Explaining the Wedding Superstitions in

the Philippines: Interpreting a Bygone

Traditions

Name: Bea Mindanao and Christine Obuyes

Course & Section: BSY11
University: De La Salle University - Dasmarinas
Subject: SOSC001
Professor/Instructor: Sir. Estrañero, Jumel G.
 I. Introduction
Growing prevalence since the Spanish colonization in the Philippines, a specific
Filipino wedding superstition called "sukob" has begun while other beliefs could not be
specifically dated. Despite the knowledge of its origins, wedding superstitions have been
told by the elders and retold by generations as well as practiced by the to-be-wed or
newly weds. Accordingly, some of the mentioned are more known and practiced than
others. This paper targets the lesser heard wedding superstitions existing in the
Philippines per the researchers and detailing them as well as further discussing several
common Filipino wedding superstitions; common according to the group.

II. Body
Although commonly known, the Filipino wedding superstition “sukob” has more
depth than expected. “Sukob '' is the occurrence where a family member weds or renews
their vows in the same year another family member would be getting married. The
mentioned suggests a straightforward background of the superstition but several sources
have differed. Segovia, C. (2021) states that sisters should not marry at the same year as
the marriage luck each would have received on their wedding would be divided between
them. Furthermore, Stellaire Philippines (n.d.) also discussed “sukob” in an article in
their website, revealing that “sukob” has multiple versions that could bring bad luck. The
article describes that “sukob” could range from siblings getting married in the same year,
a parents’ renewal of vows, or getting married in a year that a family member died.
Another common Filipino wedding superstition based on the group aligns with wedding
dress fitting. Some Filipinos believe that wearing and fitting the wedding dress before the
wedding would bring bad luck (Cundangan, 2020). Lastly, the bride wearing a veil for her
wedding is a vastly common tradition all over the world. However, in the Philippines, the
mentioned tradition has a superstition behind it. Filipinos believe that the bride’s wearing
of the veil is an essential since it disguises the bride from evil spirits that might be
envious of her happiness (17 Filipino Wedding Superstitions You Should Know, 2022).
 Opposite to the aforementioned, there are other wedding superstitions practiced in
the Philippines that are lesser known yet worth discussing. One of the unpopular wedding
superstitions based on the group’s perception is the belief that accidentally dropping the
wedding rings during the ceremony is considered bad luck and could even indicate that
someone will die (Deocareza, 2018). Subsequently, although poor weather conditions
such as rain on an outdoors wedding is not ideal, a wedding superstition believed in the
Philippines contradicts the logistic because rain on a couple’s wedding day suggests
instead, a blessing from heaven (15 Filipino Wedding Superstitions You Might Not Know
(Mga Pamahiin Sa Kasal), 2018). In addition, Travel Guide (2021) tackles how while
walking towards the altar, the bride should accidentally step on the groom’s foot as to
influence the man in agreeing more to the woman in their married life. Finally, although
pearls in jewelry are elegant, Filipinos consider the bride wearing pearls as bad luck;
whether as a jewelry piece or an additional design to their wedding gown. The stated
Filipino wedding superstition follows the belief that pearls are “tears of the oysters”
which would then suggest a challenging marriage to the bride ​(Wedding Traditions and
Superstitions in the Philippines, 2021).

III. Analysis
With the detailed information stated previously, it can be observed that the
identified Filipino wedding superstitions were classified into two by the researchers;
commonly known and unfamiliar. However, further definition of the more known
wedding superstitions in the Philippines was also divulged as to aid in providing a deeper
understanding of the mentioned. Consequently, a few uncommon Filipino wedding
superstitions were also specified and detailed which aided in increasingly establishing a
wider grasp on the topic. The two types of wedding superstitions in the Philippines
classified by the group are also effective in a sense that not only provides comprehension
on the discussed topic but it also gives a glimpse of Philippine culture. More on the
aforementioned, besides the point that Filipinos have the tendency to be superstitious, it
also displays their respect to historical and/or familial traditions and beliefs as there are
still wedding superstitions practiced by Filipinos to this day.
IV. Recommendation
For future researchers, investigating the distinct origination of wedding
superstitions in the Philippines could be valuable. Upon research, articles and findings
lack the aforementioned and would therefore be beneficial to succeeding papers in
enhancing their findings and analysis. Along with the previously articulated suggestion,
future researchers could study, specifically, which wedding superstitions in the
Philippines Filipinos consider as familiar and uncommon to them. This would assist in
further establishing the varying aspects regarding Filipino wedding superstitions and the
reliability of future research papers analyzing the stated topic. In addition, couples to be
wed are and should not be highly expected to practice wedding superstitions; they may
only take them into consideration.

