In Filipino culture, several beliefs and practices are associated with construction, renting or moving to a new home. These beliefs and practices are often rooted in superstition and are passed down from generation to generation.
While relocating to a new home in the Philippines, it is critical to understand local beliefs and traditions to avoid cultural misunderstandings and demonstrate respect for local customs.
The Philippines has a rich culture firmly ingrained in traditions and customs, and awareness of these practices can aid in developing positive connections with neighbors and the local community. Knowing beliefs and practices can also assist individuals in more readily integrating and adapting to their new surroundings, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable.
Table of Contents
Planning the move
Setting a timeline
When moving to a new home in the Philippines, it is important to set a timeline to ensure the move is organized and efficient. The timeline should include tasks such as notifying landlords or real estate agents, setting dates for utility disconnections and reconnections, scheduling the move with the moving company, and setting a date for the actual move.
Sorting and decluttering belongings
Before packing and moving, it is important to sort and declutter belongings to avoid unnecessary items taking up space in the new home. It is vital to categorize items and decide which ones are important and necessary to keep, which can be donated or sold, and which should be disposed of properly.
Packing and labeling boxes
When packing and labeling boxes, it is essential to group items by category and labels them accordingly. This will make it easier to locate items during unpacking. It is also important to use sturdy boxes and proper packing materials to ensure that items do not get damaged during transport.
Hiring a moving company
Hiring a reliable and professional moving company can help make a move to a new home in the Philippines stress-free and efficient. Researching different moving companies and reading reviews from previous customers is important. The moving company should be able to provide a detailed quote and a clear understanding of their services. A reputable moving company should also be licensed, insured, and have experience handling different moving types.
Choosing a new home
- Filipinos believe it is important to choose an auspicious home, meaning it brings good luck and fortune to the occupants.
- Some Filipinos consult feng shui practitioners or spiritual leaders to determine whether a home is auspicious or not.
- Filipinos also believe choosing a home in a safe and peaceful neighborhood is crucial.
Moving to a new home
- Before moving to a new home, Filipinos often hold a “pamamalas” or housewarming party. This is a way to bless the new home and to invite good luck and prosperity.
- Some Filipinos believe bringing furniture or a plant from their old home to the new one is significant. This is considered to bring continuity and stability to the family.
- Filipinos also believe entering a new home with their right foot is essential first. This is supposed to bring good luck and fortune.
Renting a home
- Filipinos believe paying the rent on time is important. This is believed to bring good luck and avoid conflicts with the landlord or landlady.
- Some Filipinos also believe offering a small gift or token of appreciation to the landlord or landlady is important. This is believed to foster a good relationship and to invite good luck and prosperity.
Blessing a new home
Some Filipinos believe having a priest or a spiritual leader bless the new home is essential. This is supposed to cleanse the house of negative energy and invite good luck and blessings.
In Filipino culture, there is a belief that what you bring into your new home first can influence your luck and fortune in the new space.
Here are some everyday items that are believed to bring good luck and prosperity when brought into a new home in the Philippines:
- Rice – Rice is a staple food in the Philippines and is believed to symbolize abundance and prosperity. Bringing in a bag of rice first is thought to invite a steady supply of food and financial stability into the home.
- Salt – Salt is believed to have purifying properties and is often used in spiritual and religious rituals in the Philippines. Bringing in a small container of salt first is believed to cleanse the new home of negative energy and to invite good luck and blessings.
- Bread – Bread is believed to symbolize nourishment and sustenance. Bringing in a loaf of bread first is believed to invite abundance and prosperity into the home.
- Coins – Coins are believed to represent wealth and financial stability. Bringing in a few coins first invites good fortune and financial success into the home.
- Holy Water – Holy water is often used in Catholic blessings and is believed to have cleansing and purifying properties. Bringing in a small container of holy water first is believed to cleanse the new home of negative energy and to invite blessings and protection.
It’s important to note that these beliefs are not based on scientific evidence and are often rooted in superstition. However, they are deeply ingrained in Filipino culture and are often observed as a way to invite good luck and prosperity into the new home.
