Why is anting-anting believed to be more potent during Holy Week?

Some Filipinos believe that anting-anting or amulets become more potent during Holy Week. What’s the reason for this?

On Kuya Kim’s “24 Oras” report Wednesday, cultural anthropologist Prof. Nestor Castro said this idea came from a mixture of ancient and Christian beliefs.

“May paniniwala na ang mga Pilipino sa anting-anting pero noong dumating mga Kastila, na-transform ito sa pagkakaroon ng Christian images,” he said.

“Iniisip nila na mas potent o mas malakas ang mga kapangyarihang ito kapag Biyernes Santo o patay ang Diyos,” he added.

“Sa konsepto ng Mahal na Araw, nagapi mo ’yung kadiliman at nag-tagumpay ’yung liwanag.”

According to the report, some healers even climb Mt. Banahaw because they believe that the mountain has powers to recharge an anting-anting.

There are different kinds of anting-anting in the Philippines. In Ilocos, there’s the Babato or Ginginamul, while Ifugaos have Lingling-o. Those on Mystic Island, Siquijor, meanwhile, have Habak.

Among the most famous places to buy anting-anting is Quiapo in Manila. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News