V. Conclusion and Way Ahead

Based on the findings derived from this study, specific conclusions were drawn.
Firstly, wedding superstitions in the Philippines range from familiar to unusual practices.
In addition, it is important to note that wedding superstitions are still superstitions and it
is up to the to-be-wed if they would observe them. Lastly, it was noted by the group that
there is a lack of sources regarding the origins of the wedding superstitions which would
have been significantly beneficial to the completeness of the paper.
VI. References
15 Filipino Wedding Superstitions You Might Not Know (Mga Pamahiin sa Kasal) . (2018,
November 15). PHILIPPINE TALES | Anthology of Philippine Mythology and Folklore.
Retrieved January 14, 2022, from
https://www.philippine-tales.com/stories-old-and-new/15-filipino-wedding-superstitions-
you-might-not-know-mga-pamahiin-sa-kasal#gsc.tab=0

17 Filipino Wedding Superstitions You Should Know . (2022, January 7). Asian Recipe.
Retrieved January 26, 2022, from
https://asian-recipe.com/philippine-wedding-customs-and-superstitions-2674

Cundangan, L. (2020, May 19). 18 Philippine Wedding Superstitions. OUINE’S

EVENTS MANAGEMENT. Retrieved January 14, 2022, from
https://ouineseventscoordination.wordpress.com/2017/11/01/18-philippine-wedding-supe
rstitions/

Deocareza, M. (2018, March 8). Are You Aware of These Wedding Ring Superstitions?
Kasal.Com - The Essential Philippine Wedding Planning Guide. Retrieved January 14,
2022, from https://kasal.com/aware-wedding-ring-superstitions

Segovia, C. (2021, July 13). Top 20 Wedding Superstitions in the Philippines.

Nuptials.Ph. Retrieved January 14, 2022, from
https://www.nuptials.ph/filipino-wedding-superstitions/

Superstitions and Wedding Traditions in the Philippines. (2019, June 17). Stellaire.
Retrieved January 14, 2022, from
https://stellaire.ph/blogs/superstitions-and-wedding-traditions-in-the-philippines/

Travel Guide. (2021, July 1). Philippine Wedding Superstitions. Philippines Guide.
Retrieved January 14, 2022, from
https://www.philippinesinsider.com/myths-folklore-superstition/philippine-wedding-supe
rstitions/

Wedding Traditions and Superstitions in the Philippines. (2021, September 22). Gift
Canyon. Retrieved January 26, 2022, from
https://www.giftcanyon.com/wedding-superstitions-philippines/
A Short Message for a Great Instructor:

This is a little note for a kind teacher, Sir Jumel. As your friendly students, She and I
wanted to express our sincere gratitude for everything you've taught us and for always being able
to answer our inquiries from the beginning up to the end of this memorable semester. You
contributed significantly to the success of this semester. You're not just our teacher, but also a
mentor and a friend. I hope you realize what an amazing lecturer you are. Our little note is
something that we thought out carefully only for you. She and I hope that our thank you note will
make you smile and make your day. Not every teacher deserves to be called one because that title
is reserved to amazing and great ones like you. Teachers play such an important part in shaping
and guiding students, especially a professor like you, Sir Jumel. For a great teacher, thank you
for your knowledge and expertise and for taking on the challenge of teaching everyone in this
semester with humor and enthusiasm. In this semester, all of the students will appreciate you so
much. She and I hope that you will teach your next students like what you taught us in the
previous school sessions. Keep safe at all times, sir!