Supertitious beliefs

Philippine beliefs and superstition have grown in number throughout the various regions and provinces in the country. These beliefs have come from the different saying and superstitions of our ancestors that aim to prevent danger from happening or to make a person refrain from doing something in particular. These beliefs are part of our culture, for one derives their beliefs from the influences of what their customs, traditions and culture have dictated to explain certain phenomena or to put a scare in people. Some are practiced primarily because Filipinos believe that there is nothing to lose if they will comply with these beliefs. The following are some of the different superstitions in the Philippines:

Growing up, many children are told that it is just as important to learn not to prop their chins on their hands as to learn proper table manners. Supposedly, this is akin to awaiting bad luck. Singing while you are cooking means that you will end up widowed.

Changing places at the table while eating means that you will change husbands, or divorce and marry a number of times. Other superstitions include:

•If you open an umbrella indoors, a centipede will fall down from the ceiling.

•Accidentally dropping your fork on the floor might mean that a male visitor will come by.

•After a Baptism, the parents and the newly christened child should rush out of the church ahead of the others.

Some of these superstitions also cross over into other cultures. The tradition of wearing polka dots and filling up your pockets with coins during the New Year seems related to Chinese superstition. In both Filipino and Peruvian culture, dumping your purse on the floor can mean that you will go poor. This may have something to do with the Spanish influence on both countries.