Holy Week Superstitions in the Philippines

CEBU, Philippines - Filipinos are known to be superstitious, especially those in the rural areas of the country. It appears like for every occurrence, or holiday, there are things they consider ought to be and should not be done. It is a culture that has existed way back to the pre-Spanish era.

Even in these modern times, many of the Filipino superstitions persist. People say, “There’s no harm in believing.” They’re actually trying to play safe. Indeed, it’s not easy to discard a belief that’s been handed down through generations.

Holy Week in the Philippines abounds in local superstitions. With some people, it is also the time of year where occult practices are engaged in.

By and large, certain superstitions about the Holy Week are still very much around.

Cuts take an extensive period to heal.

Old folks warn the children to be extra careful not to cut themselves in the days of the Holy Week – because if they do, the cut would take a very long time to heal. Likewise, adults scare the little ones about the emergence of a headless priest from the wound – perhaps to make sure that idea of being careful sticks in the kids’ heads.

It’s not good to travel or wander about.

It’s thought that during the Holy Week, malevolent spirits are out in the open, owing to the fact that on these days Christ is suffering – or dead – and cannot protect people. And so, anyone who travels during the Holy Week is likely to have an accident on their trips. Even simply wandering around is not a good idea, as one is likely to get lost or meet any of the spirits that roam around. Also, “aswangs” or local witches go out freely during the week.

Placing “palapas” on the front door is good protection.

Having “palaspas,” palm leaves obtained from Palm Sunday rites, at the front door of the house wards off wicked spirits and bad fortune.

Everyone shall observe quietness.

Holy Week is held by Catholics as a serious period for reflecting on the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Given this, it is believed that everyone shall not make any unnecessary sound or noise so as not to distract others’ meditative focus.

It’s bad to take a bath after 3 p.m. on Good Friday.

Old folks warn the young ones not take a bath or do laundry after 3 p.m. on Good Friday, as it is the hour of Jesus’ death. A compulsion to do these activities is thought to be upon the egging of the devil.

It’s a good time to visit an “albularyo” (quack doctor).

Holy Week is touted to be the time when the native medicine men and women’s powers are strongest. Thus, it is a good time to go see an “albularyo” for cure of illnesses, for concocting love tonics, or even for prophesying the future.

Rain on Easter Sunday has therapeutic powers.

Jesus is resurrected on Easter Sunday. It is a day of big religious celebration. If it rains on Easter Sunday, one should go out, get drenched and revel in the rain. The common belief is that the rain on Easter Sunday has healing properties.

Jumping high on Black Saturday morning makes kids grow tall.

Upon hearing the first tolling of church bells on Black Saturday morning, parents tell their growing children to hop. It is believed that the act will make the children grow taller, just like doing it on New Year’s Eve.