What are uniquely Filipino superstitions?

Emmeviene Suelto

 · 

Follow

Knows Cebuano 2y

Originally Answered: What are uniquely Filipino superstitions?

As seen in this thread, there are many Filipino “superstitions” but I hesitate to say they are unique to Filipino culture because I am not familiar with all cultures in the world. Upon further study, I’m sure there are other cultures who also practice these things. Nonetheless, below are some Filipino “superstitions” that I have personally experienced or encountered in my life.

Funeral:

1. When it was time to transfer my grandmother’s coffin from the room where her wake was into the funeral car/hearse in order to transport her to the cemetery, 4 people/pall bearers carried and raised her coffin to around above waist height and we, her family and relatives, had to pass underneath the coffin and never look back on it as we go to the respective transportation that will also bring us to the cemetery. I was told that this is to ensure that my grandmother’s soul will be able to pass peacefully into the spirit world and not linger and haunt this plane because she would know that by not looking back, we were ready to let her go.

Wedding:

1. Once the wedding ceremony ends and the couple are about to walk down the aisle as husband and wife and leave the church, brides were told to discreetly step on their husband’s foot to ensure that your husband will be obedient to the bride’s wishes during their marriage.

Babies and childhood

1. In my family, babies are given a coral bracelet once they come home from the hospital or after they are baptized. It is believed that the color of the coral indicates the health of the baby. If the coral become pale in color, then the baby is sick or there’s something wrong with them. A strong red color on the coral indicates good health of the baby.

These are just some of things I can recall at the top of my head.

Caveat: Since the Philippines is not homogenous, each ethnolinguistic group in the country have their own specific beliefs and “superstitions”. You might want to specify what region or ethnolinguistic group you are interested in studying because these beliefs change.

The ones I indicated above are my family’s “superstitions.” I belong to the Cebuano ethnolinguistic group so the ones above are what many BUT NOT ALL Cebuanos also believe in.