13 Superstitions That Are Considered Bad Luck to Filipino Homes
Let’s admit it. No matter how modern or civilized we consider ourselves to be, superstitions (or pamahiin) are part of our day to day lives. From the moment of birth, adulthood, to death and even to afterlife, many of us still believe in these things even though the Philippines is known to be a religious nation.
Most superstitions exist for thousands of years. It extends beyond our belief in supernatural forces whether it be on things, numbers, life, ideas, and imaginations. But what really stands out among superstitions is when it comes to building our homes. As Filipinos, we make sure that we follow and adhere to these things which according to our ancestors will give prosperity and safety for us.
Question: Do you believe them?
Well, whether you’re superstitious or not, knowing these won’t hurt you anyway. Since Halloween is almost upon us, let’s explore some of the superstitions that are considered bad luck to Filipino Homes. And please let us know in the comment section if we missed anything.
Sweeping at night
This is probably the most common superstition among all. Many of us still believe that sweeping the floor with a broom at night will bring bad luck. Although there’s no logical explanation for this, many Filipinos still believe that this can spur away good blessings. You can sweep anytime during the day, but not after sunset.
Staircases
Staircases should have an even number of steps and be counted in a series of threes called “oro, plata, mata” which literally translates to “gold, silver, death.” This is because many Filipinos will go to great lengths to avoid ending in mata (death) which denotes bad luck. Moreover, having a 13-steps staircase is not advisable, as 13 is believed to be the number of the devil or bilang Hudas.
Lighting a Trio of Candles
The superstition of lighting three candles comes from the belief that the person who stands closest to the shortest candle will be the first to die. There is also a belief that a couple whose candle goes out first during a wedding will be the first couple to die.
Butterflies
A Black Butterfly inside the house is believed to bring death to the household. Meanwhile, if a Brown butterfly comes in, that’s your dead loved one.
Wall Clock & Bed Shouldn’t Face the Door
Our lolo and lolas keep telling us that the home’s wall clock and bed should not face the door’s entry. Or else, bad spirits or the “kamatayan” will come knocking in.
House Remodelling
Two storey houses that are remodeled into a one-storey structure will shorten the lives of the occupants.
Home Mirrors
The legend tells that the glass mirror facing the bed is bad luck because it can steal your soul. Also, a mirror placed on the wall facing the main door of a house will deflect good luck that enters the house.
Saying “Tabi-tabi po”
Whenever you pass through an unfamiliar area of an abandoned place, never forget to say “tabi-tabi po” or else elementals and demons might play and come with you at home.
Whistling indoors
People who whistle indoors are said to be whistling for the devil or whistling up a storm. So, best to avoid that.
The Kitchen
Kitchen shouldn’t be next to the toilet or septic tank. This is believed to bring illness to the family members.
Wake/Funeral Mirrors
If a wake is being held at home, it is recommended that all mirrors should be covered with cloth because the dead might try to show themselves in those mirrors. You must also avoid looking at yourself in the mirror and combing your hair during this time, as these are bad luck.
Avoid the Group of 3’s in Pictures
Grouping yourselves in sets of 3s (especially in pictures) is considered bad luck. Many Filipinos believe that the one in the middle might actually die.
Bringing Home Food from Funeral
While it’s customary to offer food to fellow mourners at Filipino funerals, it’s also believed that any food brought in to the wake should not be taken out of it. You can only bring the food after the 9th day of novena or what we call “pagsisiyam” or “tapos” in Cebuano. Visitors who hoard proffered snacks during wakes are frowned upon.
Did we miss anything? Feel free to share home-related superstitions you know in the comment section.
Are you looking for a new home? Contact any Filipino Home’s top real estate agents (that might be residing near you) now and get some professional real estate advice and direction.
