The Philippine Independence Day has always been a day for celebrations. Our freedom is what made us who we are as a country today. Our traditions, culture and beliefs are given free reign to be authentic and to prosper through our ancestors.
With these, we should all celebrate the 123rd Independence Day in the Philippines and one way of celebrating is giving tribute to the oldest beliefs that still live on to this day, the Filipino superstitions.
All those strange ‘pamahiin’ while growing up that go way back from our oldest ancestors are perceived as warnings which most of us practice even though we are not sure if true or not.
Below, you will find 12 of our most famous superstitions in the Philippines.
1. SWEEPING AT NIGHT
Sweeping at night is one of the no-noes in a Filipino home. No matter how dirty it is, one should not sweep the floor at night because of the belief that you are sweeping luck and blessing right out the door.
2. WHEN YOU BITE YOUR TONGUE, SOMEONE IS THINKING OF YOU.
Biting your tongue may be as mundane as anyone in the world thinks it is but we Filipinos know that the moment it happens, we would ask a number from one of our friends and determine its corresponding letter from the alphabet to figure out who is thinking of us at that moment. The first one that pops into your head whose name starts with that letter is the one who is thinking of you.
Speaking of biting, make sure to keep your teeth healthy with GAOC (Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center) as they will give you the best smiles.
3. SERVE PANCIT AT CELEBRATIONS
Eat a lot of pancit and live a long life. And while Filipinos today may joke and laugh about actually believing that this noodle dish is served for long life, it remains a staple at nearly every feast. You can find one of the most delicious Filipino pancit in Mesa.
4. BE CAREFUL WHEN SHOWING FONDNESS OVER BABIES
Babies are just too cute not to cuddle them or play with them. I mean who can resist? But here in the Philippines, it is believed by some to be a potential cause of illness. Referred to as either “usog” or “bati”, this superstition says that when a person with strong energy greets a child, the child may soon after suffer from unexplainable discomfort. This is why, especially in the province, older people know to say “pwera usog” when showing fondness over children. This is meant to counter any usog that may have happened otherwise.
Though speaking of babies, a collection of baby clothes is available at Gingersnaps for the little one’s needs.
5. BLAME YOUR MISSING THINGS ON ELVES
Ever had one of your stuff go missing and you can’t find it even though you kept on looking for it and then it suddenly reappears just like that. In the Philippines, there is an assumption that this is caused by dwendes or playful elves. While mischievous, these little creatures are believed to be mostly harmless. Well, we can’t stop the magical creatures from having their fun but we can definitely keep track of our things better by having an organizer, available at the SM Store.
6. THE NUMBER OF STAIRCASE STEPS AT HOME SHOULD NOT BE DIVISIBLE BY THREE
When you enter a Filipino household with a staircase and begin chanting “Oro (gold), plata (silver), mata (death)”, taking one step up with each word. Most likely, upon reaching the top step, the chant will end with either oro or plata, this is because many Filipinos will go to great lengths to avoid ending in mata which denotes bad luck. The two preceding words on the other hand, obviously denote good fortune.
Luck and chic may go hand in hand by placing a bold painting you can find at Our Home.
7. WHEN GIVING A BAG OR WALLET AS GIFT, REMEMBER TO INCLUDE MONEY INSIDE
A wallet should always have money in it. We believe that leaving it empty will ensure financial ruin for the receiver. Drop in some coins or paper bills to give them good fortune. This belief makes sense though since by doing so, you’ll be adding to their stash of cash. So, if you’re looking for easy to pick gifts, buy a wallet at Penshoppe SM Seaside.
8. AN ITCH ON YOUR PALM MEANS INCOMING WEALTH
This is a belief that every Filipino wishes to be true. Regardless if it’s an ant bite or just dirty hands if your palms itch, expect money in the upcoming days!
With wealth comes responsibility, make sure to have a coin bank, a cute space, where you can keep your money safe.
9. DON’T GIVE SOMEONE A PAIR OF SHOES
This is famous to those in a relationship so if you don’t want to be left alone, better take heed. Your bad luck increases if you give the person a particularly expensive pair of shoes. Instead, if you don’t like the idea of someone leaving you, give them a belt: to “tighten” your relationship. Belts to tighten any relationship coming right at you in Onesimus.
10. DON’T POINT YOUR FINGER AT TREES AT NIGHT
Nature spirits and magical creatures have always been a part of our lives. It is believed that if you point your finger at night or at trees at night you have to bite your finger because if you don’t you’ll offend some of those spirits and creatures and have bad luck.
11. YOU SHOULD JUMP ON NEW YEAR’S EVE
Okay, this one is the most practiced one. As Filipinos in majority aren’t so blessed in the height department. You’ll definitely see us jumping up and down during New Year’s Eve to get taller and grow faster.
12. OPENING AN UMBRELLA INDOORS
Elders have warned us not to open umbrellas indoors as it will give you bad luck. This can also symbolize you blocking the good luck by using the umbrella as a shield from it.
In addition, keep your umbrella with you at all times or you can just buy a new and cute one at The Baby Company.
Superstitions have been a part of being a Filipino since the oldest of times and though they are not as strong as before, it will continue living as long as there are Filipinos.
These superstitions that we grew up with should be celebrated with a traditional Filipino family dinner this 123rd Philippine Independence Day. Check out SM Seaside’s #aweSM “Pinoy Eats” food deals.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: SM Seaside City Cebu in South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City.
BY MYBUS: You can take a FREE MyBus ride from/to BDO Fuente Osmena from 8:20am to 10:00pm. You can also ride any MyBus from SM City Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue City, Parkmall and any Cibus to get to and from SM Seaside city Cebu Drop-off point is at the City Wing Entrance.BY CAR/GRAB/TAXI: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “SM Seaside City Cebu”. Parking space is free.
