Being both religious and superstitious

The country’s transitional history under different foreign colonisers brought with it varying influences, including that of religion and belief systems. During pre-colonial times, the area of what is now known as the Philippine archipelago practised a form of animism. Archaeological research also found traces of Buddhism. Then, when the Spanish came, massive movements to convert Filipinos to Christianity took place, leaving the country to this day with a majority of its population Roman Catholic. And with many Filipinos possessing Chinese ancestry, they have adopted belief systems from that culture as well. This diversity is why the Philippines is so unique in its spiritual aspects. It’s a country with millions of devotees cramming the streets of Manila during the Feast of the Black Nazarene and with people actually flagellating and crucifying themselves during Holy Week Good Friday. However, it’s also a country with people who refuse to go directly home after a wake (for fear that the spirit follows them home) and forbid that the weddings of two immediate family members fall within the same year (in fear of bad luck).

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