8 Of The Strangest Pinoy Superstitions We’ve Learned From Our Elders
ByPatti Sunio
Growing up in a Filipino household means hearing a lot of “sabi nila” which you might have ended up believing for life, despite its lack of scientific or logical basis. These sabi-sabi may sound ridiculous, may many Filipino households believe it as true.
1. Acne prevention
When a young woman gets her period for the first time, grandmothers would advise that she wash her face with the blood from menstruation. You’re probably thinking: ewwwww. But the result is supposed to be a lifetime of immunity from pimples, acne, and all the other facial problems most teens have in their puberty years. Maybe you should try it.
2. Preventing blindness
Relaxing after a bath is tempting, but don’t do it, because you don’t want to end up falling asleep with your hair wet. The elders say it can cause blindness, because the moisture from your hair strands evaporates through your eyes. Some say it can make you cross-eyed, while others believe it can cause headaches or the growth of white hair.
3. Accidentally stunting growth
Children playing should be cautious of walking over each other. Elders believe that if you walk over the person, it stunts his growth. If you forget this and accidentally do walk over someone, you can walk back over him to reverse the curse.
4. Unexpected visitors
Over a meal, if you accidentally drop your utensils, it’s a sign that an unexpected guest will arrive. Dropping a spoon means a lady guest will come; while dropping a fork means it will be a man.
5. The wonders of mental telepathy
You know how at times you bite your tongue out of the blue? It actually means someone is talking about you! You have to pick a number from 1 to 26 to get a corresponding letter in the alphabet, and the first name that comes to mind that begins with that letter is the person thinking about you. *kilig!*
6. How not to be single forever
After a meal, make sure that everyone on the table has already finished eating. Elders say that when you clear the table while someone else isn’t finish with his or her food, that person will end up not getting married.
7. On family fortunes & misfortunes
Don’t even think of sweeping the floor at night! You may simply think of it as cleaning up, but to the elders, it’s equivalent to sweeping away the good fortune of the family. Better wait until the next morning!
8. Insects that are good for you
When you leave your drink on the table and return to find an ant has died trying to crawl inside your mug, it’s fine. Don’t panic because according to our elders, drinking or eating ants can improve your voice. In general, ants at home are considered signs of good luck.
Which of these do you still believe in? Tell us below!
