My mother is a study in contrast. She is a city gal but has the heart of a country lass (yes, a lass because her heart continues to be young). My dashing and debonaire father (do allow a daughter's pride) then at 35 years old literally plucked my naive and innocent 21 year old mother out of the mountains of a backward province after a whirlwind courtship. This caused the ire of her father. She was soon transported into the cosmopolitan ways of the City.
Now at 73, my mom is modern as any modern mom/grandmom can be. She is more updated than I am when it comes to fashion and make-up. Her approach to life is open and upbeat. Her days are never structured. Depending on what catches her fancy, she could fill her day with a variety of activities or just be content with a book or mending a dress at home.
There is something though, that sets her apart from the very modern woman and links her to her being a true-blue mountain lady. And this is her continued belief in the "rules". Many of these "rules" were handed down to her from her family; from the tenants that tilled their land; from the barrio "doctor"; and from plain common sense. To commemorate Mother's day, I thought it appropriate to share with you my mother's "rules":
• Don't whistle at night. You are calling sickness and evil beings. (also it is so unlady-like)
• Don't turn around to see who is trying to get your attention while walking in the dark. The spirit might take you “in”. (remember, you have a name)
• If a bed is not to be slept on for a considerable time, do not remove the bed covers (pillowcases, bedsheets). If the covers are removed, a spirit will soon take over the bed. (plus a lot of dust mites)
• Don't open an umbrella inside the house. It's bad luck. (you might poke someone in the eye)
• You are allowed three wishes when you enter a church for the first time. An updated version: make a wish, raise your feet and hold your breath when in a vehicle while crossing a new bridge.
• Bad luck trees: chicos, calachuchis, pine trees, weeping willows (its name speaks for itself).
• Be careful not to break a mirror. That would be seven years of bad luck. (you could cut yourself)
• A butterfly that hovers around you means that you will receive a letter soon. (gee, you're hair smells terrific)
• An itchy palm indicates money is forthcoming. (indicates a need to wash up)
• Don't sweep your floors at night. It's like sweeping your fortunes away.
• Before peeing behind a bushy plant or tree, say "excuse me" to alert the "little people". This is also true if you want to toss anything into the dark.
• A swarm of flies is a sign that death is near. (or that the garbage collector forgot to pick up your garbage)
Baby department:
• Rub some oil on the palms, soles and soft head spot of a baby to prevent evil spirits. (like kabag)
• When baby is startled, shake baby saying "siging, siging" (can't explain..)
• When Baby has the hiccups, put a tiny piece of cotton or thread licked with your saliva. (disgusting but it works!)
• Keep the umbilical cord, a lock of hair and possibly the first tooth to insure that your child will always be close to you. (for possible DNA identification in the future when your child becomes rich and famous and disowns you)
Dreams:
• Tooth or teeth coming off or dreams of boats and ships- someone close has died or will die.
• When you dream of someone who is already dead, it is a sign that that person needs prayers.
My mother has supplemented her knowledge on dreams by buying a book on dreams for her easy reference......
Wake/Burial Rituals:
• After coming from a wake, don't go straight home. Drop by somewhere before proceeding home. (This avoids bringing the "bad luck" to your home)
• The dead should never be left alone during the wake. This is to prevent evil spirits from snatching the soul who is still in limbo.
• Don't let a teardrop fall on the viewing glass of the coffin. (the dead will not be able to rest (?))
• Butterflies or Moths are representations of the dearly beloved. In the case of my father, my mother assigned the praying mantis to represent my father. I have yet to figure that one out myself.
When my father was alive, he would shrug off these rules to the consternation of my mom. His usual line was: A true believer of the Catholic faith doesn't need these rules. But my mom always had the last words: You don't lose anything if you follow the rules.
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One thing is clear, the number one rule of my mother is to love her children the best way she can. And this love can be felt from all the delicious meals she cooked for us when we were growing up and still cooks for us when we visit her. One such dish that spells L-O-V-E in capital letters is my mother's chicken porridge. This is sure to warm your bellies.
Chicken Porridge (Pospas)
1. Make lots of chicken stock by boiling 1/2 kilo of chicken with chopped onions, some salt and some pepper. Make sure that the water covers the whole chicken-- about 5-6 cups.
2. When done, remove the meat from the bones and shred. Set the stock aside.
3. Saute some chopped ginger (about 2-3 tablespoons) in a little oil. Add the chicken meat and about 2 cups of rice.
4. Add 3 cups of chicken stock. Bring to a boil then lower the heat and let mixture simmer.
5. Stir the mixture every now and then and add more stock to prevent the porridge from drying out.
6. Add salt and pepper.
7. It should be done when the rice is very soft.
8. Have the following condiments to add in depending on preference: calamansi/lemon juice; chopped green onions/leeks; toasted garlic; fish sauce (patis).
Can you feel the love?
