I’m of Philippine origin, and while I’ve not heard of this one in particular, I am not surprised. There are so many superstitions surrounding death, and they can vary regionally. Completely goes against the grain of what should be a Christian understanding of death in what is supposed to be a Catholic country.
Plates broken. Holding up the casket and having the survivors pass under before departing for the cemetery. Passing children over the open grave before it is filled in. Stepping over a small pile of smoking grass on the way out. No bringing home of leftover food or drink from the cemetery. Covering of mirrors. No sweeping of floors. No wearing of red. Etc. Etc. This broken rosary thing is just another.
My take is have NOTHING to do with it. Place a Rosary in the hands of the deceased, sure. But not this broken stuff.
And don’t buy the “no harm done” nonsense that’s often thrown around. Superstition is still superstition, and is sinful and therein lies the harm. This is an opportunity to evangelize. Gently of course, but if they don’t listen to you, then decline. Do not show approval for superstition.
My wife is filipino. All my friends here are filipino. Nobody has heard of this. Do not participate in this superstition. Whatever they tell you it is not acceptable and would in my opinion likely be a sin.
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