Holy Week superstitions in the Philippines are widespread and relatively unchanged from generations past. Filipinos observe practices meant to ward off bad luck or attract blessings for the upcoming year during this period. One of these traditions involves refraining from washing clothes, as it is believed that doing so diminishes your fortune and keeps blessings away.
Other superstitions include not doing home repairs, avoiding sharp objects such as scissors, and abstaining from loud noises to keep the peace. Many of these beliefs are widely held even today and continue to be part of Filipino culture during this special week.
What are some Holy Week superstitions in the Philippines that you know?
Read more:
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- What is Ash Wednesday and How Filipinos Celebrate It
Holy Week superstitions in the Philippines
No bala gina patihan niyo? While the Philippines is predominantly Catholic and quite religious at that, still, deep in our core, we believe in superstitious stuff.
Holy Week, or Lenten Season, is a solemn period for the religious faithful in the Philippines. It marks when Jesus Christ suffered and eventually died on the cross. Along with this solemnity come some common superstitions, beliefs, and practices that Filipinos have during Holy Week. Here’s a top 15 list of popular superstitions that are observed by many:
Wounds take longer to heal
It is believed that wounds heal slowly and require special attention during Holy Week, especially on Good Friday. People are advised to take extra time when tending to cuts and other injuries during this time. It is said that they will take longer than usual to heal.
Don’t sweep the floor
It is widely believed that sweeping the floor during Good Friday or Black Saturday can bring bad luck. Some even say that doing so will sweep away all of one’s good fortune, which is why people are advised not to do so.
Be quiet
On Good Friday and Black Saturday, it is important for people to respect what is considered a solemn occasion and to refrain from making too much noise out of respect for Christ. In many Filipino households, loud noises are discouraged as they could disturb the peace of the house.
No baths at 3PM on Good Friday
Bathing at 3PM on Good Friday is also believed by some Filipinos to be bad luck. It is seen as a sign of disrespect toward Christ’s crucifixion. The time 3PM is thought to be particularly unlucky and should be avoided if possible during Holy Week.
Don’t stare into mirrors
According to superstition, staring too long into mirrors on both Good Friday and Black Saturday can lead to misfortune or even death. This superstition has been around for centuries, with many believing still today that looking into a mirror on these days can summon evil spirits or result in bad luck for the person who looks into them for too long or too often during these days.
Avoid laundry at 3PM
Laundry should also be avoided on Good Friday at 3PM, as this is another activity thought to disturb Christ’s suffering. Doing laundry, in general, may not bring good luck either, as it symbolizes cleaning away negative energy or obstacles in life which could block blessings from coming your way.
Travel with caution
Traveling during Holy Week can also be risky due to higher chances of accidents occurring and wounds healing slower than usual due to supposedly stronger evil spirits or aswangs during this period, according to popular belief in the Philippines. It isn’t uncommon for people who travel far away from home during the Holy Week holidays just be extra cautious about their safety and take extra precautionary measures over their journey because of this belief.
Evil spirits are stronger during these days
On Good Friday and Black Saturday, people believe that evil spirits are stronger than ever due to their association with darkness and Christ’s death. Mangkukulams looking to curse or jinx people become stronger also during this period. But, on another note, good healers or abularyos become stronger too. So are their potions and magic to ward off evil spirits.
Jumping children become taller
On the morning of Black Saturday, before the bell rings, children are encouraged by superstition-believing Filipinos to jump. Doing so will supposedly make them grow taller overnight.
Rain on Easter Sunday brings blessings
Rain pouring down on Easter Sunday holds special significance among Filipino believers. It signifies holy blessings coming down from Heaven above. Some Filipinos keep umbrellas outside throughout Easter Day so they won’t miss out on catching these blessings if rain comes pouring down.
Don’t move into a new house
A move during this period is discouraged as some believe it means new beginnings will be unlucky. That’s because a new house hasn’t been blessed, and it’s bad luck to do so during these solemn observances. Instead, many Filipinos postpone the move until after Easter Sunday, which marks the end of the Lenten season.
