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anting-anting

anting-antíng with stress marks

amulet, talisman

noun an-ting-an-TING Reduplicated origin Less Common

Usage Note

Anting-anting are protective amulets or talismans deeply rooted in Filipino folk belief and pre-colonial animist traditions. They may be inscribed objects, stones, prayers written on paper, or natural items believed to grant invulnerability, strength, or luck. The use of anting-anting persists today alongside Catholicism, representing a syncretism of indigenous and colonial religious practices.

Examples

Beginner

" May anting-anting ang lolo ko. "

Natural Translation

My grandfather has an amulet.

Literal Translation

There-is amulet the grandfather my.

Intermediate

" Nagsuot siya ng anting-anting bago pumasok sa digmaan. "

Natural Translation

He/She wore an amulet before going into battle.

Literal Translation

Wore he/she amulet before entered into-the battle.

Advanced

" Naniniwala pa rin ang ilang matatanda sa probinsya na nakakapagdulot ng proteksyon ang anting-anting laban sa anumang masamang pangyayari. "

Natural Translation

Some elders in the province still believe that an amulet can provide protection against any misfortune.

Literal Translation

Believing still the some elders in province that can-cause of protection the amulet against any bad happening.

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