Superstitions of Philippines

 The Philippines is rich in superstitions and folklore, deeply rooted in its culture and history. Here are some popular superstitions in the Philippines:

"Pagpag" - This belief suggests that when attending a wake or funeral, one must not go straight home afterward. It is believed that evil spirits may follow you. Instead, people practice "pagpag," which involves making a stop or taking a detour before returning home to shake off any spirits that may have tagged along.

"Tikbalang" - The Tikbalang is a creature from Philippine folklore that is said to be half-human and half-horse. It is believed to inhabit forests and mountains and is known for leading travelers astray or causing misfortune. It is considered bad luck to whistle at night, as it is believed to attract the Tikbalang.

"Sukob" - This superstition advises against holding two significant events, such as weddings, within the same year or too close in time. It is believed that doing so brings bad luck and may result in accidents, sickness, or even death.

"Pamahiin sa Buntis" - There are numerous superstitions related to pregnancy in the Philippines. For example, pregnant women are advised not to attend funerals or visit wakes to avoid bad luck or harm to the unborn child. It is also believed that lunar eclipses may cause birth defects or bring misfortune to the baby.

"Pamahiin sa New Year" - Filipinos have various superstitions associated with welcoming the New Year. Some common beliefs include making loud noises through firecrackers and horns to drive away evil spirits, jumping at the stroke of midnight to increase height, and ensuring that all doors and windows are open to invite good luck and blessings into the house.

"Usog" - Usog is a belief that an envious or admiring look from someone, especially towards a child, can cause harm or illness. To counteract the effects, one may say "pwera usog" (meaning "no effect") or touch the person or child while uttering the phrase.

"Sundot Kulangot" - Sundot Kulangot translates to "booger poke." It is believed that when a person suddenly sneezes, someone nearby should quickly perform a mock poking action under the nose to prevent misfortune or bad luck from befalling the sneezer.

These are just a few examples of the many superstitions that exist in the Philippines. Superstitions often vary by region and can be influenced by cultural and religious beliefs. While some people may fully embrace these beliefs, others may simply view them as cultural traditions or fun folklore.