EPISODE 11: SHAKE IT OFF | Pagpag & Other Philippine Superstitions & Traditions about Death & Burial

The Gods Must Be Crazy: A Philippine Mythology Podcast

EPISODE 11: SHAKE IT OFF | Pagpag & Other Philippine Superstitions & Traditions about Death & Burial

In this chill (and weirdly cozy?) episode, we cover the strange, unique, oddly specific, and sometimes random superstitions and traditions on death and burial in the Philippines.

Every year at around Halloween, Filipino families gather at cemeteries for Araw ng mga Patay (Day of the Dead) to be with their loved ones – both living and dead. What better time to talk about the superstitions we practice but take for granted, like: why do we have to stop off somewhere before going home from a wake? Why can’t you thank people for offering their condolences? And why can’t you let your tears fall on the casket?

Join us as we also uncover a few of the lesser-known practices: like what animal you put on the coffin of a person who is murdered? What type of food to eat or avoid during wakes? …And what’s up with all the broken pots and plates?

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The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff, and possibly answer some burning questions after this episode such as: What does a manananggal look like? How do you cook adobo? Who is Gardo Verzosa and why do they keep thirsting after him? We also welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes.

You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at [e-mail]

The intro and outro music is by Brian O’Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).

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Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funeral_practices_and_burial_customs_in_the_Philippines
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagpag:_Siyam_na_Buhay
• https://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Philippines/sub5_6c/entry-3864.html
• https://flowerpatchdelivery.com/blog/40-filipino-superstitions-funerals-and-wakes/