Filipino Weddings: Seven Filipino Wedding Superstitions

“A belief which leaves no place for doubt is not a belief; it is a superstition” -Jose Bergamin

In this time and age, contemporary weddings have been somewhat of a grand affair that includes digital aspects—from the prenuptial wedding video plug to the manner of sending out wedding invitations (email invites or Facebook announcements). In this regard, a bride can almost ascertain that she can do almost everything from her smartphone and with the tip of her finger which would even include booking wedding catering services. However, regardless of the modern developments made in how nuptials are being celebrated, some old traditions and practices transcend time and have become ingrained in some cultures. Filipinos, in particular, are very fond of practicing old traditions and customs. However, not all of the Filipino wedding traditions stem from a deep-rooted sense of culture, some of them are from something trifling such as superstitions.

While this might be surprising from a logical and scientific standpoint, the fact is that Filipinos still cling to numerous widely-held folk beliefs that their forefathers once believed. You might ask why they stubbornly and staunchly stand by these beliefs when there is no rational way to explain them. Well, by a series of anecdotes told by generations older than them, they are compelled to accept these narratives as fact. In any case, here are some of the long-held Filipino wedding traditions with some still being practiced today:

1. A rainy wedding is a good sign

For most to-be-wed couples, a rainy wedding is just the beginning of what would be a disastrous wedding—particularly if you have slated your wedding for an outdoor venue. But apparently, this is not the case for Filipino weddings. Filipinos welcome the rain and have likened the downpour to a blessing from the gods. If you are having a beach wedding or an outdoor garden venue, it has been said that an offering of eggs to St. Claire would make for clear weather.

2. A wedding should never be held on the 22nd day of the month

There is no plausible reason for the belief in this superstition other than the fact the number 22 itself resembles a couple bent over in suffering, dismay or misery. In this regard, Filipinos have believed that weddings falling on the 22nd day of the month will lead to dismal unions as well.

3. A wedding should be held on dates that end with an upward stroke of luck

Filipino weddings are scheduled most notably on dates that end in 0, 5 or 8 with the belief that holding weddings on such days would correspond to good fortune. The numbers’ upward strokes are presumably construed as an upward movement in fortune which would translate to a couple’s union should they choose those dates. Furthermore, if you are a big believer in Chinese creeds, it has been said that having your wedding on the 8th of the month makes you incredibly fortunate.

4. Siblings should not marry within a year of each other

Locally known as “sukob,” Filipino siblings are discouraged from marrying within a year of each other as has been said to bring bad luck. This is a common practice of Filipinos until today. In fact, this belief has been so entrenched in the Filipino culture that a local blockbuster movie was made inspired by it. In any case, Filipino siblings should not marry within a year from each other to ward off any inauspicious fortune.

5. The bride must not wear pearls on the wedding day

For some women, pearls signify opulence as well as sophistication. But for Filipino brides who believe in superstitions, pearls should never be worn during their wedding day. This is because pearls are considered as tears of oysters, and unless she wants to suffer all-throughout her marriage, she should never consider wearing them.

6. The bride must not wear her gown before the wedding day

Regardless of whether it is for a last minute fitting or not, Filipino brides are never to wear their wedding gowns before the wedding day. If they do, it has been said that bad luck will follow. In the same vein, the groom is not allowed to see the bride in the gown before the wedding day nor should any photos be taken of the gown.

7. No one should wear black to the wedding

Black has been associated with the color of mourning and in this regard, should never be worn to any Filipino wedding. Doing so would be construed as wishing the couple ill-will or ill-fortune.