledge in the ever-changing landscape of Filipino society.

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