Why Locals Bury Empty Coins Under Their Houses
In many parts of the Philippines, especially in the provinces, there’s a mysterious yet enduring tradition — burying empty coins under houses. It might sound strange to outsiders, but for locals, this practice carries deep meaning tied to prosperity, luck, and protection.
This centuries-old belief reflects how Filipinos blend spirituality, superstition, and faith in everyday life. It’s more than just a habit — it’s a symbolic act of welcoming abundance and driving away misfortune.
The Belief Behind the Empty Coins
According to folklore, empty coins are not worthless; they represent potential wealth. When placed under the foundation of a house, they are believed to attract prosperity and ensure that the family never experiences financial hardship.
Elders often say that as the house “grows” and becomes filled with life, the coins beneath it will also “grow” in symbolic value. This ritual is often performed during the construction of new homes, usually before the flooring or foundation is sealed.
For others, the act serves as protection against evil spirits. The metallic sound of coins, when buried or dropped during construction, is thought to ward off misfortune and envious eyes.
Cultural Significance and Local Traditions
In towns across Romblon, Bohol, and Antique, this custom is still practiced quietly by many families. Some locals even add small tokens — like old jewelry, a rosary, or a folded peso bill — as part of the ritual for good fortune.
When visitors explore traditional Filipino homes, they may not notice what lies beneath their feet — but those coins are believed to hold stories of faith, hope, and resilience passed from generation to generation.
Modern Interpretations of the Practice
Today, this tradition continues, though in a modernized form. Builders or homeowners sometimes replace old coins with newly minted ones, symbolizing a fresh start. Others treat it as a family blessing ceremony, where elders pray for abundance and harmony before construction begins.
Even with modern beliefs and technology, the act of burying coins remains a connection to ancestral wisdom — a quiet reminder that good fortune begins at home.
If you’re exploring the local culture and curious about age-old superstitions, you’ll find that these traditions often blend with the natural beauty of the islands.
You might even come across stories while visiting popular spots — see Bonbon Beach island-hopping details here: https://romblonparadise.com/bonbon-beach/
Why the Practice Still Endures
Despite being rooted in old beliefs, the tradition thrives because it gives people a sense of control over luck and destiny. It’s less about superstition and more about faith and symbolism — values that remain deeply ingrained in Filipino culture.
For many, burying coins is not about superstition at all, but rather a personal blessing ritual. It’s an expression of gratitude for what one has and a prayer for a stable, prosperous future.
Final Thoughts
The next time you hear about locals burying empty coins under their houses, remember — it’s not just a superstition. It’s a living cultural tradition that reflects the Filipino spirit of faith, hope, and the desire for abundance.
In the end, those empty coins beneath the floorboards are far from meaningless. They carry the weight of family dreams, community heritage, and the timeless belief that prosperity begins with gratitude.