How Superstitions Can Be Used To Positively Influence Someones Life
A Research Paper Presented to
The English Resource Center
School of Multimedia Arts
Asia Pacific College
Magallanes, Makati
In Partial Fulfilment
of the Requirements for the Course
ERESWRT – Research Writing
Leo John C. Guinid
April 2014
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
The Philippines is a country filled with superstition and various beliefs. Many lands in our country still aren't urbanized and cling to old traditions. However, even sub-urban and more modern regions have a largely superstitious population.
Felix Fojas wrote a blog post about this issue entitled, "Superstitious Beliefs of Filipinos." According to the article, regardless of the level of modernization they have reached, many Filipino cities still brew with beliefs in mysticism and the occult.
Felix says, "Like any other racial group in the world, present-day Filipinos have their own set of superstitious beliefs they have inherited from their ancestors. Such superstitions cover all departments of life like building a house, birth, romance, marriage, how to attract good luck and shoo away bad luck, promotion of sound health and avoiding sickness, and superstitions on death itself" (http://felixfojas.wordpress.com/2012/03/06/superstitious-beliefs-of-filipinos-4/).
Even in Manila, the Capital of the Philippines. Several festivals are celebrated that involve interaction with supernatural forces, an example would be Chinese New year wherein fireworks are launched in the air in order to ward away evil spirits.
Superstition and a powerful sense of belief have played very important roles, not just in our culture but in our daily lives, and even survival. Our country constantly gets attacked by various natural calamities ranging from earthquakes to typhoons...mostly typhoons.
In the Article "Surviving the Typhoon" Written by Jesse Hyde, the story is one of faith and struggle in the face of certain death. Despite the odds being against them, they held on to their faith as it was the only thing they could do hold on to in this time of desperation.
Jesse Writes "One of the sisters suggested they pray. They huddled closely together, bowed their heads, and with the rain dripping down their chins, asked God to make the water stop. And then, in what Sister Smith could only describe as the greatest miracle of her life, the sea stopped rising"
(http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865590735/Surviving-the-typhoon-A-story-of-fear-faith-and-what-it-means-to-be-prepared.html?pg=all)
Even under the threat of natures wrath, many Filipinos still cling on to life believing that their pain would soon end. This would not be possible without a keen sense of faith. As many Filipinos who struggle hold on only that.
These Superstitions and beliefs may actually have a link to a natural phenomenon called "the Placebo effect". This is a phenomenon where in if a persons belief in something is so high, it can actually happen.
The article "How the Placebo Works" written by Shanna Freeman explains that there have been many cases wherein medicines that had no potential at all to cure their patients were actually able to just because their patients so highly believed in the effects the doctor claimed they would have.
Shanna Explains "Placebos have been shown to work in about 30 percent of patients, and they've been used by doctors for ages. In fact, they were often the only thing that a doctor could offer to relieve suffering, other than his or her attention and support. Some researchers believe that placebos simply evoke a psychological response."
(http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/placebo-effect.htm)
The placebo effect has been active for such a long time in our history as a species, from Witch doctors using "magical potions" with no real medical properties, to cure their patients to Current day doctors who sometimes trick their patients into getting better simply by letting them believe it could happen.
Many provinces around the Philippines still hold strong ties to their old ways of Shamanism and mysticism, some Catholics in sub Urban Areas also hold practices of alternative cures to diseases. Many of these people do acts that seem go beyond scientific explanation.
In a E book called "Philippine Shamanism" written by Fransisco R. Demetrio, S.J he explains that Shamanistic culture has been active since the paleolithic era. The Shaman or Witch Doctor are the corner stone of this belief, he would often act as a mediator between the Spirits and the Mortals as well as use their powers to cure or curse people.
