Cultural Beliefs in Housing

in
Visayas
* The experienced Filipino architect is familiar with
the common folk beliefs and usually follows them
or applies these age-old guidelines in the planning
of one's dream house.

* Many of these beliefs are based on sound

planning practices that do not have to be overly
emphasized.
Superstitions When Selecting a lot
1. AVOID DEAD-END STEETS
1.AVOID BUYING A LOT AND
CONSTRUCTING A HOME AT THE END OF
A DEAD-END STREET AS IT MAY CAUSE
YOU FINANCIAL MISFORTUNE AND
WORST, DEATH OF A LOVED ONE.
2. Rectangular cuts are better
Shapes also of the land matters. The rectangular-
shaped lot or lot in perfect proportion, are revered.
Lots with equally-long sides are believed to be the
most ideal in ensuring sound and harmonious
home- this is rare of course as rectangular lots
create more efficient subdivision cuts.
3. SNAKES ARE LUCKY
3.UNLIKE THE WELL KNOWN MISFORTUNE
CAUSED BY A PASSING BLACK CAT, SNAKES
ARE THOUGHT TO BRING GOOD FORTUNES.
ACCORDING TO POPULAR BELIEF, IF IT
HAPPENS THAT YOU FIND A SNAKE IN YOUR
NEW YARD OR LOT, IT BEARS A SIGN OF GOOD
LUCK IN BUSINESS OR WORK. BUT SNAKE BITE
ARE FAR FROM BEING LUCKY AT ALL—
ELIMINATE OR REMOVE THE ANIMAL QUICKLY!
When laying the foundation of your home,
Filipino beliefs include:
1. Putting coins or
religious medallions in
the foundation posts
2.Smearing pig or
chicken’s blood
3. 9Placing coins on the doorstep
Beliefs and practices after construction

1. Having a house blessing

one of the most common practices
done by Filipino families before they
inhabit their home. For many, this is
the first step to take to give the house
good vibes. It is also a way to make
sure that supernatural beings present
will leave because the house will be
purified.
2. Performing Pausok or Fumigation.
performing the rite uses medicinal herbs or
censers, where incense is burned. They
walk around the house and wave the censer
in each room. The act is done by a priest or
a shaman (albularyo), in the case of people
living in remote places.
3. Following Feng Shui.
This ancient Chinese art is used to create a positive home
environment that will attract good luck. Similarly, it is believed
that they will drive away bad luck and evil spirits if done
properly
 Planning house detail
1. The best time to move in into your new house
is during the full moon, and avoid doing so during
the Holy Week leading up to Holy Saturday, All
Souls Day, and the Chinese Ghost Month of
August. Also, ensure that you schedule a
blessing of the house.
 2.Doors inside the house should not face parallel to
the door facing outdoors so the flow of luck through
the house continues.

3. Do not reduce a two-story house into a single-story

structure because it will cut short the lives of the
house residents.

4. Never use 13 as a house number.