Back in the day, our elders could tell us the Holy Week vibe was different. There was no TV, no Netflix, and no outings and the streets were quiet since most shops were closed. Instead of going out, Pinoys practiced several superstitions that many believed should be followed to the T to ward off bad luck. We’ve already listed 8 Holy Week superstitions you’ve probably heard of but since there are so many, here are 8 more. How many of these Holy Week superstitions do you know and believe?
Bawal gumala
Superstitious people believe that accidents are bound to happen more during Holy Week. They believe that since it’s a time for Christ’s passion and death, evil spirits and engkanto grow stronger and could harm people. It’s interesting to see the change in perspective after a few decades. Nowadays, half of us associate Holy Week with family outings out of town and a time for relaxation.
Bawal mag-ingay
Some families believe that Holy Week should be a solemn time for reflecting on the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Being rowdy, laughing loudly, or making unnecessary noise is not exactly forbidden but it’s frowned upon. It’s a period similar to attending a funeral and grieving, they say.
Bawal mag-laba
Similar to avoiding excessive noise or any sort of celebration, many also believe they should avoid doing laundry, especially during Good Friday. It’s believed that water, during this time, could signify bad luck.
No meat
Superstitions also extend to food. Catholics believe that they should abstain from eating meat not only on Fridays during Lent but during Good Friday too since it’s the day Christ died on the cross. While meat is associated with impurity, some also associate it with celebrating so many abstain and switch to fish instead.
Bawal mag-walis
Even sweeping is believed to bring harm when done during Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday. Superstitious folks believe it will sweep away luck and blessings for the home.
Hopping is encouraged
When the church bells toll on Black Saturday, elders will encourage kids to hop. This is similar to the belief that vertically-challenged individuals and kids should hop during New Year’s Eve to help boost their height.
Shake fruit trees for a bountiful harvest
The elderly believe that shaking the trunk of fruit-bearing trees on Black Saturday will yield a bountiful harvest. This superstition is widely practiced by Ilocanos who would also chant “Gloria, gloria, ragsakan ti agbunga (Glory, glory, fruits be bounty)” while shaking the trunk.
Put a cross on your door
We’ve heard of putting palaspas or blessed palms on the main door to ward off evil spirits but many also believe putting a cross or a rosary could protect people in the house.
Which of these Holy Week superstitions do you believe in?
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