Text: Don’t give empty wallets.

Context: In the Philippines, we have a superstition that you should never give someone an empty wallet or purse as a gift. If you do, it’s believed that the person will struggle financially or always have an empty wallet in the future. Instead, you should always put at least a small amount of money inside, like a coin or a bill, because it symbolizes prosperity and ensures that their wallet will never truly be empty.

I first heard about this from my parents when I was younger. Anytime someone in my family gifted a wallet, they would always slip a little money inside. I remember one time my uncle gave me a really nice leather wallet for my birthday, and before handing it to me, he made sure to put a few pesos in it. He told me, “Money attracts money,” and that starting with something inside the wallet would bring good luck and financial stability. It’s something I’ve always remembered.

I still follow this tradition today. Even though I don’t really believe in superstitions, I think it’s a meaningful gesture. If I ever give someone a wallet, I always put at least a small bill or coin inside, just to continue the tradition. I also feel like it makes the gift feel more complete, like I’m not just giving them an empty item but setting them up for success. And honestly, even if someone doesn’t believe in it, who wouldn’t want a little extra money with their new wallet?

Analysis: The belief that you should never give an empty wallet as a gift is a folk superstition rooted in the idea that money attracts money. By placing a small amount of money inside, the giver symbolically ensures the recipient will always have financial prosperity. This practice reflects a broader cultural emphasis on luck and abundance, similar to traditions like giving red envelopes in Chinese culture or placing coins in a new home for good fortune. It highlights how folk beliefs often provide rituals for ensuring success and warding off misfortune, especially in areas like financial stability, which can feel uncertain.

As a folk custom, this belief is passed down through generations, often reinforced by family members who practice it out of tradition rather than strict superstition. Over time, its meaning has evolved, while older generations may see it as a true protective measure, younger people often continue the practice out of respect or habit. This demonstrates how folk traditions persist and adapt, maintaining their cultural significance even as beliefs shift.