Filipino Superstitions

Filipino superstitions are as much a part of the culture and tradition of the Philippines as coconut or sugar cane. Not everyone from the Philippines follows these superstitions, but they are often practiced by older people.

As with most supersitions, the exact origins are unknown. Some serve as cautions against immoral behavior, while others may reflect long-forgotten customs. If someone disobeyed a custom and misfortune befell that person, a superstition could easily have emerged.

Religious Superstitions
Because of the content of some superstitions that surround Holy Days and other church activities, some believe that these particular superstitions may have been started by the clergy. Filipino superstitions regarding sex and religious holidays abound, and none seem to make any sense.

• If you barbeque on Good Friday, you will get black freckles on your face.
• Virgins can become pregnant in public bathing or swimming pools.
• Taking a bath on Good Friday will cause one to become deathly ill.
• If you have sex on Good Friday, you will be joined-literally-until you die.

Everyday Superstitions
Filipino superstitions also swirl around everyday events and occurrences. Death, not surprisingly, is considered very unlucky. The place in which a person died is also considered very unlucky. According to Filipino superstition, the place of death should not be revisited. One superstition keeps the people on their toes by claiming that if someone dies in a hotel room, bad luck or death will befall anyone who chooses to stay in that particular room.

Other common superstitions include the following:

• If you sweep the floor at night, it encourages worms and bugs to fall from the ceiling.
• Don't sleep with your feet facing the door, or you are asking for death to enter.
• Never run out of uncooked rice and salt, as they are symbols of good fortune and wealth.
• Never cut a string off your clothing while you are wearing it, or you will end up having to undergo surgery. This was thought to be true simply because clothing was considered an extension of the skin.
• Cover all mirrors during a lightning storm. Mirrors will invite lightning to strike your home.
• Everyone at the dinner table must turn their plate when someone leaves the table. This ensures the person will arrive at his destination unharmed. If you don't turn your plate two things can happen: harm may follow the departed diner, or you may starve to death.
• If your baby is sick and won't get well, change his name.
• If you dream of death, a family member is about to die.