A reality check on charms and amulets

If everyone were to wear charms and carry amulets, would we all be safe from evil? Would we be fortunate enough to win the lottery?

In a society filled with misfortunes, greed, and uncertainties, many Filipinos often cling to superstition and rituals, particularly charms and amulets.

The usage of these objects can be traced back to our history, now commonly found hanging from our keychains, gadgets, bags, wrists, anklets, and necks. Its purpose has also shifted over the years, as these sacred items are used mostly for fashion rather than their spiritual and cultural significance.

This leads us to question whether these objects truly hold power or are simply a mirror of our shared desire to find fortunes and security.

A social take

Even before the arrival of Magellan, pre-colonial Filipinos used magic charms and amulets to supposedly acquire supernatural powers.

This belief has continued through the years and made its way into the mainstream. In the real-life-inspired movie “Nardong Putik,” for instance, the titular character Leonardo Manecio relies on anting-anting to protect himself from harm, especially during ambushes and gunfights.

However, all the forces amulets and charms possess are unscientific. No concrete evidence supports their effectiveness through science; ultimately, its magic narrows down to our perceptions and faith.

What does it tell about us?

In the Philippines, where religion plays a significant role in the lives of its citizens, it’s not surprising that faith and beliefs often triumph over science. This reveals our deep desire for hope, assurance, and a sense of control in this unpredictable world.

Richard Wiseman, a professor of the public understanding of psychology from the United Kingdom, discussed in his book “The Luck Factor” that people who consider themselves lucky and those who wear objects for luck tend to maximize their chances by recognizing opportunities, trusting their intuition, maintaining a positive outlook, and striving to achieve their goals.

This suggests it is not the objects, but rather our minds, perceptions, and efforts that bring us good fortune and protection.

When good things happen, we tend to credit our charms and amulets, strengthening our belief in their powers. Yet, when misfortune strikes, we find these items ineffective or misused, reflecting our tendency to point fingers and be fearful when things don’t go our way.

Where true power lies

The reality is that life is full of setbacks and challenges as a result of our own choices, actions, and circumstances.

It is not supernatural forces that shape our experiences, whether bad or good—it is us. The real magic lies within ourselves. It is our mind and effort that enables us to achieve good fortune. It is not something we merely wear—it’s something we create in our lives.

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Layout by: Timothy Andrei Milambiling