THESIS111
THESIS111
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
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An undergraduate thesis
Presented to the
Faculty of College of Education
University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta
Las Piñas campus
In partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the degree in
Bachelor of Science in Education Major in Social Studies
GALUTAN, NOEMI O.
LASTRILLA, REINETTE L.
March 2018
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APPROVALSHEET
This thesis entitled “Superstitious beliefs and Family Tradition: Basis for
a Compendium”, prepared and submitted by GALUTAN, NOEMI, LASTRILLA,
REINNETTE in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor
of Science in Education major in Social Studies has been examined and
recommended for final oral defense.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA – Las Piñas Campus, for her
unending support and for allowing the researchers to conduct their study.
study for the moral and financial support extended to the researchers.
Above all to GOD, for His unconditional love and blessings that He
ABSTRACT
When the clock runs, the Filipino people are increasing in billions and
superstitious beliefs and family traditions that still exist on this generation.
beliefs that result from ignorance and fear of the unknown. Filipino families
consider these as part of their culture. The purpose of this study is to give
insights on the superstitions and family traditions that are being practiced by
most of the people we have interacted with. The Filipinos also tell how
people view the unknown and the means to appease the gods that control
number of beliefs and traditions about life, family, luck, wealth, and many
others.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPROVAL SHEET 2
ACKNOWLEDGMENT 3
ABSTRACT 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS 6
Introduction 8
Theoretical Framework 42
Research paradigm 44
Assumption 46
Definition of Terms 48
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Reseach Design
Research Instrument
Chapter 4: SUMMARY 69
Findings
Conclusion
Insight Gained
CHAPTER I
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INTRODUCTION
and family traditions still persist in our societies. The superstitions and family
traditions continue to pass through generation and maybe it will still continue
to those beliefs that result from ignorance and fear of the unknown. Every
known civilization that ever existed on the planet had something common in
them; these were the myths and superstitions that were a crucial part of their
the natural events. Curiosity also with regard to things that are hidden or are
still in the future plays a considerable part, example, in the various kinds of
beliefs concerning methods of warding off ill or bringing good, foretelling the
While traditions are customs or symbol that hold special meaning to each
They can begin at any time with anyone from any background. It is up to
In the Philippines, owing to its strategic location in Asia, has seen many
settlers and visitors from other places even before the advent of written
history. Naturally, these different peoples would carry with them their peculiar
beliefs and custom pertaining to phenomena that they could not explain at the
time. These beliefs would then be transmitted to their descendants via oral or
written traditions.
Historians generally agree that aside from the original main settlers (the
Negritos, the Indonesians, and the Malays) the biggest influences of Filipino
superstitions would be the Indians, the Chinese, the Spanish, and the Arabs to
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a lesser extent. This inter-mixing of different beliefs is the reason why we have
practices of a family that are handed down from one generation to the next.
changes in where kids live and how they spend holidays and birthdays,
traditions may change a little or a lot. Some family traditions change over the
years as children get older. Good examples of changes due to older kids are
bedtime stories and family movie nights. Other traditions change as children
grow up and have families of their own. Opening gifts on Christmas morning
and Easter morning egg hunts will take place at your grown children's houses
standing traditions and decide that one or more no longer fit their lifestyle.
and family traditions in this era. This research also assessed the families
belonging to the urban areas about their insights regarding the topic.
Furthermore, this research identified and analyzed some of the factors on why
Filipino families are still practicing and adhering to the beliefs of their
forefathers.
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They are strongly rooted from their ancestors that they believe could help
Examples of these are: Friday the 13th, walking under a ladder, and
breaking a mirror connotes bad luck, while itchy palm connotes good luck.
Also, there are many family traditions that still in use today and the common
Despite the computer age that has changed the lifestyles of most
Filipinos, many Filipinos still spice their life with superstitious beliefs and
family traditions that they strongly believe could help them cope with day to
day activities especially the most important events in life such as marriage,
families especially in the urban areas of Las Piñas. The researchers chose to
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focus the study on these areas to discover more about the practices of
about the famous superstitions and the family traditions of Filipino that still
researchers that the gathered literature and studies will serve as back drop
Foreign Literature
On Superstitions
earliest superstitions were created as a way to deal with ignorance and fear
13
helpless. They are born from casual coincidences and learned behaviors.
