By Brian Campued
As the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic nation, the faithful express their deep religious devotion through various traditions, such as the Pabasa or Visita Iglesia. However, long before the Spaniards brought Catholicism to the country, Filipinos had followed common beliefs rooted in local superstition.
These pre-colonial superstitions merged with Catholic traditions, creating a “syncretic” practice of religious faith and folk belief, according to cultural anthropologist Nestor Castro.
“Ang Kristiyanismo, dinala ng mga Kastila sa Pilipinas, pati yung mga traditions sa Semana Santa… Pero siyempre, ito ay nag-fuse sa mga katutubong practices ng mga Pilipino. Ito yung tinatawag namin sa anthropology na naging syncretic yung practices, pagsasalubong ng dalawang kultura, lumikha ng isang bagong kultura na Pinoy na Pinoy,” Castro said in an interview on Rise and Shine Pilipinas.
Through generations, these local superstitions are still being practiced in the country to this day:
Observe silence. As Holy Week is a period for reflection on the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ, people are urged to stay quiet and not make any unnecessary noise so as not to distract others.
“Pinapalagay ko na ang turo ng mga sinaunang prayle, mga Kastila ay dapat igalang itong banal na okasyong ito. So dapat, hindi malikot, dapat hindi magulo. So, doon ang naging interpretasyon ay maging tahimik, huwag mag-ingay.”
Do not take a bath after 3:00 p.m. on Good Friday. Taking a bath after 3:00 p.m. on Good Friday is believed to be bad luck as it is the hour of Jesus’ death. It is likewise seen as a time for mourning, similar to a wake.
“Iyan ay ginagawa din natin sa mga lamay sa patay, sinasabi sa mga miyembro ng pamilya, huwag kayo maglilinis, huwag kayo maliligo muna. Pagkatapos ilibing yung patay, saka nagbubuhos ng tubig doon sa dinaanan ng burol.”
Not safe to travel. With the observance of Holy Week, leisure travel is usually frowned upon by the Elderly as Catholics are encouraged to stay at home to meditate and reflect during the period. Another belief is that accidents are likely to happen during the Holy Week as Christ is dead and cannot protect people.
“May paniniwala na medyo delikado na lumabas-labas, ano. Again, folk belief ito, patay si Kristo—patay si Kristo so naglalabasan ang mga masasamang espiritu, maaari kang maaksidente.”
-jpv
