Pagpag: A Superstitious Belief in the Filipino Culture
editWhat is Pagpag?
editPagpag is among the many superstitions that can be observed in the Philippines. It literally means to “shake off” something, whether it be dust or anything else unwanted that is clinging onto someone or something, ghosts and spirits included. Pagpag is generally done whenever one is on the way home from visiting a wake. Instead of heading straight back home from a wake, Filipinos who practice pagpag would visit other places first like convenience stores, diners or eateries, or even karaoke bars to “shake off” the dust of the dead, the spirit of the one who passed away, or any ghosts and spirits that followed them from a wake (source). Along with pagpag, another act that must not be done is taking food served at the wake back home with you since this act is believed to invite bad luck into one’s house (source). Superstitions surrounding wakes are among the most widely practiced by Filipinos still today (source).
The Origin
editTaking into consideration the various superstitious beliefs that make up the Filipino culture, one cannot help but wonder how these claimed a spot in the never ending collection of superstitious beliefs in the Philippines. These Filipino superstitions date back to hundreds of years ago, influenced by both the pre-colonial ancestors and the colonisers who later came and settled in the country. According to a study entitled “Superstitions Surrounding Wake and Interment in a Philippine Urban Center”; the numerous areas within the archipelago have been inhabited by natives, which hold with much importance various beliefs outside the borders of world religions (Amat et al., 2020). Consequently, these natives left remnants of their existence, manifested by their pagan beliefs that, to this day, roam around societies within the Philippine context that serve a purpose of directing one's actions in almost all aspects of life. These remnants of the native population have been held with much importance throughout generations of Filipino history; due to the belief that the failure to abide by these superstitions will guide an individual to his or her destruction or death (Amat et al., 2020).
Pagpag in the Media
editThe heavy influence of these superstitious beliefs have, in turn, made Filipinos respect these due to the consequences of disobedience. Thus, making these a staple in everyday Filipino life and have produced films that display such superstitions. In this context, pagpag superstition became an influence to a 2013 MMF film that revolves around the superstition entitled: Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay. The film was directed by Frasco S. Mortiz and was released at the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film starred the pairing of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla along with Paulo Avelino and Shaina Magdayao. The film tells the story of two young individuals whose lives are put in danger because of their failure to acknowledge and obey the said superstition relating to funerals and wakes.
References
editAmat, Aldwin B. 2020. “Superstitions Surrounding Wake and Interment in a Philippine Urban Center.” PalArch's Journal of Archaeology of Egypt/Egyptology.