17 Filipino Wedding Superstitions You Should Know
The extended history of colonization has strongly influenced the Filipino’s culture and traditions. One of these is the many superstitious beliefs. Filipino wedding superstitions are among the variety of distinct cultures locals still cling to despite the lack of logical explanation.
If you are planning to get married to a Filipino or a Filipino, and want to take precautions on your wedding day, here is the list of Filipino wedding superstitions you should know.
Filipino Wedding Superstitions
NO SIBLINGS SHOULD MARRY AT THE SAME YEAR (SUKOB)
It is believed that siblings should not marry within the same year. Doing so is considered bad luck. Either someone in the family will die or the prosperity between the two marriages will be divided. In the Philippines, it is called “sukob”. Postponing either of the siblings’ wedding could also mean postponing the good luck the newlywed is about to receive. So make sure to plan your wedding ahead of time and inform your families to avoid getting married at the same time as your siblings.
BRIDE SHOULD NOT FIT THE WEDDING DRESS BEFORE THE BIG DAY
No matter how excited you are, never try on your wedding dress unless it is already your wedding day, or else, the wedding will be cancelled. Fitting the wedding dress also causes bad luck to the newlywed.
BRIDE AND GROOM SHOULD NOT SEE EACH OTHER HOURS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Peeking with each other before the wedding ceremony is also considered unlucky to the couple’s married life. Seeing each other means casting their future which is believed as bad luck.
NEVER DROP THE RING DURING THE WEDDING CEREMONY
This wedding ring superstition is a bit terrifying because it means that someone will die in the family or their married life will not last once the ring drops during the wedding ceremony. Thus, the best man and the groom must be very attentive when handing the wedding ring during the ceremony.
CANDLE SUPERSTITIONS
During the wedding ceremony, sponsors are tasked to light candles on the couples side. One candle for the bride’s side and another one for the groom. Whoever candle dies first means will die before her/his partner.
TIGHT AND LOOSE WEDDING RING
The wedding ring represents the unbreakable bond between the groom and the bride. In the Philippines, wedding rings also have superstitions. Couples must see to it that the wedding ring measurements are perfect if they don’t want to end up having a failed marriage. Tight wedding ring means extreme jealousy that will result in complex marital problems while a loose wedding ring means the marriage will not last longer. Thus, bring bad luck to the family.
NEVER WEAR PEARLS (TEARS OF OYSTERS)
As a bride, you really wanted to look your best during your wedding day. Thus, you will opt to wear accessories such as pearls. But according to Filipino wedding superstitions, a bride that wears pearls on her big day will have a miserable married life that may lead to a broken marriage. This traditional Filipino superstition originated from the myth that pearls symbolize sadness as it is believed that pearls are tears of oysters.
BRIDES WEARING VEIL
During traditional weddings in the Philippines, brides should wear veils while walking in the aisle. This is also one of the wedding traditions that should be observed. The veil will be used as the bride’s disguise from evil spirits who might be jealous of her happiness.
THROW RICE AT THE NEWLYWEDS
In the Philippines, locals throw rice at the newlyweds instead of confetti or flower petals. This is one of the Filipino superstitions that bring good luck to the couple as rice represents prosperity.
NEVER GIVE KNIVES AND OTHER SHARP OBJECTS AS WEDDING GIFTS
Household items are indeed great wedding gifts as the newlyweds will be moving together in their new house. Thus, household items are needed. But gifts also have superstitions. If you are invited to attend your friend’s wedding, make sure to avoid giving a wedding gift that has sharp objects, or the couple will end up having a broken marriage.
ARINOLA (CHAMBERPOT)
Funny as it seems, but arinola is definitely the perfect gift a newlywed couple wishes to receive in the Philippines. The arinola brings good luck to the newlywed as well as the one who gives the gift.
STEP ON GROOM’S FOOT
The bride should accidentally step on the groom’s foot. This Filipino superstitious belief should be told before the couple get married as the stepping on the groom’s foot should happen accidentally on their wedding day. Thus, it should have happened accidentally on purpose. This superstition means that her partner will be more gratifying for the length of time in their marriage.
RAIN DURING THE WEDDING DAY
No couple wants to ruin their wedding day. Thus, rain during the wedding isn’t that desirable. But this Philippine wedding superstition, rain means heaven is sending good luck to the couples. It guarantees a happy and successful marriage in the future.
EATING A PIECE OF CAKE
At the wedding reception, it is part of the tradition that the bride should eat a piece of cake ahead of the groom. The cake is a sign of fertility and if this superstition is disregarded, it is possible that the bride will have difficulty in conceiving a child.
STAND UP TOGETHER
One of the superstitious beliefs a Filipino couple should take note of is standing together at the same time during their wedding. If not observed, Filipinos believe that the one who stands first will also die first before the other.
BREAKING SOMETHING FOR LUCK
Contrary about the superstition that dropping something during the wedding day brings bad luck, an accidental breaking of either a wine glass or a plate will bring good luck to the couple.
CLINKING OF GLASSES
To avoid bad luck, the couples parents and all the guests should chink their glasses at the reception. This will also withstand evil spirits who are envious of the joyous commemoration. This is indeed one of the traditions future brides and grooms should remember.
