Good Friday is the most solemn day in the Christian calendar. Good Friday in the Philippines is a regular holiday, and many Filipinos observe this day by fasting and praying. This day marks the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross or crucifixion. In many countries around the world, especially in Europe and Latin America, Good Friday is a solemn day where people participate in processions, prayer, and a variety of rituals that commemorate the agony of Christ.
In the Philippines, however, traditions for Good Friday are a bit different. Most Filipinos adhere to superstitions that are meant to be good luck charms, and the traditions they observe on Good Friday are no exception. While Good Friday is a solemn occasion, many superstitions also surround it in the Philippines. Here are some Good Friday superstitions and what it feels like commemorating Good Friday in the Philippines.
Sweeping at night is not allowed.
One of the many Good Friday traditions in the Philippines is sweeping the house during this time of the year. Sweeping the floor, according to the elders, will unleash any luck, grace, or blessings that may be contained within the home or that may enter. Generally, this is a common practice in the Philippines, even if it is not Good Friday. However, one should not sweep or mop the house on a Good Friday because it means you are “sweeping” Jesus out of your life. Up until this day, Filipinos continue to believe in this and even make excuses for some to skip doing the chore.
Children should refrain from playing outdoors.
Many Filipino parents restrict their children from playing outside the house to avoid the risks of getting wounds. It is believed that cuts, scrapes, and other types of wounds take a longer time to heal. This is also a reason why traveling is not allowed considering that accidents happen more often during this time.
Too much noise is discouraged.
Many people believe that Good Friday and Black Saturday should be kept quiet and solemn because they are considered mourning days. Excessive and unnecessary noise is therefore discouraged. This is considered one of the most followed Good Friday traditions in the Philippines because even if you do not believe in this superstition, it is better to respect those who do especially within your family. Thus, singing karaoke, blasting music from a soundbar, and even watching TV is a big no-no.
Taking a bath after 3 PM is forbidden.
Some Filipino Catholics believe that taking a bath after 3 PM on Good Friday will bring them bad luck. This is because it’s believed that this was the time when Jesus Christ was crucified. It's said that if you do, you might get skin rashes or sores. There are also some who believe that taking a bath on Good Friday will result in death or sickness, especially if you use cold water.
Do not handle any nails or iron tools
Part of the Good Friday superstitions is avoiding handling nails and iron materials. Many Filipino Catholics believe that if you touch any nails or iron tools on Good Friday, you will have bad luck in your relationships and finances for the entire year. This is because Jesus Christ died when he was nailed on a wooden cross. Furthermore, you don't want to be associated with the torture that Jesus went through, so just leave them alone.
Do not eat or drink anything containing vinegar or nettles
It’s believed that any food or drink containing vinegar and nettles can bring bad luck during Good Friday because vinegar and nettles were used in making a crown of thorns which was worn by Jesus Christ during His crucifixion. They represent the sour wine and painful nettles that were placed on Jesus's head as he was dying.
Eating meat is not permitted.
People abstain from eating meat during this period as a sign of spiritual discipline. It is believed that it's bad luck to eat meat on Good Friday and those who will eat meat will grow hair on the palms of their hands. This superstition was most likely created to discourage people from eating meat on Good Friday. Some Filipinos also believe that if you are pregnant and you eat meat on Good Friday, your baby will have a birthmark.
Avoid staring at mirrors after 3 pm.
Because many people think that evil spirits prowl the streets after 3 pm, elders forbade children from staring at mirrors for fear of provoking the spirits. Just like the bath time superstition, 3 pm is considered the most vulnerable period, which is why all activities are limited in some way. The 'Bloody Mary' mirror stunt is frowned upon, especially during Good Friday. When the clock strikes three, other people sometimes cover mirrors to prevent people from staring at them.
No clothes should be washed.
One of Good Friday traditions in the Philippines is to refrain from washing clothes or doing the laundry. This is because it’s believed that washing clothes on this day will give you bad luck all year long. People will not wash clothes or take a bath. Some believe that this is because Jesus' clothes were never washed after He was crucified 2000 years ago, and so if you wash them you could be washing away your luck as well.
Do not plant anything or break any ground
Another superstition is that you should not plant anything or break any ground. This is because Jesus died on Good Friday, and so it's believed that nothing should be done to disturb the earth. No one will plant anything, and no one will break any ground. Additionally, Filipinos believe that the ground where Jesus was buried was never dug up, so they should not dig up their own soil on Good Friday.
Good Friday is observed as a symbol of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and it is a big deal especially here in the Philippines. It's one of the most important religious holidays in the country, and there are a number of superstitions attached to the day that many Filipinos observe strictly. Although none of these superstitions have any grounding in scientific fact—they're simply traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.
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