Fransisco Writes "It is usually linked with the belief in superior beings who dwell in the sky , the creators of the universe, the Guardians of Moral Order, the Givers of life and everything that sustains life, as well as the lords of death"
(http://asj.upd.edu.ph/mediabox/archive/ASJ-11-02-1973/demetrio-philippine%20shamanism%20southeast%20asian%20parallels%20.pdf)
In our modern society, it's still common for people to seek the help of those who practice Shamanism such as the: "Albularyos", "Manggagamot", "Mangkukulam" and Christian Faith Healers. Whether or not these people are really curing anyone, we cannot disregard the amount of testimonies they have from patients who underwent their services.
One could observe that due to the large collection of Philippine Cultures, Superstition has become one of the most influential factors in daily lives. This can be seen everywhere, from Rosaries slung over mirror heads, people saying "Tabi tabi po" when crossing unfamiliar territory, blessing of houses etc.
In the Article "Superstitious" written by Michael Tan, it explains that as the culture of society advances, people still begin to spring forth new kinds of superstitions fashioned in what can be seen in this modern culture.
Michael writes "Colds and illnesses are always inviting new superstitions, including modern ones. Many of us take mega-doses of vitamin C when we feel a cold is coming; yet, medical studies have never been conclusive about vitamin C?s efficacy for those colds (or, for that matter, many other illnesses which the ads claim vitamin C can prevent). Some people will claim, from personal experiences, that vitamin C works, but does it, really?"
(http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080822-156099/Superstitions)
Superstitions are usually formed because a person wants to have some sort of control in his fate. This is why people tend to hold on to them. Knowing what's going to happen in the future without any real evidence gives someone the feeling that he or she can control his or her own destiny.
To have a belief in a superstition is not at all wrong, this paper focuses on how having a superstitious belief/s could positively influence someones life.
B. Statement of the Problem
This study aims to answer the question
1. How can a Superstitious belief positively influence someones life?
C. Significance of the Study
College Students focusing on Psychology
This research would be able to help student's studying Psychology courses because it deals with a'lot of factors that mold the way people think and do things. These factors include: Religion, Superstition and Culture which not only affect the lives of individuals but on a macro aspect also spreads an influence on the population as a whole.
College Students Studying Anthropology
A Filipino student studying Anthropology would benefit from this research because of how much information it has regarding various Filipino beliefs. Although the Philippines is very diverse in culture, most of these cultures (like most other beginning cultures) are influenced by very powerful spiritualistic ways. However what the writer believes to be intriguing for a student of Anthropology is the fact that these traditions have not faded and are still actually being practiced with reverence.
Doctors and Pre-med Students
This study is beneficial to Doctors and Pre-med Student's because of the inclusion of the topic regarding the Placebo effect. Although unorthodox, several doctors have managed to use this to cure patients. Psychologically it has a strong effect on people with who are not feeling well. However it's also important to note it's problems as not everybody can benefit from it. Many patients who have been tricked into a Placebo have actually experienced the opposite of what they were supposed to feel.
Soldiers and Army Officers
This Study is beneficial to the Philippine military because a large number of recruits and officers are from provinces with extreme beliefs in Superstition. Many Philippine soldiers are very religious and very serious about their faiths regardless of what beliefs they have. Troop Morale as well as Military performance can be affected positively and negatively depending on how these sensitive matters are handled.
D. Scope and Delimitation
This study focuses on how Superstitious beliefs can positively benefit someones life. This is especially very beneficial to many countries that are indeed deeply entwined to their old cultures.
However due to the lack of time to research on several countries for the research, this paper will focus on the Philippines as it has many cultures that are prominent on the countries surrounding it. Namely: Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China etc. This fits well because several of these countries either have several historic encounters with the Philippines that in some passage of time managed to change or mold the culture of said country.
E. Definition of Terms
Superstition
A belief or way of behaving that is based on fear of the unknown and faith in magic or luck
Placebo
"A pill or substance that is given to a patient like a drug but that has no physical effect on the patient"
Culture
"The beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time"
Shamanism
"A religion practiced by indigenous peoples that is characterized by belief in an unseen world of gods, demons, and ancestral spirits"
Faith
"Strong belief or trust in someone or something"
Modern
"based on or using the newest information, methods, or technology"
Sub Urban
"An outlying part of a city or town."
