Team DailyPedia
With the Holy Week fast approaching, Filipinos are getting ready to be in the prayer mood. Being one of the largest nations in Asia and the third in the world with a predominant Roman Catholic population, the country is preparing for the celebration of the death of the Son of God.
Most Pinoys are very fond of following “pamahiins” or superstitions during this season. These beliefs have been passed around from generations to generations originating from the pre-Spanish era.
Today, even in this generation filled with the latest gadgets and technology, many still believe and apply these superstitions. According to believers, there’s no harm in following these beliefs as long as you don’t harm anyone.
We gathered 10 weird “don’t do’s” superstitions elders tell us during Holy Week:
1. Don’t take a bath on 3:00 PM of Good Friday
Our grandparents would always force us to take a bath before 3 in the afternoon every Good Friday. They say that evil will come upon us if we shower on that hour because Jesus Christ died at that hour.
2. Don’t create unnecessary noise or sound
At these times, we would see our folks with pointed lips almost holding their breath while muttering, “Shh…shhhhh..SHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! . According to them, all should refrain from making unnecessary sound during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday because it will disturb the creatures of the dark and will take you. Some children are even told to turn off the radio and TV on these days. Well, I guess, it’s their way of saying, “behave and be quiet.”
3. Don’t cut your nails
They say if you injure yourself during this week, your wound will take longer time to heal. Nice way of keeping the children away from trouble
4. Don’t grill (ihaw) fish
While this may sound a tad crazy, they believe that your face will burn. Hmmm? Perhaps, it’s because of the overexposure to charcoal and heat.LOL!
5. Don’t sweep, wash clothes, chop wood, use hammer or even a knife
Our parents say we might catch bad luck because Jesus is “dead” during these times
6. Don’t travel
Although the superstition says you may get into accidents, I don’t think this is followed anymore. Bus terminals and airports before, during, and after these times are overflowing with families going on out-of-town trips
7. Children are not allowed to go into the woods or forests
Based on stories, fairies, witches or gnomes who reside in these places may take the children’s souls.
8. Don’t get lost
There’s a saying that if you go to unfamiliar places and get lost on Good Friday, no one will find you until Easter.
9. Don’t overeat
“Wag ka’ng magpapakabusog.” Elders don’t have any explanation on this. They just say, “Jesus is dead” so everything should be done with precaution.
10. Don’t laugh too loudly on Mt. Banahaw
Pilgrims go to this mountain during Lenten season to bathe in the waterfalls believing it would heal their disease. Some climb it to search for objects with healing powers. And others hike it as a sacrifice for them to receive miracles or blessings. People who visit the place are told not to laugh too loudly as it could anger the spirits which would lead to them being soaked in rain while the other people remain dry.
