INVISIBLE RULE: THE QUIET INFLUENCE OF PAMAHIIN
Growing up in a city where pamahiin is not very popular, I did not have much knowledge about it. My parents did not teach me many of the beliefs they knew, and it was mostly my grandmother who would occasionally talk about them. Because of this, I was only slightly aware of some pamahiin, and they simply became small parts of my life. These beliefs often lived in the quiet warnings of elders, like my grandmother, serving as invisible rules that guided our behavior. Whether it was saying “tabi-tabi po” when passing through unfamiliar places or turning clothes inside out to avoid getting lost, these beliefs shaped how I saw the world. At first, they felt like unrealistic ideas without clear explanations, but over time, I began to understand that pamahiin is not just superstition—it is a reflection of our culture, values, and shared identity.
One common pamahiin I often heard as a child was the belief that cutting your nails at night brings bad luck. Since I was young, I questioned my mother and grandmother. Why was it so dangerous that they would get upset when I tried trimming my nails at night? They would respond seriously, saying it could bring misfortune and, in the worst case, even shorten one’s life. While this may sound unreasonable in a modern context, I later realized there was a practical explanation behind it. In earlier times, before electricity was widely available, cutting nails in the dark could easily cause injury. People often used knives or scissors instead of proper nail clippers, making it more dangerous. What started as a precaution eventually became a cultural belief passed down through generations.
Another practice was saying “tabi-tabi po,” especially when walking through forests, unfamiliar places, or near anthills believed to be homes of the nuno sa punso. This phrase is used to show respect for unseen spirits that may inhabit the area. As a child, I believed in this pamahiin and made sure to follow it. As I grew older, I realized that this belief reflects a deeper cultural value—respect for nature. It reminds us that we are not the only living beings in this world and that we should care for our surroundings.
Pamahiin also becomes visible during significant life events, such as weddings. It is believed that a bride should not try on her wedding dress before the ceremony, or else the wedding might not happen. Another belief, known as “sukob,” warns against siblings getting married in the same year, as it is thought to bring bad fortune to the family. Although these practices may seem unusual, they add emotional depth and meaning to important occasions. They create a sense of anticipation and tradition, connecting individuals to their cultural roots.
These beliefs often come from a combination of practical experiences and attempts to explain the unknown. Before science and technology advanced, people relied on observation and storytelling to understand the world. Over time, these explanations became embedded in our culture as pamahiin. Even today, despite having the availability of scientific explanations, many people continue to practice them.
However, some beliefs can lead to unnecessary fear. For example, the idea that cleaning the table while someone is still eating will prevent them from getting married may affect a person’s confidence or behavior in social situations. This raises an important question: should all pamahiin still be followed today?
Instead of completely rejecting pamahiin or blindly following it, it is more meaningful to understand its origin and symbolic value. Many of these beliefs carry lessons about safety, respect, and proper behavior. By interpreting them thoughtfully, we can preserve our cultural heritage while also embracing rational thinking.
In my experience, pamahiin serves as a bridge between the past and the present. It connects us to our families, especially older generations who grew up with these traditions. By listening to their stories, I have come to understand that pamahiin should be respected, but not always taken literally. While some see it as mere superstition and others as meaningful tradition, dismissing it entirely can be seen as disrespectful or insensitive. That is why it is important to approach these beliefs with respect.
In conclusion, Filipino pamahiin is more than superstition—it is a reflection of our history, values, and identity. Through reflection, I have learned to see these beliefs not as limitations, but as part of my cultural origin that carries deeper meaning beyond literal interpretation. They remind us that people in the past relied on observation, imagination, and tradition to guide their lives. Even in the modern world, where logic and science prevail, pamahiin continues to shape our behavior and strengthen connections across generations.