Dangerous Beliefs: Superstitions in Philippine Culture

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Past or Present
Superstitions are part of our daily lives. We deal with these superstitions as we go on with our everyday lives, whether we are fully aware of it, or not. Even with the progress we have with modern science and technology, it is still very hard to shake of these superstitious beliefs. Mainly because it is so deeply rooted in our culture, and has been with us almost since the beginning of time. The adamant belief of the vast majority with these superstitions, also aid into the etching these beliefs in our daily lives.
Before the arrival of the Spaniards, or any colony to the country, the Philippines had its share of various medicine men ranging from hilot to manghihilot, manghihila, magtatawas, and the familiar, herbolario. During the time, these practices were considered to be effective mainly because the doctors of the past were dedicated to treating their patients. The skill of alternative healing was passed on from generation to generation, often in the form of apprenticeships. The kind of medical assistance these healers provided were quality service and the results were even greater. The kind of medicine that the early medicine men provided were even considered to be more advanced by the ones in Europe, says Edward Bourne (26). The number of healers that the Philippines had at the time was one of the reasons why traditional medicine helped improved the health of the people.
As time passed, and technology has improved, most of the rural areas in the Philippines have been isolated and thus, are stuck in the past with what is now considered to be outdated forms of medication. In addition to this, bizarre superstitions regarding medicine have arisen, as well. Superstitions are still as popular as it were back the...

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Felix, Jr., Alfonso. Mang Pedro de Leon, herbolario. Manila: Historical Conservation Society,
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Guing, M. D., Rodolfo. Philippine Medical Superstitions Told in Parables. Lingayen,
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Hart, Joanne . "12 dangerous home remedies | Health24." Health24. 24.com, 9 Jan. 2014. Web. 1
Feb. 2014. remedies-20120721>. Reeling, Jennifer, ed. "Superstitions in Medicine." JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical
Association 295.1 (2006): 113-113. Print.
Sekeres, M. D., M. S., Mikkael. "Very Superstitious." Journal of Clinical Oncology 30.24 (2012):
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Vyse, Ph. D., Stuart. Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition. New York: Oxford
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