INTRODUCTION
Folk beliefs, otherwise known as "superstitious beliefs", form part of a people's value system and culture. They basically reflect the customs, traditions, and mores of a group, which may be based on religious beliefs, opinions, old or popular practices. They also tell of how a people view the unknown and the means to appease the gods that control the future.
Filipinos have a number of folk beliefs about life, family, luck, wealth, etc.. The Tagalog terms for folk beliefs and superstitions are: paniniwala (beliefs), kasabihan ng mga matatanda (what the old people say), and pamahiin (superstitions). The collection of folk beliefs on this page are written in Tagalog/Filipino, with appropriate translations in English. The primary source of this collection is Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz's Don't Take A Bath on a Friday: Philippine Superstitions and Folk Beliefs. Manila: Tahanan Books, 1996. Click on the contents link on the left to access the collection of Filipino folk beliefs.
1. Paano ko makikita ang mukha ng aking mapapangasawa?
(How will I know how my future spouse looks like?)
Kung gusto mong makita ang mukha ng iyong mapapangasawa, dapat ay gumising ka isang hating-gabi at tingnan mo ang iyong sarili sa salamin habang hawak mo ang isang nakasinding kandila. Sa simula ay makikita mo ang isang kalansay sa salamin. Pagkaraan ng limang minuto, makikita mo ng buong-buo ang taong mapapangasawa mo.
(If you want to know what your lifetime partner will look like, wake up in the middle of the night and take a look at yourself in the mirror while holding a lighted candle. At first, the image in the mirror will appear to be a skeleton. After five minutes, you will see a full view of the person you will marry.)
2. Pagbibigay ng regalo sa iyong minamahal. (Giving gifts to your beloved.)
a. Bawal ang panyo! (No handkerchiefs please.)
Pwede mong bigyan ng regalong panyo ang iyong kasintahan, pero lagi
siyang iiyak.
(You...