7 Superstitious Beliefs That Make Filipinos Special

Sandy beaches, rich biodiversity, mouthwatering cuisine, and scenic destinations aren’t the only things that make the Philippines special. What makes it more interesting is its culture — its wild, funny, and sometimes scary superstitious beliefs.

What beliefs am I talking about? Let’s find out.

1. Always Do Pagpag after Attending a Wake

Pagpag refers to the act of shaking off dirt. For Filipinos, it’s not the dirt that you should shake off, but the spirits that may come with you after attending a wake.

For additional context, elders say that before going home, you should go somewhere else to prevent the dead soul from following you. If you want to know more, you can watch the movie called Pagpag.

2. Avoid Traveling before a Major Life Event

Many Filipinos believe that you should not travel if you have a milestone coming up, including marriage and graduation. This belief stems from the news where some people who’ve major life events coming through have encountered accidents days before the said events.

This isn’t proven to be true, but many Filipinos follow this because, for them, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

3. Saying Tao Po When Knocking on Someone’s Door

Tao Po, loosely translated to “Anybody home?” is a phrase we say after knocking on a door to announce our presence. For Filipinos, they say it to determine whether the person inside the house is a human or a supernatural creature.

4. Saying Tabi-Tabi Po When Chartering in an Uninhabited Territory

Tabi-Tabi Po is a respectful phrase used by the locals to avoid harming the spirits or elements that live in an area. For instance, if you’re about to pee on a tree, you should say Tabi-Tabi Po, to let the spirits know that you don’t want to hurt them.

5. Invert Your Shirt If You’re Lost

Many Filipinos believe that supernatural beings such as Tikbalang, Engkanto, and Diwata, exist to guard and protect nature. However, these creatures can sometimes play tricks on you, leading you astray and preventing you from reaching your destination. So, if you find yourself lost in the woods, you should turn your shirt inside out to break the spell cast by these mythical creatures.

6. Money Will Come If Your Palm Is Itchy

Time to lighten up the mood!

Filipinos not only believe in supernatural beings, but they also believe in luck. Whether your palm is itchy because it’s dirty or due to an insect bite, you’re lucky because an itchy palm indicates incoming wealth.

7. Don’t Gift an Empty Wallet

Whenever you give someone a wallet, always put money on it. It doesn’t have to be much, simply leave a few coins or paper bills on it to ensure that the person receiving it will reach financial success.

The Filipino Culture

Some may find these beliefs strange, while others may find them amusing. For Filipinos, however, it is a culture that makes them who they are.

These beliefs help us appreciate our identity as Filipinos and while we don’t need to understand them, it pays to respect them.