Beliefs in San Jose, Batangas by Agapito H. Mendoza, 1925

This page contains the complete transcription of the 1925 ethnographic paper written by one Agapito H. Mendoza from .jpeg scans of the originals made available by the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections. Corrections for grammar had been made in certain parts but no attempt was made to rewrite the original paper. Original pagination is indicated for citation purposes.

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1. Old shoes thrown after a newly-wed couple brings good luck.
2. A diamond engagement ring is considered lucky, but a ring set with pearls will bring ill-fortune.
3. Should a stone be lost from an engagement ring, it should be replaced before the day of the marriage unless the bride-to-be can resign herself to misfortune.
4. To make a wish come true, turn your ring three times in your finger.
5. If you want to be powerful over your husband, a bride should overstep the shoe of her husband during the wedding ceremony.
6. If the bride-to-be wants to be always supreme in the house, she should try her best to get [to] the stair after they had been to the church.
7. If the bride-to-be wishes to command her husband all the time, she should be the first to address her husband by the full name.

Everyday Omens.

1. Should your nose itch early in the day, in is an indication that you will hear important news before sun-

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set.
2. To ensure a lucky day, rise on the right side of the bed.
3. The breaking of a shoestring is a sure sign that your sweetheart in thinking of you.
4. To comb your hair in the dark is a sure sign that disappointment awaits you.
5. To come back after you have once started on a journey brings bad luck.
6. Should a lady lose her garter, it is an indication that her lover is still constant to her.
7. If, while eating, you should miss your mouth and the food should fall, you may regard this as an unlucky omen.
8. A baby smiling in its sleep is believed to be holding conversation with an angel.
9. If you see a rainbow, you can bring good luck by drawing a cross on the ground and spitting in each of the four corners.
10. Sneeze three times in rapid succession is considered by some a good omen.
11. It is always considered lucky to find a horseshoe. The luckiest is to find one having eight nails.
12. Putting on a new suit for the first time on a Monday is an indication that that cloth [will] soon tear.
13. It is a sure sign that your plans will meet with success if three bees alight upon you at the same

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time.
14. Odd numbers bring luck more often than the even numbers.
15. Never tell a bad dream before breakfast unless you wish it to come.
16. A seller who meets and old woman never makes a good gain on that day.

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February 14, 1925.

Transcribed from “Beliefs in San Jose,” by Agapito H. Mendoza, 1925, online at the Henry Otley-Beyer Collection of the National Library of the Philippines Digital Collections.