Anting-antings are stronger
During Holy Week, anting-antings (amulets) are deemed to be stronger than usual. These charms are believed to help ward off bad luck and evil forces. Many wear these anting-anting around their neck and wrist as protection throughout Lenten week. Funny, you can see anting-anting sellers outside churches (like in Jaro Cathedral, for example!)
Children may eat meat by 10PM on Black Saturday
This superstition has been passed down for generations in some families, especially those from rural areas in Luzon and Visayas region. The idea is that children who eat meat past 10PM on Black Saturday will become deaf later in life.
Circumcise during Black Saturday
Although not heavily practiced today like before (because many establishments are closed), some parents still opt for having their male newborns circumcised during this time. That’s because of an old belief that bleeding would be less if done so during Black Saturday.
Hang Buntot Pagi or stingray tails
In certain places, stingray tails are hung on walls or doors to prevent spirits from entering a baby’s or pregnant women’s rooms. This practice is believed to keep bad energy away and protect infants from possible harm while they sleep. NOTE: Stingrays are endangered species in the Philippines. Do not purchase stingray products, or listen to this tall-tale belief!
Why do people observe these traditions
People observe the traditional Holy Week superstitions in the Philippines for many reasons. For some, it is about honoring an ancient belief system passed down through generations. For others, it is meaningfully connecting with family and friends throughout the week.
The traditional superstitions also allow people to enjoy cultural activities, such as processions, holy mass, and cooking meals together. Moreover, these traditions have become a way for Filipinos to express identification with their national culture and beliefs, connecting them more deeply with their own religious identity.
Do you believe in them?
Every year during Holy Week, superstitions in the Philippines start to run rampant. People become fearful and anxious as rumors circulate around don’ts and taboos. They believe in things based on hearsay instead of relying on common sense for guidance. However, the Catholic Church stresses that Filipinos should remember what the holiday stands for a week devoted to prayer and reverence.
Rather than worrying about superstitions, people should focus on meaningful activities such as praying or reflecting. The Church also emphasizes that Easter is about redemption and penance for our sins; it is not a time to fear or worry about silly superstitious beliefs.
What to do during Holy Week
Instead of believing in Holy Week superstitions in the Philippines, this holy period calls for people to reflect on Jesus’s life and passion. Not to mention to reflect on their spiritual journey. Here are five things to do during this sacred time:
Attend Church services
Attending church services during Holy Week is an important part of the religion’s tradition. These services are often held in the morning, focusing on Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), his last supper with his disciples (Maundy Thursday), and his betrayal (Good Friday). Catholics also celebrate mass throughout the week to remember Jesus’s walk to Calvary and his resurrection from the dead (Easter).
Pray
Prayer plays an essential role in reflection during Holy Week. Take time each day to read Scripture passages related to Jesus’s story and prayerfully meditate on them. As you pray, ask God how he wants you to respond and what actions you should take that honor Him.
Participate in a service project or volunteer activity in your church
During this holy season, people should actively serve their community through volunteerism or service projects, demonstrating love for our neighbors as Jesus did when He was alive. Consider volunteering at a soup kitchen or organizing a clothing drive for those less fortunate than you in your city or town.
Take a break
Taking a break from daily responsibilities can rejuvenate your spirit and soul during Holy Week. Spend time alone in nature, away from all distractions, to focus on your relationship with God. A retreat can be anything from a few days in solitude at home without television or social media activities. Whatever helps you center yourself spiritually and emotionally so that after Easter Sunday arrives.
Read scriptures related to Jesus’s Life and Passion
Reading scriptures related to Jesus’s story allows us to understand better who He was and why He died for our sins and rose from the dead three days later. Look up passages such as John chapters 13-17 which contain His teachings about discipleship, service, humility, love, and hope.
