Top 10 Filipino Superstitions Every Fil-Am Should Know
If you’re a Fil-Am seeking to unlock the secrets of your Filipino heritage, you’re on the right page. Buckle up as we take you on a ride to the top 10 Filipino superstitions every Filipino American should know.
Filipino culture is teeming with rich traditions and superstitions passed down through generations. Although sometimes these beliefs might seem whimsical, they play an important role in shaping the actions and mindsets of Filipinos.
Unraveling the Most Popular Filipino Superstitions
From Filipino urban legends to fascinating folklore, knowing what weaves up Filipino culture and traditions is essential. In this article, we will explore the most popular Filipino superstitions that will allow you to strengthen your connection with your Filipino roots.
Set your lucky charms ready as we unveil the enchanting traditions and beliefs that build up Filipino culture.
1. Umbrella Enigma
Opening umbrellas indoors is a big No-No. You came home, and it was pouring outside. You decide to leave the umbrella open as it’s still soaking, but wait! Don’t open it indoors.
As a Filipino superstition, opening umbrellas inside the house will invite bad luck and misfortunes into your life. Whether it’s just a cosmic warning or superstition, we’re sure you already heard this from a “Lolo” or “Lola,” aka, your grandparents.
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2. Sweeping at Night
Could this be the cleaning curse? Imagine it’s evening, and you’re about to get that broom to clean up the house. Stop and hold it there. According to this superstition, sweeping the floor at night will also sweep away good luck at home.
This gesture is also believed to bring bad luck. Who knew cleaning could be nasty? Well, if you’re a Filipino, just abide by it and keep the spirits happy.
3. Saying “Tabi-Tabi Po” or “Excuse me, Beings”
This is an act of respecting the supernaturals. Standing by rivers or lakes or walking through the forests, you might have heard whispers of “tabi-tabi po” from your Filipino elders.
These mystical words signify respect for supernatural beings that many Filipinos believe dwell in nature or forests. As a Fil-Am, embracing and understanding can start conversations about the vibrant folklore that forms your cultural identity.
4. Knocking on Wood
Say you’re in a middle of a conversation with friends when a startling jinx is mentioned. Fear not; if you’re a Fil-Am, you have ammunition for this.
Just grab that wooden chair or table and knock away the bad vibes. Knocking it on wood means you’re contradicting that jinx to happen. This is one of the unique ways Filipinos protect themselves from bad luck and keep the good times rolling.
5. Mirror, Mirror
You accidentally broke a mirror. Oops! Seven years of bad luck for you. In Filipino superstitions, many believe that breaking a mirror will bring you seven years of misfortune.
But fear not, as a Fil-Am, you know there’s more to this than what meets the eye. Just be positive in life and apply the resilience of your Filipino roots amid adversities.
6. Rain on your Wedding Day
A splash of Filipino luck on your most awaited day sounds good. As a Fil-Am planning your big day, rain might look like a disaster. Fear not, as rain symbolizes prosperity and fertility in Filipino culture.
Welcome the idea that raindrops are blessings from nature, bringing abundance to your life. Celebrate love in true Fil-Am style, and don’t get sad if it pours. It will make your wedding day more magical.
7. Itchy Palms
Money is on the way. Have you experienced your palms itching? According to Filipino beliefs, it’s a sign that money is coming.
As a Fil-Am, welcoming this idea adds an exciting twist to your daily life. Is it time to plan that long-planned vacation or maybe lend a helping hand? Let your itchy palm guide you toward great opportunities.
8. Clattering Cutlery
In the world of Filipino superstitions, dropping your utensil while eating can reveal the gender of a surprise visitor. If the spoon drops, the visitor is a female, but if the fork drops, the visitor is a male.
Next time you’ll hear the sound of a fallen utensil, see if it’s a spoon or a fork. This will reveal if the next visitor is a male or female. Prepare to play the gender prediction game, Fil-Am style.
9. Nightmarish Teeth Dreams
Filipino or not, dreams always have a more in-depth meaning in real life. But if you’re a Filipino or a Fil-Am who dreamt of your teeth falling out, there’s a Filipino belief about this phenomenon.
Unfortunately, it is believed that this tooth nightmare means there’s an impending death in the family. But no need to panic as there aren’t stories that prove this belief. It could be just another ordinary dream or another hidden meaning that doesn’t spell out death.
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10. Red Power
We all know that red is a powerful, bold color. But if you’re a Filipino, this means more. Are you a Fil-Am that wears red on New Year’s Eve? This Filipino superstition is that red brings luck and wards off bad spirits.
Don on that vibrant hue and share this “Pinoy” custom with your Fil-Am community. Welcome the unique traditions that make you a lucky and proud Fil-Am.
Bottomline
Exploring the top 10 Filipino superstitions is not only about facts about folklore, but also a way for Filipino Americans to dig into their cultural identities.
By understanding these beliefs, they can feel deeply connected to their heritage and share these fascinating beliefs with peers and family. So whether you find yourself closing your umbrellas indoors or knocking on wood to avoid misfortunes, these beliefs are proof of the lasting power of tradition and the beauty of cultural heritage.
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