“Grad-waiting” jitters: PUPians’ take on graduation superstitions

Graduation is one of the most anticipated ceremonies for students. A tedious event, typically lasting two to three hours.

Despite its hassle in preparation, it magically signifies the culmination of all the hardships one has faced and challenges that have been overcome throughout the collegiate year.

However, certain cultural beliefs and traditions may be observed before this pivotal stage.

Traveling before graduation, taking pictures in places believed to be cursed, and so on are some examples of such superstitions many students swear by. These beliefs, once rooted in genuine faith, are now often followed to prevent bad luck.

Malikmata went around the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) to ask students if they believed in these pre-graduation traditions.

For Mica, a first-year tourism student, avoiding trips before the grand day is something she doesn’t necessarily believe in. She shared that she ignored this when she graduated from senior high school, while also saying it contradicts her love for travel.

However, she stays clear of taking pictures on the University obelisk as it is believed to be “cursed.” This showed that accepting various superstitions depends on the person’s preferences.

An anonymous first-year psychology student shared otherwise. She said she doesn’t believe in “pamahiin” or superstitions but instead believes that life is patterned.

She said that maybe the supposedly “cursed obelisk” came from experiences of students who failed their exam or failed to graduate and were passed down to many, thus creating the illusion that taking pictures on the obelisk will result in failing the exam or graduation.

For fourth-years Jake and Claire, there is no harm in following superstitions. As graduating students themselves, they shared that there is nothing wrong and nothing to lose in the process.

They also shared that they once took pictures with the obelisk and still managed to graduate when they were senior high school students.

Jake also mentioned that as he prepares for the board exam, he follows certain superstitions such as having someone who has already passed the exam sharpen his pencil. He also intends to follow other board exam superstitions because he believes that doing so might boost his luck in passing the exam.

Filipino beliefs have endured through time, but their purpose has often strayed. For the older generations, such practices are considered significant, true, and justified. But some people, particularly the modern generation, may think that these traditions are “old-fashioned.”

Yet, one thing is certain—these beliefs and customs form an identity that we should value.

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