The origin of certain superstitions may be centuries old, having been passed
Some seem more widespread from nation to nation and some superstitions
are cultures specific. It is more common among certain groups of people and
instinctive desire to believe in certain causal relations, which have not and
states that they grow out of a naive belief in the all-pervasiveness of mind or
spirit. He states that superstitions have been used to frighten people into
behaving according to the dominant social ideals; that they have been useful
carefulness and economy; that they have been used as curative agents; and
that they have been used as a means of relieving minds from the strain of
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self-helpfulness, and it incites men to gamble where the odds are strongly
against them.
superstitions than men, and they do not apparently outgrow such beliefs as
easily as men. Conklin also states that new superstitions are created easily.
the past two or three decades, have indicated are influenced by a great
put in the wrong places at an impressionable period, and that they furnish
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development.
enlightenment that has taken place, superstitious beliefs still persists in our
societies.
beliefs. These are the irrational beliefs that an object, action or circumstance
Superstitions have been there, now for a long period of time. In this
travel in history, people from diverse cultures have added their part of blind
beliefs in them. The sources which might have been a great source for such
Valeed (2016), in his article mentions that “People feel very desperate
to find reasons for all the misfortunes they come across. Being superstitious
helps them to hide their mistakes by blaming luck, which according to them
16
A feeling of lack of control over their life fuels many people’s desire to
impose order and structure on the [Link] less control people have over
their lives, the more likely they are to try to regain control through mental
gymnastics.
menacing. While some misperceptions can be bad or lead one astray, they
are awfully common and most likely satisfy a deep and enduring
are as follows: worrying about life, having a strong need of control and do not
For most people in the developing world, modern medicine is very expensive
and often simply unobtainable. Hence, many seek cures or try to take
superstitions. They also feel more comfortable dealing with a witch doctor
who knows their customs and speaks their dialect than with a medical doctor.
17
chance of a good outcome when not, an individual might never realize that it
she/he will admit it or not. Whether it's from a certain religion, or a legend
passed down from his/her ancestors. It's in our human nature to come up
with something to believe in, however obscure and ridiculous it may be.
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everywhere around him. They are powerful and can influence people how to
behave and act in everyday life. They are also very mysterious.
will influence the likelihood of an event, like pitching a no-hitter. Yet few
Until now, that is. In a 2010 paper entitled "Keep Your Fingers
Damisch, Barbara Stoberock, and Thomas Mussweiler (2012) argue that not
attempts to putt a golf ball. A pretest showed that more than 80 percent of
them believed in good luck, so while handing the ball over to the participants,
the experimenter said, “Here is your ball. So far it has turned out to be a
or “This is the ball everyone has used so far” (which experimenters dubbed
the control condition). Results showed that subjects who'd been given a
"lucky ball" performed better than subjects given a "normal" ball. In another
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perform a task in the presence of a lucky charm they'd brought with them
from home, their performance was better than those whose lucky charms
were removed while they were performing the task. The subjects who were
allowed to keep their lucky charms with them also reported a higher sense of
self-efficacy. Anxiety levels were identical between the two groups, however.
subjects with and without their lucky charms were asked to work anagram
keep their lucky charms with them performed better — and this time they
subjects who had their lucky charms with them led to them to persist in trying
to solve the anagrams longer. In other words, when it comes to tasks whose
helping us actually does help us — not because such external powers exist,
but because our belief in them enhances our confidence, which translates
stressful, which is why new parents rely on traditional wisdom and the
experiences of others to help guide their decisions. But what one person
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comes to children, superstitions arise out of a need to exert control over the
worries which not only lessen his ability in the ordinary affairs of life but
21
Huxley (2017), in this respect, holds that if people will but adhere to the plain
rule of not pretending to believe what they have no reason to believe, they
We know that Friday and Sunday are just as good as any of the days
business men often refuse to make decisive transactions upon Friday; and
positive social controls. Belief in luck prevents the reliance upon self-
the notion within the individual that the “world owes him a living." From such
injustice, vice and misery. The superstitious individual faces the realities of
the world with the mind of a savage and with small protection against the
On Family Traditions
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They often stir up strong emotions and are frequently reminisced about
and discussed within the family. Family traditions also provide a sense of
transmitting family values, history, and culture from one generation to the
next.
which are handed over from one generation to the next generation, and
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flow of family traditions continue without any intention, and the same
traditions for most of the families remain largely confined within the family
members, but sometimes, non-family members may also get associated with
regulations that are common to a whole society, there existing customs and
modes of thinking with each particular family that equally impose — and
even more forcibly — their form on the opinions and feelings of their
has its proper mentality, its memories which it alone commemorates, and its
secrets that are revealed only to its members. But these memories, as in the
individual images of the past. They are at the same time models, examples,
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and elements of teaching. They express the general attitude of the group;
they not only reproduce its history but also define its nature and its qualities
and weaknesses.”
parents and elders to carry out the responsibility of raising children and
According to Jay Sparks (2016) visiting and speaking with older family
members can teach us about our family traditions and the stories behind
generation. In his book, The Secrets of Happy Families, Bruce Feiler records
“You can keep a treasured family tradition alive by putting it into practice,
recording it with photos, an audio file or a video file. Then teach family
members the story behind the tradition. You may also find it necessary to
modify an existing tradition. For example, a tradition that may work for a
family with toddlers may not work when those toddlers become teenagers.”
entropy means the tendency of the physical system to lose energy and
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coherence over a period of time, like a gas dissipating until it is all but gone.
because members neglect the family’s inner life and community ties.
a social scientist has explained in his book "The Intentional Family" that as
family bonds are weakened by busy lifestyles, families can stay connected
Local Literature
Many lands in our country still aren't urbanized and cling to old traditions.
superstitious population.
