AT some point in our lives during Holy Week, we were told not to be noisy because “patay ang Diyos.”
Or at times, every Friday we were not allowed meat – pork in particular.
Or we had an excuse not to clean the house.
But they are part of the myths or traditions in the Philippines that are said to be — truly Filipino.
For a country mostly dominated by a Catholic Religion, the Filipino faith is perhaps the strongest in the world – ok, next to the Vatican.
Here are some of the traditions that we had been told when we were young:
Sweeping At Night Is Not Allowed
An excuse to not do daily chores? It actually comes with a deeper meaning and faith. Our parents had told us that during Good Friday and Black Saturday, every past 3 p.m., one should already stop sweeping as the elders expressed belief that sweeping the floor can likewise “sweep away” any luck, grace of blessings.
But, cleaning addicts, worry not as there seems to be a loophole – the ban on sweeping is only at night, so come early morning, it’s time to clean the house.
Longer time to heal for wounds
A Filipino belief during Holy Week is that when you incur a wound, it will take some time for it to mend up or longer than the usual.
While there is still no Scientific proof about it, it gives parents a good enough reason for children from playing outdoors to avoid getting cuts and scrapes.
Such a myth keeps children at home. Well, more gadget time!
Don’t be noisy
My devout parents and grandparents always told me more than 40 years ago (don’t ask how much longer), to keep a solemn atmosphere and avoid being noisy during Good Friday and Black Saturday, because “patay ang Diyos.”
But we all know that the Good Lord is ever present, everyday and is always and all ways alive.
But hey, blame it on my youth. Nevertheless it meant that such days are considered days of mourning.
No karaokes, sound trips, shouting and even honking of cars.
Now if you don’t believe these so far, the most civil thing to do is to just respect their beliefs and tradition. It would not hurt.
Don’t take a bath after 3PM
This is something that I remembered my Kuya taking to heart. Have you been able to piece them so far? Not allowed to be noisy, longer time to heal, and no taking of baths after 3 pm.? So that children may just stay at home and always be fresh! That was how my Kuya and I thought about it as we grew older.
But we respect our elders, as should you and even said it to our respective kids then. According to tradition, taking baths beyond 3PM causes bad luck.
Suddenly, I had to think of people whose work is in the afternoon or evening like call center agents.
But Filipinos, ever devoted to hygiene, seemed to have a hard time following, even if it might cause bad luck.
Evil Spirits’ Presence Are Stronger During Holy Week
Ok, going back to the belief that we shouldn’t be noisy, it is because of “patay ang Diyos” so it was of a belief that the presence of evil spirits is much stronger. It is during this time that our ancestors believe that spirits roam the earth.
But as taught to me by my Christian school, the Lord is everywhere, everytime, and prayers can always keep you safe.
Don’t stare at a mirror at 3 p.m.
Bloody Mary. Heard about it? A stunt in the mirror is considered a taboo especially during Holy Week. When the clock strikes 3, sometimes mirrors are even covered to avoid the temptation of looking at it. This may be a tricky belief but you can’t really fight the old myth without being misunderstood.
It is a myth or urban legend where chanting “Bloody Mary” three times in front of a mirror in a dark room is said to summon a vengeful ghost, often depicted as a bloody apparition, that will then harm or kill the summoner. My piece of advise: Huwag niyo nang subukan. Ever. Not even for thrills.
Palm Leaves On Doors For Protection
We are a country that believes in anting-anting so putting palm leaves to ward off evil spirits is a tradition we always put on.
After getting blessed on Palm Sunday, the leaves are being attached to the doors.
Meat Is Not Allowed On Good Friday
Due to lent, eating meat during Good Friday is a spiritual discipline.
This is a sign of spiritual-discipline. And here is where monggo Friday probably originated.
Whether you believe or follow the traditions, what is important is you respect each other’s beliefs and continue to pray to the One.
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments!
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