How superstitious are you? A self evaluation

Abe V Rotor and Melly C Tenorio
Paaralang Bayan sa Himpapawid 738 DZRB AM
8 - 9 evening, Monday to Friday

Old folks attach superstition to a faint full moon as bleak times
ahead, viewed from St Paul Cathedral, Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Apparition of a headless lady, Virac Catanduanes, 4 o'clock pm, Oct 20, 2011

We don't believe in superstition, of course, because what we believe in needs a basis, or must have an inference to something logical.

But there are superstitious beliefs which, for one reason or another, come true. And they come when least expected. Or things happen first, then we search for a superstitious thing to which we attribute the event.

In short, superstition mystifies us and links our living world with the unknown, with fantasy,and the supernatural. And with our faith.

Do you believe in the following?

1. Forgo your trip when a black cat crosses your path – it is bad luck.

2. Don’t clean the house at night, more so, if you sweep the dirt out of the door. You drive good luck away, (Lalabas ang suwerte.)

3. If you get lost in the wilderness, reverse your shirt, so that you will be able find your way back.

4. Tikbalang (Filipino version of a centaur) comes out when it is raining while the sun is out.

5. Three persons in a picture means the one at the middle will die.

6. A mole (taling) on the sole indicates the person is a wanderer (gala’).

7. A mole located along the path of tears means the person is going to be widowed, or a widower.

8. Bride must never try her bridal gown before the wedding; the ceremony might not push through.

9. Don’t hang on the window; you court bad luck.

10. Itchy palm means you are going to have money.

Rating: 6-10 You are undeniably superstitious
1-5 You are superstitious sometimes or influenced by superstitious people.

Crocodile in the sky, sign of prevalent graft and corruption, 2009

Cave is home of ghosts and spirits, Virac , Catanduanes.
Author with Prof Manrico Masagca (left).