Felix Fojas wrote a blog post about this issue entitled, "Superstitious
26
modernization they have reached, many Filipino cities still brew with beliefs
Felix says, "Like any other racial group in the world, present-day
Filipinos have their own set of superstitious beliefs they have inherited from
their ancestors. Such superstitions cover all departments of life like building
a house, birth, romance, marriage, how to attract good luck and shoo away
bad luck, promotion of sound health and avoiding sickness, and superstitions
on death itself"
would be Chinese New year wherein fireworks are launched in the air in
important roles, not just in our culture but in our daily lives, and even
In the Article "Surviving the Typhoon" Written by Jesse Hyde, the story
is one of faith and struggle in the face of certain death. Despite the odds
being against them, they held on to their faith as it was the only thing they
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Jesse Writes "One of the sisters suggested they pray. They huddled
closely together, bowed their heads, and with the rain dripping down their
chins, asked God to make the water stop. And then, in what Sister Smith
could only describe as the greatest miracle of her life, the sea stopped
rising"
Even under the threat of nature’s wrath, many Filipinos still cling on to
life believing that their pain would soon end. This would not be possible
without a keen sense of faith. As many Filipinos who struggle to hold on only
that.
explains that there have been many cases wherein medicines that had no
potential at all to cure their patients were actually able to just because their
patients so highly believed in the effects the doctor claimed they would have.
percent of patients, and they've been used by doctors for ages. In fact, they
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were often the only thing that a doctor could offer to relieve suffering, other
than his or her attention and support. Some researchers believe that
Cultures, Superstition has become one of the most influential factors in daily
lives. This can be seen everywhere, from Rosaries slung over mirror heads,
houses etc.
the culture of society advances, people still begin to spring forth new kinds of
vitamin C when we feel a cold is coming; yet, medical studies have never
been conclusive about vitamin C’s efficacy for those colds (or, for that matter,
many other illnesses which the ads claim vitamin C can prevent). Some
people will claim, from personal experiences, that vitamin C works, but does
it really?”
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some sort of control in his fate. This is why people tend to hold on to them.
Knowing what's going to happen in the future without any real evidence gives
someone the feeling that he or she can control his or her own destiny.
life.
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blend of the Malayo-Polynesian and Hispanic culture with the influence from
Chinese, Indians Arabs, and other Asian cultures really contribute to the
countries, and beliefs apply every day in the life of the Filipinos and reveal
Some of the popular Filipino family traditions and find the similarities
that bind Filipinos to each other are: First is Mano Po. When children or
taking the right hand of the elder with their right hand and touch the back the
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elders. Mano is a Spanish word for “hand” while Po is used in the end of the
Next is that Filipinos are one of the most hospitable people you may
find anywhere. Foreign visitors in the country are treated with the utmost
respect. This trait is usually seen during fiestas and holidays where many
It is amazing to see that even the simplest home along the road
gives them honor of showing true friendship. Filipino Hospitality is a trait you
Having Close Family Ties is also one of their unique traits. It is one of
the outstanding cultural values that Filipinos have. The family takes care of
each other and taught to be loyal to family and elders by simply obeying
fondness for family reunions during secular and religious holidays such as
Christmas, New Year’s eve, All Saints’ Day, Holy Week, Fiestas,
evidence that Filipino people valued not only our cultural tradition but the
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outpouring of community spirit-as people give their all to the common good,
courtship to show that a man is very serious with his intentions to a woman.
A serenade would require the young man to sing a love song in front of the
act as back-up singers. The man himself or his friend played the instrument,
They would have to wait until the young lady opened a window to
refreshment and to chat after the song. Even if they had been asked to
come in, the suitor would not expect that he could have the chance of a
private moment with his object of affection. It was highly likely that the
parents would also be there to entertain the man and his friends.
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reflects that Filipinos have a deep faith and belief when it comes to religion.
They are very devoted to religions that sometimes many take the risk of
their lives just to touch the Black Nazarine (in Quiapo Manila). For many, it
is just a choice between their faith and [Link] believe that having a
strong devotion may lead to a better life and their guidance to face everyday
life.
