Filipino Beliefs and Superstitions

Folk beliefs, otherwise known as "superstitious beliefs", form part of a people's value system and culture. They basically reflect the customs, traditions, and mores of a group, which may be based on religious beliefs, opinions, old or popular practices. Filipinos have a number of folk beliefs about life, family, luck, wealth, etc.. The Tagalog terms for folk beliefs and superstitions are: paniniwala (beliefs), kasabihan ng mga matatanda (what the old people say), and pamahiin (superstitions). There are many Filipino superstitions, some of these might be out dated but at one time there were such things as; A serpent either carved into, painted, or hanging near the door to their home, would protect against hostile spirits. Also the gecko was considered lucky, and to have one living and hunting insects on your bedroom ceiling meant you were blessed. To have two geckoes living and thriving on your bedroom ceiling meant you were doubly blessed. Having one in your home was lucky, but to have him living in your bedroom is what was the key to the importance here. Many were certain that lunacy was caused by demons, and might even have happened in some cases because of the pattern the mother was sweeping her hut (home) while pregnant. Some beliefs in giving gifts to your beloved: No handkerchiefs please - You can give your sweetheart a handkerchief as a gift, but it will only make her cry. No pointed/sharp objects please - Engaged couples should not exchange pointed or sharp objects as gifts, or this would lead to a broken engagement. These are just some examples as what i heard from the elder people. Nowadays, we can rarely hear about these beliefs but when we ask things like this to our grandparents, surely a lot of superstitious beliefs they can share.