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary)
Definition and Types of Superstitious Beliefs
Definition's of a superstitious belief would include the belief in occurrences or creatures without any real rational evidence or an excessively credulous belief in and reverence for supernatural beings.
In an article entitled "The Psychology of Superstition" written by Sarah Albert an interview is conducted with a Doctor named Stuart Vyse PhD. The article discusses the psychological reasoning behind why human beings associate themselves with superstition. Stuart Vyse says "The dividing line is whether you give some kind of magical significance to the ritual,"
Superstitious beliefs that range in Religions focus on the concept of faith. as said in the first paragraph, it is the belief in something that may not actually require rational evidence. And these beliefs span continents in terms of followers. Though despite this, there doesn't seem to be much physical manifestation of said beliefs unlike some of the fewer practices as mentioned on the previous paragraph
(http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/psychology-of-superstition).
Superstition has an incredible grasp of material. As it has been around since the start of human consciousness it has branched out into various fields of culture. Some Superstitious activity are said to be more practice than faith an example is the belief of Shamanism wherein people seem to communicate with spirits, in other words whether or not it is true, these beliefs are now being taken into active practice. According to some sources, Shamanism is a method of practice rather than a religion.
It's roots come all the way from Siberia, Tibet and several South East Asian Countries. A culture of trances built upon the belief in the existence of spirits. Although Shamanism is said to be a spiritual practice, many shamans claim that it is not at all a religion as stated by the article "Shamanic Healing: We Are Not Alone" written by Bonnie Horrigan which also claims they do not merely believe in spirits because they can actually speak to them. They see these spirits as real physical beings. However because these spirits can only be seen through this trans state it requires strict shamanistic training to be able to commune with them
(https://www.shamanism.org/articles/article01.html).
Factors that influence people to believe in Superstitious beliefs
A. People want to control their fate
The biggest example of this would be Horoscopes and fortune telling. Many people who feel the need to look ahead into their future give them the ability to prepare ahead and change a dim future or revel in their fortune. This is also done by many people who may seem troubled or unsure of their fate, in fear that they are losing grasp on what they really want to happen to them in the future. During the research, an article was found written by Kansas University students who chose to remain anonymous. These students interviewed a psychology professor named Don Saucier and the article was named "Psychology Professor Says Superstitions All About Trying to Control Fate" readable at in this interview he talks about how people resort to superstitions as a means to restoring order to their lives. Don Saucier claims "People believe in superstitions to try to restore some prediction and control to their world"
Many Sports Champions practice superstitious rituals in hopes that their games turn out better. A few examples of this would be a Soccer player who would wear the same jersey he wore during his last winning game hoping that some of its luck still rubs off on him. Or a Basketball player who would tap his ball a number of times before they shoot. Stuart Vyse adds "if you think tapping the ball a certain number of times makes you win the game, you've entered superstitious territory."
Majority of the Religions around the world also have the philosophy of good deeds leading to good fortune. Supported by the articles above, plenty of people want to have a positive outlook in life and long for a good future. By believing that their actions done today will influence their futures, many people seek to abide by their religious tenets to have some control over their possible futures.
(https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/oct13/superstition102513.html)
Natural Calamities
Every year, The Philippines encounters some new for of natural disaster. Yet despite this, so many Filipinos keep moving on with the belief that someday God would save the from impending doom. It's evident here that despite not really knowing the odds, many Filipinos hold on to faith as a form of comfort and sometimes strength. In an earlier article written in the Introduction ("Surviving The Typhoon - Jesse Hyde) a group of nuns survive a natural disaster, in the midst of all the destruction, they managed to keep their heads cool by praying and simply having faith that they would survive.
(http://national.deseretnews.com/article/632/Surviving-the-typhoon-Fear-faith-and-miracles-for-10-LDS-sister-missionaries-trapped-in-the.html).
