Superstitious Beliefs in the Philippines

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:39:38 PST

The night was young and the clouds were crowding. It was a particularly dreary day for me, with the gravity of academic frustrations and the melancholy of a non-existent social life. While walking out of the campus perimeter, a black cat from nowhere stretched its arms in front of me and continued strutting lazily. I thought to myself, "Well, that's tough luck." I carried on, ignoring the rumbling thunder and the singing of the crickets. Certainly nothing bad would happen to me, right? Wrong. The first drops of rain were pouring down already, and here I was without an umbrella! Logic instructs me to stay under the shade of the baletes nearby, but perhaps cellular phone snatchers were lurking nearby -- or even worse! So there I go, scurrying past the ominous-looking trees that lined the streets. Later that evening, I went down in a predictable state of rain-soaked splendor... and a nasty bout of flu.

Fantastic story, isn't it? Every one of us must have had at least one experience like that. No, not about broken hearts or failing grades (but it's very relatable!), but about our superstitious selves defying the limits of reality and common sense.

There is no doubt that folklore -- especially superstitious beliefs -- still pervade in our daily lives. Christianity has not curbed it; science has not shattered its so-called integrity; and technology, while an exact medium, has only contributed even more to the permeation of the paranormal phenomena. There are all sorts of “CSI”s of the strange kind happening on television, and legends of the aswangs and engkantos are enhances its popularity by catering to the younger set in the form of literature and film. They are not just, and no longer, "old wives' tales", so to speak.

To say that superstition is a force of nature would be an understatement. It is deeply rooted in our culture, for they say that a nation rich in culture is equally rich with its treasure trove of magnificent mythos. From the time of oral tradition when our ancestors worshipped all sorts of pagan divinity; to the influx of the Malay, Indian and Chinese settlers when we not only shared our goods but also our popular beliefs; to the conquistador era where lands that have not been "Christianized" have been deemed wicked and nefarious; and up to this day and age, superstitions formed and swelled like a raging tide that seeped to the fertile shore.

A plethora of superstitions can range from the mundane to the otherworldly, from the relatively benign to the extremely dangerous, from the practical to the downright absurd. Some can bring you luck, like wearing polka-dot patterns on New Year's Day; others a precautionary measure, like eating lightly on dinnertime to avoid having bangungot. A number of them have truth in itself -- as it has been proven that animal howls are a sign of impending catastrophe, because our creature friends have sharper-developed senses than those of the homo sapiens'. While there are certainly many that is known for their sheer entertainment value -- perhaps to scare children from being incorrigible?

Whether we are aware of it or not, we Filipinos are superstitious. There is no extent to how many superstitions have been associated to everyday activities. It is almost instinctive in us to observe such. Superstitions have easily eased its way into the collective consciousness, creating a socio-cultural norm to which all must take heed. Even modern society has accepted and adhered to time-old traditions, with the observance of feng shui (which traces its roots in superstition) by urban dwellers seeking the blessings of Lady Luck. And a majority of people would much rather avert to anything "13" in nature, and consider "8" favorable -- from constructions, table arrangements, business dealings, and even on certain TV game shows!

The question is: Why are we compelled to believe superstitions? They aren't necessarily true, and nothing bad will actually happen if we don't follow them -- some things in life are purely coincidental. We don't know why we believe in such, so there's no harm in believing them anyway, right? What's wrong with a little ace on your sleeve?

Well, that's exactly the case. Superstitions stem from a fear of the unknown, so in order to counteract the evil attributed with the unknown and to appease the gods, our forefathers have conceptualized these nifty words of wisdom. This is definitely a testament to the aphorism "What you don't know can only make you stronger." Attempting to rationalize the irrational will only cause serious brain damage, so if I were you, I'd rather leave it as it is and let the legacy live on. Imagine the Philippines without her unique beliefs and practices -- then our country would have been a staid landscape of grim-faced people! Superstitions and folklore are what makes Filipinos an interesting study. Beyond the power of religion and constant change, we still uphold the customs and practices undeniably ours, giving us a keen perception of things and a higher sensitivity towards others.

Bathala must surely be smiling down at me right now...

What Does Food Mean to the Ybanags?

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:17:54 PST

As in most countries, food plays an important part in the Philippine social life. Dishes served in a Filipino home depend on such factors as the fruits and vegetables in season, and most important of all, the culinary skills of the wife or husband. Filipino parties are food feasts - during the fiesta the status and prestige of a family are often measured by the number and variety of dishes served. Rituals and special occasions are often indicated by types of food prepared. Even family occasions such as the Sunday meal for the extended family often feature particular dishes”.

Most worthy to note as regards Ybanag foods, together with anything related to foods, is their belief that a Supreme Being is the creator and source of all foods whether concocted out of the Ibanag's mind or taken afresh from nature. The Ibanag's faith in God is shown most promiscuously in the way the Ibanag prepare, cook and serve dishes. Likewise, the Ibanag's trust in the power of a God is best illustrated in their habit of praying before and after meals. Praying to God is a sign of thanksgiving for, not only a sumptuous eating time but also an enjoyable bonding or get-together. Foods are symbol of peacemaking, friendship, respect, social acceptance, and economic status within the community.

Along with the nutritional effects of the Ybanag foods, come a litany of socio-cultural meanings of foods. One of these is the taboo which governs pregnant women particularly.

Among the Ybanag, food determine what kind of food a pregnant should not eat. These are broiled eggplant, coconut, twin bananas, ginger, alibabag, gabi, mungo, and catfish.

For example, eating eggplant among the new mother or pregnant woman is prohibited for she will feel itch all over her body including her navel.

Further, foods among the Ybanag make the body sturdy. here is no best medicine for the body except foods.

Moreover, the Ibanag old folks associate meanings and symbols to some foods particularly pigs. During mappatuno, (mounting the cornerstone of a house), the Ybanag family slaughters pig. Its blood is offered as an atang- which includes tinunu nga agal (roasted liver), and roasted pork. The Ybanag believe that offering atang during mappatuno appeases the gods and unseen spirit dwelling in the place not to harm the house-owners but guard and bless the latter.

Among the Ybanag, atang or offering is necessary before or during the mounting/laying of the cornerstone of a house so as not to anger the unseen spirits. Also, for the unseen spirits to give enlightenment to the owners of the house. An Ybanag husband slaughtered a pig when he laid the cornerstone of our house. Then, he offered the pig's blood as an atang to the unseen spirits. The man believed that the pig's blood is a favorite of the spirits.

Furthermore, the Ybanag have a strong faith that when transferring to a new house, the first to be brought inside the new home should be asin (salt). It is believed that salt sheds calmness or peace in the home.

Salt lightens one's life. As illustrated in the Bible, salt sheds peace of one's mind, which results in peace and harmony among the members of the family in the new house.

These and many more give meaning to Ybanag food culture, as food culture define and give meaning to the Ybanag race.