Superstitious Beliefs only Pinay Moms will Understand (2 of 2)
Having a new baby makes any home light up with overflowing bliss – which is why we always want nothing but the best for our little ones. We, Filipina moms, are known to be very protective and traditional in rearing our children. So, it is of no surprise that we have an abundant number of superstitions in taking care of them.
In my previous blog – Superstitious Beliefs only Pinay Moms will Understand (1 of 2), I have named a few of the most popular beliefs of pregnancy and of new and breastfeeding moms, as shared by my fellow moms online. This is the second part where I will enumerate a selection of both the usual and unusual superstitions for newborns and toddlers. I hope you will enjoy this as much as you have enjoyed the first part.
NEWBORN/TODDLER SUPERSTITIONS
On Health
1. Lawayan ang baby sa tiyan o noo para hindi ma-usog/ma-balis.
(Slightly wet the baby’s tummy or forehead with saliva so he won’t get afflicted by someone who can inflict Usog)
2. Pakuluan ang damit ng na-Usog na baby bilang gamot/pangontra
(Boil clothes of the one afflicted with Usog as antidote)
3. Isabit ang luya sa damit at lagyan ng pula sa noo bilang pangontra sa Usog at Aswang
(Pin a ginger on the baby’s clothing and put a red dot on forehead to avoid Usog and Aswang)
4. Lagyan ng papel sa noo para gamot sa sinok
(Put a paper in the baby’s forehead to stop hiccups)
5. Huwag sabihan ang baby na “Mataba”, o “hindi sakitin”, baka mabati
(Do not compliment the baby by saying that she’s healthy, or the opposite will happen)
6. Ibenta ang baby kahit piso para hindi maging sakitin.
(Sell the baby to someone for at least a peso so the baby will not be prone to sickness)
7. Huwag idaan ang baby sa bintana, magiging sakitin
(Don’t let the baby go in or out the house through the window, or the baby will be sickly)
8. Masamang paiyakin ang bata pag hapon hanggang gabi, magkakakabag. Pag umaga lang para maganda sa lungs.
(It is bad to make the baby cry in the afternoon until the evening or they will have tummy aches. In the morning is OK though since it is good for the lungs.)
9. Baka may pilay ang baby pag may lagnat. Ipahilot para matanggal.
(When babies have fever they might have muscle strain, they need to go to a local massager to remove it)
10. Huwag pilipitin ang damit ni baby pakatapos labahan para hindi lumaking nakabaluktot
(Don’t wring the baby’s clothes after washing so the baby will not grow bent)
On Behavior
11. Dapat hindi bago ang unang damit na isusuot ni baby para hindi mapili sa damit pag laki
(The first clothes the baby should wear must not be brand new, so they will not be picky on their dresses as they grow older)
12. Bawal paliguan ang baby kapag Martes, baka maging martir
(Do not bathe the baby on Tuesdays or she will become a martyr)
13. Iipit ang unang gupit ng kuko at buhok ni baby sa libro para lumaking matalino
(Slip the first trimmed nails and cut hair in the pages of a book so the baby will be intelligent)
14. Susian o hampasin ng palaka ang bibig ni baby para madaling makapagsalita
(Put a key or smack a frog in the baby’s mouth for them to start to speak faster)
15. Pakainin ng buntot o taba ng baboy para hindi mapili sa pagkain, pakainin din ng pwerta ng baboy para maging sobrang daldal ni baby
(Feed the baby a pig’s fat or tail so she won’t be a picky-eater, and a female pig’s reproductive organ for her to be talkative)
16. Huwag ipapahalik ang baby sa salamin, stuffed toy o manyika, mahihirapan magsalita
(Do not let the baby kiss herself in the mirror, a stuffed toy or a doll, else, they will have difficulties in speaking)
17. Pakagatin si baby sa bakal para tumibay ang tuhod at pag upo
(Let the baby bite into metal so their knees and sitting will be sturdier)
18. Huwag kikilitiin para hindi magstutter/mabulol
(Don’t tickle your baby so they won’t stammer/stutter)
19. Pahalikan sa aso para hind imaging pala-laway si baby
(Let baby kiss a dog so they won’t drool often)
20. Pagsamahin ang pusod ng magkakapatid para lumaki silang close sa isa’t isa
(Store the cut umbilical cord of your kids together so they will grow up closer to each other)
As I have mentioned on my previous blog, I had resistance in following some superstitions, as I am not a believer myself. I tried to do some, as respect for the elders, especially if it is harmless and as they say “Wala naman mawawala kung susundin mo”.
However, the above is more of a “no way” than “okay” list for me. Some are hilarious but are too absurd for me to apply to my LO (Little One) – and I bet most 21st-century moms will agree with me on that. But, even if I can’t believe that some Pinay mommies are still following it for real, I do understand that we have our own beliefs in parenting and taking care of our child and we just need to respect each other on that.
But in any case that you don’t agree, but are still being pressured by your parents, your in-laws and anyone, even your husband to do any of these superstitions, I suggest for you to not be afraid of being honest with them and tell them courteously that you don’t think doing it will be best for your child. As most moms say, “My child, my rules”. 🙂
So, what do you think Mommy? Do you practice any of this? Are any of this effective in some way for your little ones? Let me know by posting your comments below.
The MoMillennial Pinay