B. Many ancient Cultural Traditions pass down these Superstitions
Cultures of many families that get passed down for many generations contain plenty of superstitious beliefs. In the Philippines, various Chinese Filipinos celebrate festivities that are said to improve life chances or please the souls of those who passed long ago yet still watch over them. In an article named Superstitions made by a blogger named Michael Tan he discusses how many Chinese people are extremely superstitious, and many of these superstitions have bled over on us Filipinos.
"Chinese will recount stories about freak accidents and even deaths as proof that this is indeed a month of hungry, malevolent ghosts roaming the earth and looking for victims."
Whether or not these superstitions are passed down by family, they seem to have a resounding effect on the rest of the people around them. An example would be that many Filipinos are not part Chinese yet they still celebrate Chinese New year and hold the belief that by launching fire works in the sky, it would ward away evil spirits (http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080822-156099/Superstitions).
Religious Traditions
In a country like the Philippines, a large majority of the population aren't exactly born to a good life, many people depend on their religions and pray for a betterment in their futures. Various traditions are secluded in various religious sects. The two main religions of the Philippines are Christianity and Islam. The former having a larger following regardless of what Christian branch.
The researcher read an article regarding the religious population of the Philippines named "Christianity in the Philippines" written by Professor Susan Russel, readable on the website http://www.seasite.niu.edu/crossroads/russell/christianity.html
Susan Russel says that "The Philippines is approximately 85 percent Christian (mostly Roman Catholic), 10 percent Muslim, and 5 percent 'other' religions, including the Taoist-Buddhist religious beliefs of Chinese and the 'indigenous' animistic beliefs of some peoples in upland areas"
The numbers of the Religious should speak for themselves. If a large number of a population is very religious, then it is likely that most of the country is heavily superstitious.
"Superstitious Beliefs in Filipinos" Retrieved January 14, 2014 from http://felixfojas.wordpress.com/2012/03/06/superstitious-beliefs-of-filipinos-4/
"Psychology of Superstition " Retrived January 14 2014
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/psychology-of-superstition
"Superstitions" Retrieved January 14 2014
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080822-156099/Superstitions
"Professor Says Superstitions All About Trying to Control Fate" Retrieved January 14 2014
https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/oct13/superstition102513.html
The article "How the Placebo Works" written by Shanna Freeman explains that there have been many cases wherein medicines that had no potential at all to cure their patients were actually able to just because their patients so highly believed in the effects the doctor claimed they would have.
Shanna Explains "Placebos have been shown to work in about 30 percent of patients, and they've been used by doctors for ages. In fact, they were often the only thing that a doctor could offer to relieve suffering, other than his or her attention and support. Some researchers believe that placebos simply evoke a psychological response."
(http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/placebo-effect.htm)
The placebo effect has been active for such a long time in our history as a species, from Witch doctors using "magical potions" with no real medical properties, to cure their patients to Current day doctors who sometimes trick their patients into getting better simply by letting them believe it could happen.
Many provinces around the Philippines still hold strong ties to their old ways of Shamanism and mysticism, some Catholics in sub Urban Areas also hold practices of alternative cures to diseases. Many of these people do acts that seem go beyond scientific explanation.
In a E book called "Philippine Shamanism" written by Fransisco R. Demetrio, S.J he explains that Shamanistic culture has been active since the paleolithic era. The Shaman or Witch Doctor are the corner stone of this belief, he would often act as a mediator between the Spirits and the Mortals as well as use their powers to cure or curse people.
Fransisco Writes "It is usually linked with the belief in superior beings who dwell in the sky , the creators of the universe, the Guardians of Moral Order, the Givers of life and everything that sustains life, as well as the lords of death"
(http://asj.upd.edu.ph/mediabox/archive/ASJ-11-02-1973/demetrio-philippine%20shamanism%20southeast%20asian%20parallels%20.pdf)
In our modern society, it's still common for people to seek the help of those who practice Shamanism such as the: "Albularyos", "Manggagamot", "Mangkukulam" and Christian Faith Healers. Whether or not these people are really curing anyone, we cannot disregard the amount of testimonies they have from patients who underwent their services.
