Superstitious Beliefs During Holy Week
April 14, 2022
ThursdayIt's Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the day in Holy Week of the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. It is also the day when the Holy Eucharist is consecrated. The feast is celebrated on the Thursday before Easter Sunday.
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We, Filipinos, are known to have a rich culture when it comes to commemorating Holy Week, commonly referred to as Semana Santa. One of the common traditions includes the waving of palaspas on Palm Sunday, which is a normal practice and a reenactment of Jesus’s entrance to Jerusalem. Palaspas are also used as a symbol of peace and unity among the Filipino people. It is also a symbol of the Filipino people’s faith in God.
Phillippines, which is known as the 5th largest Catholic nation in the whole world, also has various superstitious beliefs alongside its culture and tradition. As the title of this post implies, we are going to talk about these different beliefs which up until now could still be heard and believed by individuals.
Take extra care especially on Good Friday because getting wounded during this period would take a longer time to heal.
I have always heard this one ever since I was a child and because of this belief, children aren't allowed to play in the meantime to avoid getting wounded. The same holds true when using a knife. You should have put extra care when cutting because you might wound yourself, which would take a longer time to heal.
Do not sweep the house, especially at night during Good Friday and Black Saturday.
Sweeping on the day of Good Friday and Black Saturday is highly discouraged, especially at night because it will drive away good fortune. The elderly think that sweeping the floor eliminates any luck, grace, or blessings that may be in the house or that may be on their way in, and this is the reason why you shouldn't do it. Yet, it is undeniable that this belief is an excuse being made by those who are lazy enough to sweep the floor during ordinary days.
It is discouraged to make loud noises.
Many people think that Good Friday and Black Saturday are days of sorrow and, hence, should be kept serious and silent. Because of this, loud noise is prohibited. Though the act of whistling is believed to attract a cool breeze of air, it is prohibited on the other hand since it is seen as an impolite act. The act of making a loud noise is considered a form of disrespect. It is also considered an act of disrespect to God, who has died on the cross. Thus, refrain from making use of karaoke and respect individuals who believe in this superstition, even if you don't.
Avoid looking at the mirror after 3 PM and you should never ever break it because it is believed to bring bad luck when you break it.
It is highly discouraged to eat meat during Lent.
We have used to eating meat. However, during lent, we should avoid and refrain from eating meat because not eating meat is a symbol of being disciplined spiritually. Others cooked seafood and others make use of banana peel and make it a burger patty.
These beliefs might sound different to others, especially now that we are living in the modern world, but these things are what guided Filipinos in their daily lives even before. It has been a part of our tradition and system. It is a part of the Filipino culture and it will always be there. It will always be a part of us. Probably, you have heard of these beliefs already. If so, feel free to write down your thoughts about the other superstitions you also know.
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All photos are free images from Pixabay.
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marami rami parin sa mga sa aming community na nag aadhere sa mga traditions nato, although di namin to na fofollow because we are not christian catholics. 😅