Food. The Philippines is considered the melting pot of Asia. The rich
are noticed in Philippine cuisine. Eating out is one of the favorite Filipino
pasttimes. A typical Pinoy diet consists at most of six meals a day; breakfast,
snacks, lunch, snacks, dinner, and again a midnight snack before going to
sleep. Rice is a staple in the Filipino diet, and is usually eaten together with
other dishes. Filipinos regularly use spoons together with forks and knives.
Some also eat with their hands, especially in informal settings, and when
eating seafood.
peanuts), paksiw (fish or pork, cooked in vinegar and water with some
spices like garlic and pepper), pan de sal (bread rolls), pescadofrito (fried or
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grilled fish), sisig, torta (omelette), kare-kare (ox-tail stew), kilawen, pinakbet
pork, fish, or prawns). Some delicacies eaten by some Filipinos may seem
unappetizing to the Western palate include balut (boiled egg with a fertilized
duckling inside), longanisa (sweet sausage), and dinuguan (soup made from
pork blood).
chicken skin), halo-halo (crushed ice with evaporated milk, leche flan, and
sliced tropical fruit),puto (white rice cakes), bibingka (rice cake with butter or
margarine and salted eggs), ensaymada (sweet roll with grated cheese on
top), polvoron (powder candy), and tsokolate (chocolate) are usually eaten
outside the three main meals. Popular Philippine beverages include San
Every province has its own specialty and tastes vary in each region.
In Bicol, for example, foods are generally spicier than elsewhere in the
Philippines. Patis, suka, toyo, bagoong, and banana catsup are the most
food chains such as McDonald's, Wendy's, KFC, and Pizza Hut are a
common sight in the country. A roasted pig known as the Lechón, is one of
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between two people who love each other. For many Filipinos, the eternal
marriage is a covenant between two who love each other in God and with
opportunity to strengthen ties in the Family. To pay respect and honor the
relationship to the deceased, long lost relatives, friends, and even relatives
The Philippines is the home of some unique death rituals that are
partly religious and mostly superstitious. The mourning and the weeping are
still present, but a happy and welcoming atmosphere would usually envelop
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beginning of the "Siyam na araw" varies, but usually ends the week after the
death. Another period follows after death, the 40-day mourning period.
black rectangular plastic pin on their left breast or breast pocket area. A
ceremonial mass is held at the end of this 40-day period. Common belief
states that the soul goes to Heaven after these 40 days, following the belief
that Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven after the said period of days.
The primary ancestors of Filipinos are Malays who came from the
is
and lowland people; and between the rich and the poor. Although different in
numerous ways, the Filipinos are very hospitable and give appropriate
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September and lasting until Epiphany, the feast of the Black Nazarene on
January 9 or the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebú on the third Sunday of
January.
"the essence of Christmas is God made flesh, God who has come among
us" in an act of love "that joins humankind to the Living God through our
For many Filipinos, the true essence of Christmas for is not gift giving
Every town and city in the Philippines has a fiesta of its own;
somewhere.
and parcel of Filipino culture through good times and bad times, it must go
on. The biggest and most elaborate festival of all is Christmas, a season
celebrated with all the pomp and pageantry where the whole country breaks
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headdresses and costumes worn by the revelers; outfits which often take
months of preparation.
Filipinos highly value the presence of family more than anything. Adult
children living with their parents are another Filipino traditional that make
them exceptional. Unlike in the United States where children leave the
home after finishing high school or college, many Filipinos continue living
One Filipinos identity is that they are eating using a fork and a spoon.
The fork is place in the left hand while the spoon is in the right hand. Fork is
used to place or push the food into the spoon which is held by the right
hand.
Since rice is the main staple of the Filipinos at almost every meal, the fork
and spoon method is ideal. It is believe that the use of a spoon and a fork is
perfect for the way Southeast Asians prepare and cook their food. Unlike the
Americans who like their meats and other food items in big slabs and
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sized pieces -- chopped, minced or ground -- thus leaving no real need for a
knife.
In addition to the use of the fork and spoon, eating with your hands or
gives full taste to the food instead of using utensils. Gather a small portion
of meat or fish and a bite-sized portion of rice on your plate. Then use all
your fingers to gather the food into a small mountain or mound. Pick up the
little mound and put it in your mouth using your thumb to gently push the
food in.
