Among the many descriptions the Philippines is defined with, it is well-known as a country with a superstition-laced culture. For every occasion, there are many beliefs tied to it which is followed by Filipinos. On birthdays, the celebrant should prepare and eat noodles as a symbol of long life. A single guy shouldn’t be a godfather at weddings. For house renovations and construction, we have a long record of feng shui guidelines that even contractors adhere to. The interesting list just goes on.

In case you missed it: All Souls Day: Filipino Superstitions to Know

It is said that we have the Filipino natives to thank for how we are still superstitious in this era, while others voice out that it is due to the influence of the Spaniards and Chinese. We’ll never know for sure, but it is an unsaid fact that every Pinoy has clung to various beliefs that were passed onto traditions and lines of generations. How many of you still knock on wood to counter something someone has spoken ill? Or how many times have you avoided giving a pair of shoes to a partner since it is known that that person will walk away from you? And how long have you been picking up forks and spoons that fell off the table and then expecting a visitor later in the day?

Superstitions are a wondrous mystery in our daily lives. Filipinos would still rather follow than suffer the consequences. Especially on New Year’s Eve, when it is crucial that Pinoys would make preparations to ensure that the new year is being welcomed with that promise of being a prosperous one; the time that Filipinos are anxious that their actions would dictate the rest of their year. And now that 2023 is dawning upon us, we’ve put together the beliefs that are mostly kept intact.