The Catholic Church has long frowned on superstitions yet the observance of the Lenten season in the Philippines still abounds with superstition.
Thus, Filipinos observe Lent with religious devotion in combination with superstition and even paganistic practices.
One of the more famous beliefs is that anyone who bathes on Good Friday will be afflicted with some kind of sickness; or if you cut yourself on Good Friday, the wound will take a long time to heal.
Other superstitions and folk practice during Holy Week include looking for medicinal herbs and hunting for amulet in forests and mountains on Good Friday; placing a palm blessed on Palm Sunday by a door or window to keep away demons and evil spirits; the use of bladed weapons or instrument on Good Friday and Holy Saturday will bring about misfortune; and the belief that the rain on Easter Sunday is holy water and has healing powers.