making the little mounds is easier than if you were to use a jasmine or
basmati rice. Of course, this method of eating doesn't work with soup/stew
or noodles and other kinds of food but for your basic plate of rice, meat/fish
country. These beliefs have come from the different saying and superstitions
person refrain from doing something in particular. These beliefs are part of
our culture, for one derives their beliefs from the influences of what their
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or to put a scare in people. Many Filipinos believed about the wrath of God
as punishment for the sins of man in the form of natural disasters (typhoons,
strict dating traditions. Both men and women need to follow traditional steps
in which the man is the pursuer. Women should not show her interest and
they should play hard to get as part of their tradition. This is a way for the
man to show his interest in her. As the Philippines has become more
westernized, these traditions have also slowly vanished. The people of the
SYNTHESIS
The related literature and studies reviewed for the purpose of the
study have provided the researchers additional ideas, knowledge and better
family traditions. From them the researchers were able to formulate the
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since these are used by the researchers as the anchorage of the study. The
variables indicated are to some extent the same with the present study.
the present study since they are given the researchers additional pointers on
superstitions and family traditions. Their studies, however, differ with the
Equally relevant were the local studies presented since these studies
discussed how superstitious beliefs and family traditions affect the lives of
literature and related studies that would greatly contribute towards achieving
success of this study. Moreover, the present study, having similarities with
several literature and studies aims at finding out the concept and
prevail.
background of the problem on hand and provided them some insights into a
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to the problem.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The theory states that when people observe a model performing a behavior
model can also prompt the viewer to engage in behavior they already
learned.
them and either succeeding or failing, but rather, the survival of humanity is
whether people are rewarded or punished for their behavior and the outcome
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Beck &Forstmeier, (2007) as human beings tend to learn from observing the
Behavior (SB), humans compare the odds that any outcome is random to the
odds that the outcome was more than chance (Beck &Forstmeier, 2007). The
Figure 1.
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CONCEPTUAL PARADIGM
Superstitious
Superstitious Analysis
Analysis of
of
Beliefs and
Beliefs and Superstitiou
Superstitiou Basis
Basis for
for
s
s Beliefs
Beliefs and
and
Family
Family Compendium
Compendium
Family
Family
Traditions of
Traditions of
Traditions
Traditions of
of
Participants
Participants the
the
Participants
Participants
45
The first block, Input, (I) showed the different variables to be explored
from the study. It illustrated the superstitious beliefs and family traditions of
the family-participants.
The second block, Process, (P) illustrated the process showing the
The third block, Output, (O) was the result of the Input (I) and Process
questions:
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Pinas City?
2. What were the Family traditions observed by the selected families in
ASSUMPTION
Superstitious belief and family traditions are still present among
Filipino families since the beginning of time and have been passed on
Only the superstitious belief and family traditions of the selected families are
and Family traditions to the Filipino lives. With this, we may provide certain
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correlation regarding its practices and beliefs of Filipino people that still in
practice today.
knowledge and idea about the superstitious beliefs and family tradition.A
have great influence in their day to day life. Many people still believe that
these superstitious beliefs can help them cope with life; although many new
generations aren't affected by the beliefs and consider them only part of the
old ways.
very helpful to the person who is very sporty especially when that person
believes in real luck. He or she can help her or his team to win because of
48
DEFINITION OF TERMS
environment, which a person inherits from his/her parents and ancestors. For
this study, this refers to the Filipino rituals practiced by the participants.
[Link] transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to
generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way. In this study, it refers
49
CHAPTER II
METHODOLOGY
RESEARCH DESIGN
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own words.
families, the researchers only chose five (5) families conducted in the City of
Las Piñas but the researchers must keep in mind that the ideal scenario is to
test all the individuals to obtain reliable, valid and accurate results.
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The table below shows the profile of the participants of the study.
face interview. Interviews give a direct data and generate answer faster.
VALIDATION OF INSTRUMENT
The expert faculty members validated the guide questions for the
52
for the next stage of validation. Another five (5) families located in Las Piñas
Chapter 3
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
53
As the result of the interview guide question number one (1), three (3)
out of five (5) family participants said they still believe in superstitions.
ninuno ko eh” (Sure child, I have inherited these from my ancestors). For
the FIESTA FAMILY, “yes, para sa`kin wala namang mawawala kapag
pamahiin talaga. At oo, kasi kinaugalian na din namin kasi iyon” (in our
province, surely there are plenty superstitious beliefs that are being
practiced). This is in conjunction to study of Valeed (2016) that after all this
yang mga pamahiin na yan kaya hindi na” (there are no truths in believing
put in the wrong places at an impressionable period, and that they furnish
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development.
The following are the three (3) out of five (5) family participants who
naniniwala din kame sa pagpag, itim na pusa ay malas pati na rin ang basag
na salamin. At siempre sa multo din talaga” (food must not be brought to the
other house, we also believe in black cats are sinister as well as broken
glass,a nd of course the ghost is really true). FIESTA FAMILY “kami galling
kami sa probinsya kaya naniniwala kami sa albularyo, Friday the 13 th, malas
daw sabi. Tapos naniniwala din kami sa basag na salamin, malas din at sa
pagpag pag may burol. Born again kami pero naniniwala pa din kami sa
pamahiin” (we came from the province so we believe in the shamans, Friday
the 13th, is also bad luck according to sayings. Then we also believe in
broken glass, and cleaning while in a funeral is also bad luck. We are born
naniniwala talaga kami diyan. Albularyo din kasi ganyan ang nanay ko.
