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13 Eerie Filipino Superstitions You Might Not Know
The Philippines is rich in culture, history, and tradition, and with this comes a fascinating array of superstitions passed down through generations. Deeply rooted in a blend of Indigenous beliefs, Catholicism, and folklore, these superstitions often blend the every day with the supernatural. Here are 13 eerie Filipino superstitions that reflect the country’s unique relationship with the mysterious and the unseen.
1. Pagpag: Shaking Off the Spirits
After attending a wake or funeral, it is customary in the Philippines to avoid going straight home. This practice, known as “pagpag,” is done to shake off any lingering spirits that might follow you. Instead, it would be best if you stopped at a restaurant or another location first to confuse or deter the spirits. The belief is that spirits, particularly those of the recently deceased, might attach themselves to mourners and follow them home, causing bad luck or harm.
2. Tiyanak: The Deceptive Baby
In Filipino folklore, a “tiyanak” is a malevolent creature that takes the form of an abandoned baby. When someone hears the cries of a baby in the woods or remote areas, they are warned not to approach, as it could be a tiyanak waiting to attack. The tiyanak lures its victims with cries, only to reveal its true form—an evil spirit that preys on the unsuspecting. This superstition is a cautionary tale about the dangers of being lured by appearances.
3. Usog: The Power of a Stranger’s Gaze
“Usog” is the belief that a stranger’s gaze or compliment, particularly towards children, can cause discomfort or illness. If someone believes they have been affected by usog, the person who caused it must immediately trace a cross on the affected person’s forehead or say “pwera usog” (a phrase to negate the curse). This is often accompanied by spitting lightly on the ground as a way to ward off the bad energy.
4. Manananggal: The Viscera Sucker
The “manananggal” is one of the most feared creatures in Filipino folklore. This vampire-like creature is said to have the ability to separate its upper body from its lower half and sprout bat-like wings to hunt for its prey at night. The manananggal preys on pregnant women, feeding on their unborn children. To protect against this creature, people place salt, garlic, or ash around their homes, especially near windows, to keep the manananggal at bay.
5. Balete Tree: Home of Spirits
The balete tree, a type of strangler fig, is considered sacred and is believed to be a dwelling place for spirits and supernatural beings, such as kapres (giant, hairy spirits) and tikbalangs (half-horse, half-human creatures). Filipinos are often advised not to disturb these trees or to say “tabi-tabi po” (excuse me) when passing by them, to avoid offending the spirits that live there. Cutting down a balete tree is believed to bring misfortune or even death.
6. Lihi: Cravings and Birthmarks
“Lihi” refers to the belief that a pregnant woman’s cravings or emotional experiences can influence the appearance and behavior of her unborn child. For example, if a woman craves a certain fruit during pregnancy, it’s believed that her baby might have a birthmark resembling that fruit. Similarly, if a pregnant woman sees something frightening, her child might be born with a physical deformity or an anxious disposition.
7. Sukob: The Double Wedding Curse
“Sukob” is the belief that it is bad luck for siblings to marry in the same year or for a person to get married within the same year as a close family member’s death. It is believed that doing so will bring misfortune, such as accidents, financial difficulties, or even death to the newlyweds. To avoid this bad luck, families often delay one wedding until the next year or observe certain rituals to counteract the curse.
8. Pamahiin sa Patay: Funeral Superstitions
Funeral superstitions in the Philippines are numerous and taken very seriously. For example, during a wake, it is customary not to sweep the floor, as it is believed this will sweep away the spirit of the deceased. Mirrors are covered to prevent the deceased’s spirit from becoming trapped, and rosaries placed in the hands of the deceased are often cut to prevent another death in the family.
9. Kuwaresma: Superstitions During Holy Week
During Holy Week, Filipinos observe a variety of superstitions, especially on Good Friday. It is believed that spirits and demons are more active during this time because Christ is dead. People avoid traveling, swimming, or engaging in risky activities during Holy Week, believing that accidents and deaths are more likely to occur. Additionally, loud noises or festivities are discouraged to maintain the solemnity of the period.
10. Salubong: Welcoming Spirits
On All Saints’ Day (Undas), it is believed that the spirits of the dead return to visit the living. To welcome these spirits, Filipinos clean and decorate their loved ones’ graves with candles and flowers. Some families also leave out food offerings to honor the spirits. This practice is meant to show respect and to ensure that the spirits do not bring misfortune or bad luck to the family.
11. The Superstition of Sweeping at Night
Sweeping the floor at night is considered bad luck in Filipino households. It is believed that sweeping after dark will sweep away good fortune and wealth from the home. This superstition is rooted in the idea that night is a time when spirits are more active, and disturbing the energy in the home could attract bad luck or misfortune.
12. Avoid Pointing at Rainbows
In Filipino culture, it is considered bad luck to point at a rainbow. The belief is that pointing at a rainbow can shorten your lifespan or bring misfortune. This superstition is thought to stem from the idea that rainbows are bridges to the divine or the supernatural, and pointing at them could be seen as disrespectful to the gods or spirits.
13. Mirrors and Funerals: Covering Reflections
During a funeral or wake, it is customary in the Philippines to cover all mirrors in the house where the deceased is laid out. This practice stems from the belief that if a mirror reflects the image of a coffin or the body of the deceased, another death will soon follow in the family. The covered mirrors are thought to prevent the deceased’s spirit from becoming trapped or lingering in the home, ensuring they can move on to the afterlife peacefully.
Conclusion
Filipino superstitions offer a rich and eerie tapestry of beliefs that blend the supernatural with the everyday. These superstitions reflect a deep respect for the unseen world, where spirits and forces beyond comprehension play a significant role in daily life. Whether it’s the fear of malevolent creatures, the need to appease spirits, or the precautions taken to avoid bad luck, these beliefs continue to influence Filipino culture and traditions, serving as a reminder of the powerful connection between the living and the supernatural in the Philippines.