Cursed Baths and Blessed Rains: The Holy Week Superstitions that Filipinos Subscribe to
Despite being a predominantly Christian country, the Philippines still holds on to age-old superstitious beliefs practiced by people during the Semana Santa (Holy Week). These practices mixed with pre-Hispanic origins were handed down from generation to generation and have been part of our rich culture and tradition. As a child, I have been told (even scolded for disobeying some) of these beliefs. Sure it made me behave well during those days out of reverence not to offend the dying or dead Jesus Christ. But being an adult now makes me wonder how it transcends time and still prevails nowadays.
If you haven’t heard of these superstitions, then here are some of them:
1. Travel should be avoided or risk getting into accidents
- Although many of us are using Holy Week as a time for some rest, old folks are persistent in discouraging any form of travel as people are more prone to accidents, injuries, or even death! Furthermore, outdoor physical activities such as swimming and hiking should be avoided as well. These beliefs are attributed to the Lord’s suffering and cannot protect people from bad entities preying on you.
2. Placing blessed palm fronds or “palaspas” on doors on Palm Sunday
- Primarily, this is done to protect the household from wandering evil spirits or misfortunes. In some beliefs, the ashes of the palaspas if mixed with coconut oil can cure common ailments such as stomach pains or headaches and even an antidote against sorcery (kulam). Others place blessed sting ray tails (buntot pagi) at a pregnant woman’s room as protection against ghoulish vicera-eating creatures such as aswangs, tiktiks, and manananggals — which are said to be more powerful during this time.
3. Wounds and injuries sustained will take longer time to heal
- Despite the lack of any scientific evidence, oldies are obstinate in warning against having injuries or wounds during the holy week because these will take a long time to heal. As such, handling pointed and sharp objects such as knives are kept to a minimum to avoid such fate. Accordingly, it originated from Christ being pierced on the side with a spear.
4. Avoid excessive noise and merrymaking
- Yes, excessive noise and merrymaking should be avoided this time due to the solemn nature of the religious days observed. Watching TV and playing the radio are avoided, as well as singing in karaoke, talking, and laughing out loudly. This was also the reason why back then, all local TV and radio stations are off-air. Some stations have special Lenten programs (I still remember that movie starring the blue-eyed Jesus) with the 7 Last Words (Siete Palabras) as a highlight.
I got scolded in my younger days for playing some music because it was a time of mourning for the Lord Jesus. On second thought, it makes perfect sense since it creates distraction among those immersed in meditative prayer and contemplation. So yeah, I think I will subscribe to this one.
5. Don’t wear bright happy colors on Semana Santa
- Because it is supposed to be a somber event, wearing clothing in colors such as red, yellow, pink, or orange — colors associated with happiness are to be avoided. People were expected to wear shades of white, brown, black, green, blue, or grey; otherwise, be seen as disrespectful to the Lord’s passion and death.
6. Avoid general cleaning of the house or doing laundry on Good Friday
- Again, for some unknown reason, elders are strict on this because cleaning the house will sweep away any good luck or blessings contained inside the house. The same goes for washing the clothes on the belief of using water on such day will bring bad luck. Ridiculous as it may seem but many are more than happy to follow this superstition — after all, it’s a good excuse to skip house chores!
7. Cover mirrors and don’t look at them after 3:00 PM on Good Friday
- Some believers would cover their mirrors with a black or white cloth after the 3:00 PM of Good Friday which is the hour of the Lord’s death. This stems from the belief that mirrors serve as portals to the spirit world and may crossover to and haunt the world of the living during this “vulnerable” time. And since the evil forces are supposedly stronger this time, gazing at the mirror will invite these demonic entities into your home and life. These mirrors will only be uncovered after the Easter Sunday rituals.
8. Battle of Good vs. Evil is strong on Good Friday
- It has been a long-time superstition that since the Lord Jesus is “dead” on Good Friday, Philippine sorcerers’ (mangkukulams/mambabarangs) powers are at their strongest. Fear not, because their counterpart — the shamans (albularyos/manambalans) are at their potency peak too! They spend this day going into places known to have mystical powers such as Siquijor, Mount Cristobal, and Mount Banahaw to recharge spiritual powers, get herbs for their potions, or craft talismans and amulets (anting-antings).
9. Avoid taking a bath after 3:00 PM on Good Friday
- Elders remind us not to take a bath after 3 PM unless one wishes to incur ill luck. Some claim that it comes in loose connection to another Filipino superstition about death and taking baths: it is said not to take a bath when a deceased is inside the house and doing so will invite misfortune.
10. Rain that falls on Easter Sunday is blessed
- Water may be prohibited during the earlier days of Semana Santa, but elders greatly encourage family members especially the sickly ones to bathe in the rain on an Easter Sunday. The rain is believed to have healing properties just like the holy water. Some even collect rainwater and use them for healing or anointing the sick.
Although some people still adhere to these superstitions, the Roman Catholic Church firmly preaches its flock to “practice true piety and do away from old wives tales” during the Holy Week. In an article by Fr. Rolando Arjonillo published on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, he advises the faithful instead to:
- Be in a state of grace and be free from mortal sins. If not, then receive God’s mercy, love, and forgiveness through the sacrament of Confession.
- Being with the Lord Jesus through prayerful contemplation, meditating on the Gospel, and sacrificing in atonement for our sins and of the world.
- Attending the Holy Week services.
- Do acts of mercy especially to those unfortunate brothers and sisters in need.
- Continue to strive to live a life practicing Christian values and avoidance of sin.
As time passes, some of these superstitions will persist and some will fade to obscurity. But certainly the very essence of Holy Week will always remain: the wholehearted commemoration we do every year of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection is rooted in His Divine love for us and our quest to be worthy of it.
