SUPERSTITIONS, a fundamental part of Filipino culture, live in daily routines, whether skipping the ladder on a sidewalk or avoiding that rogue black cat (my neighbors call it “kuring mundo”) on a misty night.
To the casual observer, these practices might seem a little odd, even amusing. But here’s the catch: some superstitions are not merely old wives’ tales — they may actually tap into real psychological, social, and even practical benefits that science is only now beginning to understand.
Take the ever-popular “pagpag” after visiting a wake, where we stop somewhere — anywhere — before going home. This custom, believed to prevent spirits from following the mourner home, seems far-fetched. But in a less mystical sense, it reflects a need for mental “detachment” after intense experiences. Clinical psychology has observed that taking small actions to end emotionally heavy events allows people to mentally decompress, similar to rituals for letting go of work stress (Risen, 2016). Far from warding off spirits, “pagan” may actually help keep our minds grounded.
Then, there is the practice of carrying a “lucky charm.” It could be an agimat, a talisman, a rabbit’s foot, an old pendant, or even a shirt that has “never failed” to bring good fortune. The effect of carrying these objects may be tied to the psychological concept of the placebo effect — believing that something will work often leads to feeling better or performing better as a result (Caspi et al., 2024).
Athletes have famously relied on “lucky” items to boost confidence, reduce anxiety, and elevate their game. Similarly, in the classroom, lucky pens, calculators, or notebooks can give students a sense of security, grounding them in focus, which is, in turn, linked to improved performance.
Scientific research also explains why people hold on to these beliefs despite the absence of empirical evidence. A phenomenon called “confirmation bias” keeps many superstitions alive. Essentially, our brains are wired to pay more attention to instances that confirm what we already believe and disregard those that contradict it. If someone avoids a black cat and later has a lucky day, they are more likely to remember it than the times nothing happened. Over time, these selective memories reinforce the belief, giving it an illusion of truth.
Beyond individual practices, superstitions can hold collective wisdom. Take the case of placing coins inside wallets or “ang pao” (red envelopes) before giving them as gifts. While it is nice to think that this act passes on prosperity, there is also a deeper social reason at play: it is a sign of generosity and goodwill, setting a positive precedent in relationships.
In a culture where many people are navigating financial challenges, symbols of abundance can boost morale and encourage reciprocity. Studies have shown that culturally shared beliefs — even unscientific ones — play a powerful role in fostering community ties and resilience (Vyse, 2024).
Meanwhile, some superstitions come with real safety benefits. For instance, science and common sense have explained that people should not walk under a ladder. From a practical perspective, it is a safety hazard: something could fall on you from above, or the ladder might shift if you accidentally bump it. Thus, it is easier to avoid than risk an accident. Superstitions like these act as behavioral cues, instilling self-preserving habits. (To be continued)/PN