One could observe that due to the large collection of Philippine Cultures, Superstition has become one of the most influential factors in daily lives. This can be seen everywhere, from Rosaries slung over mirror heads, people saying "Tabi tabi po" when crossing unfamiliar territory, blessing of houses etc.
In the Article "Superstitious" written by Michael Tan, it explains that as the culture of society advances, people still begin to spring forth new kinds of superstitions fashioned in what can be seen in this modern culture.
Michael writes "Colds and illnesses are always inviting new superstitions, including modern ones. Many of us take mega-doses of vitamin C when we feel a cold is coming; yet, medical studies have never been conclusive about vitamin C?s efficacy for those colds (or, for that matter, many other illnesses which the ads claim vitamin C can prevent). Some people will claim, from personal experiences, that vitamin C works, but does it, really?"
(http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080822-156099/Superstitions)
Superstitions are usually formed because a person wants to have some sort of control in his fate. This is why people tend to hold on to them. Knowing what's going to happen in the future without any real evidence gives someone the feeling that he or she can control his or her own destiny.
To have a belief in a superstition is not at all wrong, this paper focuses on how having a superstitious belief/s could positively influence someones life.
B. Statement of the Problem
This study aims to answer the question
1. How can a Superstitious belief positively influence someones life?
C. Significance of the Study
College Students focusing on Psychology
This research would be able to help student's studying Psychology courses because it deals with a'lot of factors that mold the way people think and do things. These factors include: Religion, Superstition and Culture which not only affect the lives of individuals but on a macro aspect also spreads an influence on the population as a whole.
College Students Studying Anthropology
A Filipino student studying Anthropology would benefit from this research because of how much information it has regarding various Filipino beliefs. Although the Philippines is very diverse in culture, most of these cultures (like most other beginning cultures) are influenced by very powerful spiritualistic ways. However what the writer believes to be intriguing for a student of Anthropology is the fact that these traditions have not faded and are still actually being practiced with reverence.
Doctors and Pre-med Students
This study is beneficial to Doctors and Pre-med Student's because of the inclusion of the topic regarding the Placebo effect. Although unorthodox, several doctors have managed to use this to cure patients. Psychologically it has a strong effect on people with who are not feeling well. However it's also important to note it's problems as not everybody can benefit from it. Many patients who have been tricked into a Placebo have actually experienced the opposite of what they were supposed to feel.
Soldiers and Army Officers
This Study is beneficial to the Philippine military because a large number of recruits and officers are from provinces with extreme beliefs in Superstition. Many Philippine soldiers are very religious and very serious about their faiths regardless of what beliefs they have. Troop Morale as well as Military performance can be affected positively and negatively depending on how these sensitive matters are handled.
D. Scope and Delimitation
This study focuses on how Superstitious beliefs can positively benefit someones life. This is especially very beneficial to many countries that are indeed deeply entwined to their old cultures.
However due to the lack of time to research on several countries for the research, this paper will focus on the Philippines as it has many cultures that are prominent on the countries surrounding it. Namely: Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China etc. This fits well because several of these countries either have several historic encounters with the Philippines that in some passage of time managed to change or mold the culture of said country.
E. Definition of Terms
Superstition
A belief or way of behaving that is based on fear of the unknown and faith in magic or luck
Placebo
"A pill or substance that is given to a patient like a drug but that has no physical effect on the patient"
Culture
"The beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time"
Shamanism
"A religion practiced by indigenous peoples that is characterized by belief in an unseen world of gods, demons, and ancestral spirits"
Faith
"Strong belief or trust in someone or something"
Modern
"based on or using the newest information, methods, or technology"
Sub Urban
"An outlying part of a city or town."
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary)
CHAPTER 2
DISCUSSION
How can Superstitious beliefs positively influence someones life?DISCUSSION
Definition and Types of Superstitious Beliefs
Definition's of a superstitious belief would include the belief in occurrences or creatures without any real rational evidence or an excessively credulous belief in and reverence for supernatural beings.
