Filipino Superstitions: Examples and Possible Origins of Folkloric Beliefs in the Philippines
© Johanna Francisco
Jan Brunvand, author of The Study of American Folklore definitiones superstition as beliefs, practices, and procedures based upon conscious and unconscious assumptions, usually concerned with the nature of the cause and effect.
Examples of Filipino Superstitious Beliefs
Growing up, many children are told that it is just as important to learn not to prop their chins on their hands as to learn proper table manners. Supposedly, this is akin to awaiting bad luck. Singing while you are cooking means that you will end up widowed.
Changing places at the table while eating means that you will change husbands, or divorce and marry a number of times. Other superstitions include:
- If you open an umbrella indoors, a centipede will fall down from the ceiling.
- Accidentally dropping your fork on the floor might mean that a male visitor will come by.
- After a Baptism, the parents and the newly christened child should rush out of the church ahead of the others.
Possible Origins of Filipino Superstitions
These superstitions have interesting roots. According to Dr. Sonia M. Zaide, author of The Philippines: A Unique Nation, India was very influential on Filipino superstitions. Dr. Zaide mentions a few such superstitions: 1) a maiden who sings while cooking will marry a widower, 2) a lady eating twin bananas will give birth to twins and 3) when one dreams of teeth falling out that means a loved one will die.
Some of these superstitions also cross over into other cultures. The tradition of wearing polka dots and filling up your pockets with coins during the New Year seems related to Chinese superstition. In both Filipino and Peruvian culture, dumping your purse on the floor can mean that you will go poor. This may have something to do with the Spanish influence on both countries.
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