Superstitious Beliefs: Which One Do You Follow?
Have you ever wonder why people say "Bless You" when you sneeze? It's not just about being sick or whatever, it's actually a sign of protection for your soul to not leave your body when you sneeze.
When a dog barks into a moving ambulance, it is believed that the patient inside is either already dead or will not make it to the hospital. This is one of the beliefs that really surprised me since I have seen it in my own eyes that it's true.
The Philippines is one of the few Asian countries that have a unique set of superstitious beliefs. There is a big difference between beliefs and myths by the way. Myths usually talk about certain people or groups of people who have majestic powers so they can control the world with their bare hands. Beliefs, however, are about or came from previous or old events that take place at a certain time to make a common belief that something happens because of this or because of that.
I will share some of the most popular beliefs ever to be said and done in the thousand islands in the Philippines.
Number 13
If there is such a thing as a lucky number, 13 is the exact opposite of it. Here are some of the reasons why 13 is never your go-to number. The first case is the fact that the 13th Apostle happens to be Judas. Judas is known as the only Apostle that betrayed Jesus. Another one is that the Knights Templar assassination happened in the 13th of October which is Friday during that time. The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon was active from 1119 to 1312. The other reason for elders is that the teenage years start at the age of 13.
Whenever Friday the 13th happens, people usually pray before doing everything for the day. It is for the good angels to defeat the bad scent that will come.
Knock on Wood
This is what Filipinos are usually known for besides having the unique "Opo" statement as a sign of respect. Knocking on wood, which sometimes Western people do, is a sign or a must so that the uttered word which was leading to a bad fate will not happen. For example, you wish that someone will be dead by morning or get sick so he will be out of this world in just a joke but turns out to be offensive, you must knock on wood to eliminate it before it's too late. Most people believe that wood must be the tool and not a kind of cement or other stuff.
Itchy Palm
This is what most Filipino mothers usually believe in. Getting your palm in an itchy stage is a sign that money will come in the near future. At some point, this might really be a true sign since I have seen most Filipinos experiencing it. But besides having an itchy palm for "easy" money, seeing tons of black ants in or outside of your house is a good sign too. I really have no idea what's the connection of the ants since they are just animals too. Itchy palms can have an explanation like maybe you really want something to hold but ants don't really get into the connection.