Tapos itim na pusa, basag na salamin, malas daw yun. Friday the 13 th tapos
55
because my mother is one. Then in the black cat, broken glass, those bring
events, particularly when one feels helpless. They are born from casual
superstitions?” If their answer is yes then they are not alone and if no then
they might not want to accept it. From the dawn of human existence people
have held superstitious beliefs. These are the irrational beliefs that an object,
its outcome. People feel very desperate to find reasons for all the
misfortunes they come across. Being superstitious helps them to hide their
except God. New studies have revealed that stress makes people not only
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believe in rituals but also in conspiracy theories and as a result, they are
2. What are the family traditions that are still observed of the
It was revealed in this part that family traditions are great way
to share these stories that can strengthen our identity and help the
is a practice and rituals, and may need to preserve for the future
generations. Base on the study of Jay Sparks (2016) emphasizes that “You
recording it with photos, an audio file or a video file. Then teach family
members the story behind the tradition. You may also find it necessary to
modify an existing tradition. For example, a tradition that may work for a
family with toddlers may not work when those toddlers become teenagers.
Some families may feel that there aren’t any traditions in their
family. With a little digging, you’d be surprised what has been passed down
through the generations. These traditions can enhance and solidify your
family culture. Of course, you can also create your own family traditions.
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Bihira na kami mag sabay sabay kumain kasi pag gutom kakain na agad.
May curfew padin kame nakapag six (6) pm na nasa bahay na lahat ang
mamano at bless pa din ang mga bata dito sa bahay” (Marriage because it a
course. We hardly eat together because if one feels hungry, he would eat
right away. We still observe curfew. If it’s 6 ‘o clock in the evening all our
panahon ngayon puro live-in nalang. Parang wala na ang kasal. (With regard
din kami sa prusisyon kapag ka may pasyon. Oo naman nag po/opo pa din
ang mga anak ko. Malambing pa din sila” (Of course we celebrate New
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Christ. Yes, we still practice the po at opo as a sign of respect from our
tradisyon! Isa na diyan ang kasal, birthday, new year, Noche Buena, family
day, ano pa ba? Hmm nag sasabay sabay pa din kumain, nagsisimba pero
hindi madalas. Fathers’ day, Mothers’ day at ang mga bata magagalang
birthdays, New Year, Noche Buena, family day, and what else…Hmm, we eat
mga anak at apo ko nagkikiss pa din yan sa pisngi” (We practice the 40-day
observance for the dead and my children still kisses us [parents] in the
cheeks).
muna ang mga anak then sunod kami ni mommy. Kumakain lang kami
sabay sabay pag may okasyon. Nagsisimba kami pero hindi sabay sabay.
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Yung unang part ng family sa umaga then the rest sa hapon. Sa anak
paminsan minsan nalang kung mag mano, except kapag may bisita kaming
Year, Father’s Day. It had been a long time that we have deaths in the family
but our neighbor is practicing the 40-days so we were invited to eat at their
All of the family participants are practicing family traditions. Two (2)
out of five of the family participants revealed they don`t often eat meals
simultaneously because they`re busy in work and their children are busy in
school. One of the family participants still manage to enforce curfew rule to
their children (6 pm is the curfew). And it is good to hear that one (1) out of
po/opo, pagmamano, bless and other sign of respect and courtesy. Over all,
The following are the 3 out of 5 family participants who still believe in
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we are reliving these traditions which we inherited from our ancestors who
they still manage to practice the traditions as their courtesy. The family says
they will also continue their family traditions to the future members of the
family as a heritage.
nagtitinda. Malas daw, baka walang kita ”(If it is Friday the 13th, we do not
sell our goods. People said that it is bad luck and our goods might not sell
to them they don’t usually open their barbeqou`han when it is Friday the 13th.
buhay naming.” (it gives an impact in our lives). The Miracle Family strongly
Whenever they go out from their home they are always observant with their
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samahan ng pamilya namin” (It strengthens the family ties). Likewise with the
Fiesta Family “pinagkakaisa kami, lalo na pag may salo salo” (It gives our
family a sense of unity especially when there are celebrations in the family). “It
strengthens our love and bonding of our family” responded by the Miracle
Family. “Bonding”, for the PRACTICE FAMILY and Orderliness Family asserts
“It serves as nutrients of their family because without it life will be plain or
boring.”
