Cover Filipino superstitions: In the Philippines, there is a belief that two tikbalangs (horse-headed humans) are getting married when it rains while the sun is shining (Photo: Getty Images)
Filipino superstitions: In the Philippines, there is a belief that two tikbalangs (horse-headed humans) are getting married when it rains while the sun is shining (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
Rain has inspired myths and superstitions in cultures across the globe. From rain frog weddings in India to tikbalangs in love in the Philippines, discover how people have tried to explain the grumpy weather
Rain always had a curious way of stirring the imagination. Whether it’s a sudden downpour or a light drizzle, the weather rarely arrives without commentary. Across the globe, humans have attempted to make sense of the weather not just with tents and umbrellas, but with stories that are both charming and bizarre.
From the ribbiting romances of frogs in rural India, to the eerie horse-headed tikbalangs tying the knot during sunshowers in the Philippines, the skies have inspired a lot of peculiar beliefs.
In this article, Tatler lists rainy-day superstitions from different countries.
In case you missed it: A Quick Guide On The Monsters Of Philippine Folklore—Who Is Friendly And Who Is Not?
India: Villagers wed frogs to make rain
Above In India, it is believed that marrying frogs can bring rain (Photo: News 18 Kannada)
In India, it is believed that marrying frogs can bring rain (Photo: News 18 Kannada)
1 / 1
In some Indian villages, people hold ceremonies where they symbolically marry frogs. This ritual is believed to please the rain gods and encourage rainfall. Villagers perform these frog weddings especially during times of drought to bring relief to their crops and community.
More from Tatler: 7 Filipino mythical creatures we want to see in DreamWorks’ upcoming ‘Forgotten Island’
Philippines: Tikbalangs are getting married
Above Tikbalangs getting married in the Philippines (Photo: Ulan / Irene Villamor)
Tikbalangs getting married in the Philippines (Photo: Ulan / Irene Villamor)
1 / 1
In the Philippines, it is believed that when it rains while the sun is shining, two tikbalangs are getting married. For those who are unfamiliar, these creatures have human bodies with horse heads. This rare weather phenomenon is thought to mark their secret wedding ceremony.
Greece: Rain during funeral means soul is at peace
Above An Irish belief says that when it rains during a funeral, it means the soul of the dead will ascend to heaven (Photo: Pexels / Cottonbro Studio)
An Irish belief says that when it rains during a funeral, it means the soul of the dead will ascend to heaven (Photo: Pexels / Cottonbro Studio)
1 / 1
In Greek tradition, if it rains during a funeral, it is believed that the departed soul is at peace. It is seen as a sign from above that the person is being welcomed into the afterlife.
Japan: Children must hide their belly buttons
Above In Japan, children must hide their belly button (Photo: Ivan Samkov)
In Japan, children must hide their belly button (Photo: Ivan Samkov)
1 / 1
In Japanese folklore, the thunderous Raijin is said to harbour an unusual craving for the belly buttons of children. To thwart this rather peculiar appetite, youngsters are urged to conceal their navels during thunderstorms, a clever custom doubling as a means to keep them snug and safe.
United Kingdom: Rain before 7, fine after 11
Above In UK, if it rains before 7, it means it will be gone by 11 (Photo: Pexels / Kristina Kutleša)
In UK, if it rains before 7, it means it will be gone by 11 (Photo: Pexels / Kristina Kutleša)
1 / 1
The British have long embraced the adage, “Rain before seven, fine by eleven,” as a charming nod to their famously fickle weather. This quote offers hopeful reassurance that an early morning shower needn’t spoil the entire day’s plans.
See also: Got the gloom? These rainy day accessories are guaranteed to brighten your day
Rio: Cacique Cobra Coral
Above The Cacique Cobra Coral is believed to be a spirit who has incarnated multiple times as Galileo Galilei and Abraham Lincoln
The Cacique Cobra Coral is believed to be a spirit who has incarnated multiple times as Galileo Galilei and Abraham Lincoln
1 / 1
In Rio de Janeiro, when the city’s famed Carnival rolls around, locals don’t just cross their fingers for good weather; they call Cacique Cobra Coral, a mystical spirit said to have the power to hold back the rain. This Indigenous chieff is a beloved figure in the Afro-Brazilian Umbanda tradition, blending rich Indigenous and African spiritualities.
Germany: There is a feast in hell
Above When it rains, there is a feast in hell (Photo: Nuh Isa/Pexels)
When it rains, there is a feast in hell (Photo: Nuh Isa/Pexels)
1 / 1
In German folklore, when it rains while the sun is shining, it is believed to be a sign of the devil’s mischief. This weather phenomenon is often seen as a playful yet eerie omen.
NOW READ
7 book releases by Filipina authors you don’t want to miss
5 Shocking Tragedies In Philippine History: O Zone Disco Fire, MV Doña Paz, And More
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
