Rain and Philippine Culture

There's something mystically powerful about the rain or drizzles in particular, that leaves Filipinos in respectful awe. Perhaps it is related to our agricultural roots (no pun intended), and the incessant admonishments of our forebears:

"Don't get your head wet in the rain."

Our grandparents believe we can catch a cold if even a light drizzle momentarily touches our hair.

So we walk around with handkerchiefs on top of our heads, or transform paper folders into termporary belos (or veils) when we quickly cross the street to get to our office buildings.

And if ever we do get rained on, we remember to bathe at home to hopefully wash away all chances of catching a cold.

Well, looks like some Filipino relatives are no longer following that part of our culture. They walk around in America in the cold falling rain, and do not even cover their heads with a hand, much less a finger. I can't blame them, though. They grew up in America.

They walk around in light t-shirts in the cold early evening, under the lightly falling rain, with not even the slightest change in pace. It's as if they're just taking a stroll on a sunny afternoon.

Filipinos who settle in the United States past their thirties, on the other hand, will display their "respect" for the rain. No, they won't just place their palm on their crown.

They'll proudly wear their leather jackets. :-)

Ah, it's such fun to see different cultures meet and dance, under the misty descent of a California spring rain.