In an article entitled "The Psychology of Superstition" written by Sarah Albert an interview is conducted with a Doctor named Stuart Vyse PhD. The article discusses the psychological reasoning behind why human beings associate themselves with superstition. Stuart Vyse says "The dividing line is whether you give some kind of magical significance to the ritual,"
Superstitious beliefs that range in Religions focus on the concept of faith. as said in the first paragraph, it is the belief in something that may not actually require rational evidence. And these beliefs span continents in terms of followers. Though despite this, there doesn't seem to be much physical manifestation of said beliefs unlike some of the fewer practices as mentioned on the previous paragraph
(http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/psychology-of-superstition).
Superstition has an incredible grasp of material. As it has been around since the start of human consciousness it has branched out into various fields of culture. Some Superstitious activity are said to be more practice than faith an example is the belief of Shamanism wherein people seem to communicate with spirits, in other words whether or not it is true, these beliefs are now being taken into active practice. According to some sources, Shamanism is a method of practice rather than a religion.
It's roots come all the way from Siberia, Tibet and several South East Asian Countries. A culture of trances built upon the belief in the existence of spirits. Although Shamanism is said to be a spiritual practice, many shamans claim that it is not at all a religion as stated by the article "Shamanic Healing: We Are Not Alone" written by Bonnie Horrigan which also claims they do not merely believe in spirits because they can actually speak to them. They see these spirits as real physical beings. However because these spirits can only be seen through this trans state it requires strict shamanistic training to be able to commune with them
(https://www.shamanism.org/articles/article01.html).
Factors that influence people to believe in Superstitious beliefs
A. People want to control their fate
The biggest example of this would be Horoscopes and fortune telling. Many people who feel the need to look ahead into their future give them the ability to prepare ahead and change a dim future or revel in their fortune. This is also done by many people who may seem troubled or unsure of their fate, in fear that they are losing grasp on what they really want to happen to them in the future. During the research, an article was found written by Kansas University students who chose to remain anonymous. These students interviewed a psychology professor named Don Saucier and the article was named "Psychology Professor Says Superstitions All About Trying to Control Fate" readable at in this interview he talks about how people resort to superstitions as a means to restoring order to their lives. Don Saucier claims "People believe in superstitions to try to restore some prediction and control to their world"
Many Sports Champions practice superstitious rituals in hopes that their games turn out better. A few examples of this would be a Soccer player who would wear the same jersey he wore during his last winning game hoping that some of its luck still rubs off on him. Or a Basketball player who would tap his ball a number of times before they shoot. Stuart Vyse adds "if you think tapping the ball a certain number of times makes you win the game, you've entered superstitious territory."
Majority of the Religions around the world also have the philosophy of good deeds leading to good fortune. Supported by the articles above, plenty of people want to have a positive outlook in life and long for a good future. By believing that their actions done today will influence their futures, many people seek to abide by their religious tenets to have some control over their possible futures.
(https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/oct13/superstition102513.html)
Natural Calamities
Every year, The Philippines encounters some new for of natural disaster. Yet despite this, so many Filipinos keep moving on with the belief that someday God would save the from impending doom. It's evident here that despite not really knowing the odds, many Filipinos hold on to faith as a form of comfort and sometimes strength. In an earlier article written in the Introduction ("Surviving The Typhoon - Jesse Hyde) a group of nuns survive a natural disaster, in the midst of all the destruction, they managed to keep their heads cool by praying and simply having faith that they would survive.
(http://national.deseretnews.com/article/632/Surviving-the-typhoon-Fear-faith-and-miracles-for-10-LDS-sister-missionaries-trapped-in-the.html).
B. Many ancient Cultural Traditions pass down these Superstitions
Cultures of many families that get passed down for many generations contain plenty of superstitious beliefs. In the Philippines, various Chinese Filipinos celebrate festivities that are said to improve life chances or please the souls of those who passed long ago yet still watch over them. In an article named Superstitions made by a blogger named Michael Tan he discusses how many Chinese people are extremely superstitious, and many of these superstitions have bled over on us Filipinos.
