![]() |
Batangas superstitions about death in the family. |
From the so-called “historical data” of the towns and barrios of Batangas, we extract some strange and quirky and mostly forgotten beliefs and superstitions regarding deaths in the family. Some have explanations and others do not; and as beliefs and superstitions rather tend to go, they were believed nonetheless.
These “historical data” were compiled and written in the early 1950s – almost 70 years ago – so most of these will have been forgotten by most in the present day. The reader will please bear in mind that Batangas in the era was still largely agrarian in nature, houses were humble dwellings made of basic materials and the state of literacy nowhere near what it is in the present.
1. Going to the Garden after Visiting a Wake
![]() |
Image credit: Aral Pinoy. |
2. The Vegetable Taboo
![]() |
Image credit: Business Mirror. |
3. Piling Dishes during a Wake
![]() |
Image credit: ai.standford.edu. |
4. Pouring Water as the Coffin is Brought Out
![]() |
Image credit: My Philippine Life. |
5. Keeping Away the “Aswang”
![]() |
Image credit: Supernatural Series: Aswang | BakitWhy. |
↓ Scroll down to leave a comment.
Notes and references:
1 “10 Superstitious Beliefs about Filipino Funerals,” by Leo Lopez, online at Scribbles.
2 “History and Cultural Life of the Barrio of Coliat,” online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
3 “History and Cultural Life of the Barrio (Concordia),” online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
4 “History and Cultural Life of the Barrio Sirang Lupa,” online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
5 “Collection and Compilation of Historical Data, Barrios of San Fernando and Santiago (Formerly Payapa,” online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
6 “Compilation of Historical Data for the Barrio of Tubigan, Municipality of Lemery,” online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
7 “Compilation of Historical Data for the Barrio of Dahilig, Municipality of Lemery,” online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
1 “10 Superstitious Beliefs about Filipino Funerals,” by Leo Lopez, online at Scribbles.
2 “History and Cultural Life of the Barrio of Coliat,” online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
3 “History and Cultural Life of the Barrio (Concordia),” online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
4 “History and Cultural Life of the Barrio Sirang Lupa,” online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
5 “Collection and Compilation of Historical Data, Barrios of San Fernando and Santiago (Formerly Payapa,” online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
6 “Compilation of Historical Data for the Barrio of Tubigan, Municipality of Lemery,” online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
7 “Compilation of Historical Data for the Barrio of Dahilig, Municipality of Lemery,” online at the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.
🙏 Kindly consider sharing this article on your social media accounts to keep this site free for students and lovers of Batangas History.
If you wish to make a donation to Batangas History, click on the Donate button below:
Leave a comment: