Old beliefs, new times: Filipino superstitions that still puzzle our lives

In the Filipino community, some traditions continue to influence daily life—no matter how unusual they may seem. Being told not to take a shower during your period or after staying up all night, or avoiding looking back at a passing coffin, are just a few examples of superstitions still observed today. While they may sound strange or exaggerated, many Filipinos continue to follow them. The impact of these beliefs on habits and decision-making is hard to ignore.

Modern life often intersects with traditional customs. Despite the rise of new ideas and practices, these age-old beliefs still leave a lasting mark on Filipino culture, carried on even by younger generations.

Here are some of the most fascinating Filipino superstitions you might not have heard of yet:

1. Pansit for "long life" in every Filipino's special celebration.

Pancit has been one of the known delicacies in the Philippines that symbolizes longevity. The reason for it is simply the association of its characteristic of being long with wishing for longer years to live. It has become a tradition to always put pancit on tables at every special celebration, like birthdays.

2. Jump to "grow taller" on Filipino New Year's Eve.

A belief considered fun and exciting since it stands as a wish whenever New Year's Eve approaches. It is practiced by short Filipinos who are teased by taller people. "You're already in college, but your height is like that of an elementary pupil."

3. Knock on wood to ward off "bad luck."

Knocking on wood is a practice done by most Filipinos when they say something negative is going to happen, like "I think I will get pregnant." It is believed to repel or take back what has been wished or said to prevent bad luck from occurring.

4. Filipinos say "tabi-tabi po" to show respect to unseen spirits.

A phrase commonly echoed in cemeteries, others' backyards, forests or woodlands, grasslands, and other places that visitors seldom explore. It is a known Filipino expression for greeting and asking permission to pass through territories of spirits, elves, and other unseen creatures living in those areas. It is rooted in its English translation, "excuse me" or "may I pass?"

5. Filipinos believe one shouldn't trim their nails at night.

It is considered an act that brings bad luck since they believe it attracts evil forms or spirits. The most logical association it may have had was with the sound of clipping nails, which became a belief that it calls ghosts or spirits, especially if it is nighttime. A night should be peaceful or silent, and a sound causes disturbance.

Bonus Filipino Superstition: Avoid sweeping at night in Filipino households.

A gesture mostly prohibited by adults and grandparents since Filipinos commonly associate it with sweeping away fortunes. The dirt represents fortune in local households, and doing this at night also stems from the idea that it disturbs the peace of ancestral spirits.

Filipino superstitious beliefs are strange yet fascinating to know. These are rooted in traditional encounters of Filipino locals, with strong influence from beliefs in spirits and luck. While these are in the past, they remain passed through the current generations, enlivening how life went way back then. This brings value to recognizing the past with lessons that shape habits and decisions in modern times.

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