All of the participants are practicing family traditions and they all says
positive feedback about its effects on their lives. The family traditions
reinforce the inclusion of the family, Strengthen the unity and love, and it It
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(2017), that other traditions change as your children grow up and have
families of their own. Opening gifts on Christmas morning and Easter morning
egg hunts will take place at your grown children's houses instead of taking
or more no longer fit their lifestyle. It's a good idea to talk as a family about any
traditions that you feel may need to change. Weigh everyone's input and the
(2012), when a family comes together in celebration, they share and pass on
special ones to each new member. These are our traditions, our customs
When sitting down to plan a Wedding these are often the very first things
discussed. Some are automatic like finding something old, something new,
beginning of time and have been passed on through the centuries, culturally
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one's life, hence, influencing people's behavior in various ways effecting both
one's psychological and social state. Superstitious beliefs have been used to
reduce anxiety, build confidence, and cope with uncertainty, giving the
culture. The Filipinos possess certain beliefs and practices which they
believe to be useful to their daily activities. Protect them from harm. The
desire to practice these traditional beliefs are still existing and practicing by
some of families in the urban areas of Las Piñas who believe that they
wake, it is believed that sweeping might drive away the spirit of the dead,
and also it will make the spirits of his loved ones follow him. Not bring home
any food served from the wake, and observing forty days is also one of the
ascension in heaven forty days after his resurrection. Filipinos believed that
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the spirit of the dead will finally ascend to heaven and enter the kingdom of
God. There would be a little celebration in the house and people would even
Black Cat
A black cat crossing your path was believed that a bad luck or death
would soon occur. However, if people respect it and give it lots of love and
affection, it will bring them many years of good luck and joy.
Broken Glass
Many people often worry about breaking glass. Broken glass mirror
broken denotes seven years of bad luck. In spiritual terms, to break a glass
is considered bad luck. This is derived from the custom of breaking a glass
symbolically one will meet someone who will do them a good deed.
On family traditions
parents and elders to carry out the responsibility of raising children and
inculcating into them social values and ethos. Family traditions ensure that
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avoid social entropy. In physical science, the term entropy means the
tendency of the physical system to lose energy and coherence over a period
of time, like a gas dissipating until it is all but gone. An "entropic family" is
one that loses its sense of emotional closeness because members neglect
a social scientist has explained in his book "The Intentional Family" that as
family bonds are weakened by busy lifestyles, families can stay connected
compendium:
goodbye to their elders they typically do so by taking the right hand of the
elder with their right hand and touch the back the elder's hand lightly on their
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forehead. It is a way of giving respect to the elders and I believe that is also
Aside from pagmamano, you can hear them saying “po” and “opo.”
These are the words that Filipinos use to show their respect when talking to
elders and/or to someone that they respect. They usually punctuate or end a
Close Family Ties is also one of their unique traits. It is one of the
outstanding cultural values that Filipinos have. The families take care of each
other and are taught to be loyal to family and elders by simply obeying their
fondness for family reunions during secular and religious holidays such as
Christmas, New Year’s eve, All Saints’ Day, Holy Week, Fiestas,
evidence that Filipino people valued not only our cultural tradition but the
spirit of our family. As Filipinos, we are blessed to have been brought up with
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Religion. The habit of going to church and often praying reflects that
Filipinos have a deep faith and belief when it comes to religion. They are
very devoted to religions that sometimes many take the risk of their lives just
to touch the Black Nazarine (in Quiapo Manila). For many, it is just a choice
between their faith and fears. Filipinos believe that having a strong devotion
may lead to a better life and their guidance to face everyday life.
“Noche Buena” (Christmas Eve Meal) and where family and relatives
practice gift-giving. But for many Filipinos, the true essence of Christmas for
is not gift giving but sharing this special holy day with family. For most
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CHAPTER 4
SUMMARY
There are five (5) interview questions, answered by five (5) family
participants at Las Piñas City in March 2018. The questions and answers
were summarized below and similar questions were assigned into one
category.
the Believer family. The Mother of the family is already sixty six years old,
she is an undergraduate and there are six members of their family. The
married and she is forty seven years old. She is an undergraduate from
dentistry and has only one kid. Her only child is seven years old and also
69
Family. The mother of the family is already fifty six years old. She is High
school graduate and has four children. One of her children was interviewed.
The researchers also interviewed the younger sister of the mother who was
present during the interview. She is already forty nine (49) years old, high
school graduate and there are only four members of their family.
The third family is the Miracle Family. The mother is already forty four
years old. She is an undergraduate in college and there are only four
members of the family. Her son was also interviewed, 22 years of age and
college graduate.
researchers. The mother is already fifty one years old, she is Elementary
graduate and there are five members of their family. The father is fifty four
years old and a high school graduate. Their two grandchildren are also
The last family who was interviewed was the family of Orderliness.
