Filipino superstitions have been impacted by our pre-colonial ancestors and the colonists that subsequently came and stayed in the Philippines for hundreds of years. It is based on regional and historical factors such as religious beliefs or the natural environment.
Since practically all early Filipinos believed in numerous gods and spirits, various supernatural occurrences are currently accepted and being a belief across the country. Since the Philippines was subjected to colonialism. Religious beliefs and customs have shifted from believing in a supernatural power that organizes and animates the material universe to Christianity.
Filipinos, particularly the elderly, cope with illness by seeking guidance from family and friends and placing their faith in God. Observing a complete recovery from an illness is frequently regarded as a miracle to Filipinos before. This occurrence has a tremendous influence on how Filipinos view healthcare.
Elders continue to teach and practice superstitions to their children to this day. The use of “Tabi-tabi po,” “Purya usog,” and other many others are just a few instances of today’s use of superstitions.
We have several superstitions in our family, and one of them is securing all of your belongings before leaving the house. If you forget something, ask someone to get it for you because the more you get in and out of the house, the more bad luck and tragic events are likely to occur. It’s like a warning that you shouldn’t leave your place that day because unfortunate things are ahead, and that to avoid this, you should ask someone to get those things you need and continue to go.
If you are the type of person who enjoys socializing and adventurous, you must be cautious of a few things. It’s common in the province to meet new people every day, and it’s pretty normal that if they haven’t met you before, they will just ignore you and go about their business.
But what will you do if a stranger or a complete unfamiliar face greeted you?
And our second superstition will reveal. To begin, avoid making direct eye contact. There are stories of people linked to sorcery and witchcraft, catching their victims just by making eye contact with them. The phenomenon can also be related to the aswangs, but that’s a different topic.
It will be like a game. The goal will be securing that the last gesture or movement in the entire conversation was from you. If the stranger grins and taps you, you must reciprocate. It will stop them from putting a curse on you. This scenario frequently occurred in people who were new to the area. People who are “lapitin” or prone to this phenomenon are always susceptible. In addition, you must create a strong aura and show no vulnerability in front of them.
Taking luy-a (ginger) with you when you go to locations like mountains, wilderness, and forests is a widely practice superstition in the Visayas. It will operate as a charm to combat the negative influences in your environment.
