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Kulam, or witchcraft, in Philippine Psychology, is a variant of the European witchcraft. Kulam is defined as witchcraft, jinx, hex or evil spell. Kulam in the Philippines is said to be centered on the island of Siquijor, where many the country's faith healers reside. Kulam also exists in many of the hinterlands, especially in Samar and Leyte

Mangkukulam[]

Mangkukulam: derive from the Filipino word kulam which means "hex". Curse in filipino is "sumpa". Mangkukulam is a witch or sorcerer in Filipino. Another term is brujo ('bruho' for warlocks), bruja ('bruha' for witches ). Kulamin means 'to place a hex'.

The mangkukulam recites a spell and pierces the part of a doll where he or she wants whoever it represents, to experience suffering. This is mitigated by finding the mangkukulam and bribing him or her. Superstitious folks still attribute certain illnesses or diseases to kulam. This most often happens in the provinces, where an herbal doctor, albularyo (äl-bü-lär-yö), treats them. In some rural provincial areas, people completely rely on the albularyo for treatment.

Sample spell[]

To summon rain:

Mamumuo ang ulap, didilim ang kalawakan; sa kapangyarihan ng tatlong ulit na espiritu luluha ang sangkatauhan.
Clouds will form, the sky will blacken; with the power of the three spirits the people of the earth shall wail.

See also[]

  • Voodoo doll

External links[]