The father is already fifty eight years old and there are five members of their
the wife who is fifty one years old, college graduate and one of their children
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FINDINGS
The study shows results that there are still families who believe in
traditions. Among the five family participants, there are three families who
traditions, the study shows that all of the participants still practice the family
traditions.
family respondents.
CONCLUSION
The primary goal for this study was to know the superstitious beliefs
existing literature, Raquel Elekes 2012, Karla Jordan (2016), Ron Siojo
(2010) fat-like-buddha (2016) all four considerations that make the theory of
beliefs must be eliminated as transmitted beliefs, since they were not proven
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and just products of the mind. Instead, they would like to implement more
family traditions on the society. The researchers found out the effects of
family traditions to the participants have advantages like they reinforce the
inclusion of their family and it strengthens their bond, unity and love of their
family.
family traditions like, eating as one, “mano po” to show respect for the elders
as well as “Po and Opo”. These bring their family stronger and closer. These
also serve as showing love and respect to each of their family member. Most
(40) days after death, New Year, Christmas, Noche Buena and the likes.
the 13th, and that broken glasses bring bad luck, because some of them grew
anymore because for them, these are just baseless rumors spread by the
elderlies.
GAINED INSIGHTS
The study has provided insights to the researchers that there must be
things that Filipino families need to eliminate in their lives and they must
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focus on things that will help them enrich their culture and strengthen family
relationship.
RECOMMENDATION
in decision making.
3. Understand and quantify the impact that superstition has on our
lives.
4. Strengthen those family traditions that provide families with a
valuable tools for parents and elders to carry out the responsibility
ethos.
REFERENCES
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[Link]
custom-vs/
[Link]
[Link]
family
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family-closet/
[Link]
superstition
[Link]
crossing-common-superstitions/#.WsaB0YjwbIU
[Link]
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[Link]
q=effects+of+family+traditions&oq=the+effects+of+family+tr&aqs=chrome.2.
69i57j0l5.24084j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
[Link]
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[Link]
[Link]
([Link]
4/)
([Link]
[Link]?pg=all )
([Link]
156099/Superstitions)
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APPENDICES
Appendix A
FOR A COMPENDIUM
Dear respondents,
Education major in Social Studies at the UPHSD Las Piñas are currently
In this regard, we would like to request you to kindly answer the following
questions and please allow us to take some pictures and videos while we are
We thank you very much for your consideration and support regarding this
matter.
God Bless!
Yours truly,
The Researchers
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assess their insights and present practices regarding the topic. The following
Appendix B
Interview Result
on their insights and present practices regarding on the topic. The following
77
b. Gender: Female
c. Age: 66
d. Educational attainment: Under Graduate
e. Number of members in the family: 6
2. Does your family believe in superstitious beliefs and family traditions?
itim na pusa ay malas pati na rin ang basag na salamin. At siempre sa multo
Bihira na kami mag sabay sabay kumain kasi pag gutom kakain
naagad. May curfew pa din kame na kapag six (6) pm na nasa bahay
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naman nag mamano at bless pa din ang mga bata ditto sa bahay”
assess on their insights and present practices regarding on the topic. The
ako diyan”
79
FIESTA FAMILY “Sa kasal hindi na. Kasi sa panahon ngayon puro live-in
nalang. Parang wala na ang kasal. Siempre New year, Noche Buena,
may pasyon. Oo naman nag po/opo pa din ang mga anak ko. Malambing pa
din sila.
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assess on their insights and present practices regarding on the topic. The
Albularyo din kasi ganyan ang nanay ko. Tapos itim na pusa,
madami pa”
81
kasal, birthday, new year, Noche Buena, family day, ano pa ba?
Hmm… nag sasabay sabay pa din kumain, nag sisimba pero hindi
padin”
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assess on their insights and present practices regarding on the topic. The
year, ano pa ng aba ulit? 40 days sa patay at ang mga anak at apo ko
assess on their insights and present practices regarding on the topic. The
83
kame. Sa pagkain una muna ang mga anak then sunod kami ni mommy.
Kumakain lang kami sabay sabay pag may okasyon. Nagsisimba kami pero
hindi sabay sabay. Yung unang part ng family sa umaga then the rest sa
84
Appendix C
Letter to Respondents
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CURRICULUM VITAE
Noemi Galutan
20 years old
Blk 1, lot 3 ecotrend subdivision, Bacoor Cavite
Email: noemigalutan26@[Link]
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
College
87
CURRICULUM VITAE
ReinetteLapiñaLastrilla
21 years old
137, Atis Rd. Real II, Bacoor Cavite
Contact no: 09611492573
E-mail Address: rllastrilla00@[Link]
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
College