"Chinese will recount stories about freak accidents and even deaths as proof that this is indeed a month of hungry, malevolent ghosts roaming the earth and looking for victims."
Whether or not these superstitions are passed down by family, they seem to have a resounding effect on the rest of the people around them. An example would be that many Filipinos are not part Chinese yet they still celebrate Chinese New year and hold the belief that by launching fire works in the sky, it would ward away evil spirits (http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080822-156099/Superstitions).
Religious Traditions
In a country like the Philippines, a large majority of the population aren't exactly born to a good life, many people depend on their religions and pray for a betterment in their futures. Various traditions are secluded in various religious sects. The two main religions of the Philippines are Christianity and Islam. The former having a larger following regardless of what Christian branch.
The researcher read an article regarding the religious population of the Philippines named "Christianity in the Philippines" written by Professor Susan Russel, readable on the website http://www.seasite.niu.edu/crossroads/russell/christianity.html
Susan Russel says that "The Philippines is approximately 85 percent Christian (mostly Roman Catholic), 10 percent Muslim, and 5 percent 'other' religions, including the Taoist-Buddhist religious beliefs of Chinese and the 'indigenous' animistic beliefs of some peoples in upland areas"
The numbers of the Religious should speak for themselves. If a large number of a population is very religious, then it is likely that most of the country is heavily superstitious.
CHAPTER 3
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SUMMARY
This paper attempted to show how Superstitious beliefs could be used to positively influence someones life.
The researches uses articles found in either books or the internet to answer the question posed. The research findings are the following.
1. Many Philippine superstitions are passed down by generations of families. Sometimes these family traditions tend to have an effect on the people around them.
2. Despite the Philippines being trampled by nature on a yearly basis, many Filipinos hold on to their faith in these times of danger when they have nothing else to cling to.
3. Many people who are superstitious tend to use their beliefs as a form of trying to control their fate when they start to believe that the fate they want is slipping off their hands.
4. A large number of people around the Philippines are Superstitious because of their Religious alignment. with Majority of the country being Christians and Muslims.
CONCLUSION
Based on the Findings of the study the following conclusions are drawn.
1. Holding on to a superstition can help a person keep positive by presenting the idea that he still has control over his life.
2. Superstitions in the Philippines have helped keep the population up in spirits despite all the tragedies that happened and may happen.
RECOMMENDATIONS
This paper attempted to show how Superstitious beliefs could be used to positively influence someones life.
The researches uses articles found in either books or the internet to answer the question posed. The research findings are the following.
1. Many Philippine superstitions are passed down by generations of families. Sometimes these family traditions tend to have an effect on the people around them.
2. Despite the Philippines being trampled by nature on a yearly basis, many Filipinos hold on to their faith in these times of danger when they have nothing else to cling to.
3. Many people who are superstitious tend to use their beliefs as a form of trying to control their fate when they start to believe that the fate they want is slipping off their hands.
4. A large number of people around the Philippines are Superstitious because of their Religious alignment. with Majority of the country being Christians and Muslims.
CONCLUSION
Based on the Findings of the study the following conclusions are drawn.
1. Holding on to a superstition can help a person keep positive by presenting the idea that he still has control over his life.
2. Superstitions in the Philippines have helped keep the population up in spirits despite all the tragedies that happened and may happen.
RECOMMENDATIONS
"Superstitious Beliefs in Filipinos" Retrieved January 14, 2014 from http://felixfojas.wordpress.com/2012/03/06/superstitious-beliefs-of-filipinos-4/
"Psychology of Superstition " Retrived January 14 2014
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/psychology-of-superstition
"Superstitions" Retrieved January 14 2014
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080822-156099/Superstitions
"Professor Says Superstitions All About Trying to Control Fate" Retrieved January 14 2014
https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/oct13/superstition102513.html
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