The purpose of Oro, Plata, Mata, a traditional Spanish Filipino architectural superstition, is to bring good luck and ward off bad luck in the design of a house. The belief is that certain design elements, particularly staircases, should not end in a multiple of three, as this would bring about bad luck or mata. Instead, the design should follow a pattern of oro (gold) and plata (silver), which are considered to be lucky elements.
The concept of oro, plata, mata is deeply rooted in Filipino culture and is believed to have been influenced by Spanish colonial architecture. It is believed that by incorporating this superstition into the design of a house, one can ensure the well-being and prosperity of its inhabitants.
In the Filipino language, oro means gold, plata means silver, and mata means bad luck or misfortune. The use of these terms in the context of architectural design signifies the desired order and harmony in the elements of the house.
By adhering to the oro, plata, mata principle, architects and homeowners aim to create a balanced and auspicious living space. The idea is that ending a staircase or any other design element in a multiple of three, such as three steps or six steps, would disrupt this harmony and invite negative energy into the house.
While the superstition may seem irrational to some, it holds significant cultural and historical significance in the Philippines. It reflects the deep-rooted beliefs and traditions passed down through generations. Many Filipino families take this superstition seriously and ensure that their homes are designed and built in accordance with oro, plata, mata.
Personally, I have witnessed the importance placed on oro, plata, mata in Filipino households. Growing up in a Filipino community, I have seen families consult architects and interior designers to ensure that their homes follow this traditional belief. It is not uncommon to see staircases with designs that avoid multiples of three, or even other design elements such as doorways or windows following the same principle.
The purpose of oro, plata, mata goes beyond mere superstition; it is a way for Filipinos to connect with their cultural heritage and preserve their traditions. It adds a sense of identity and uniqueness to Filipino architecture, distinguishing it from other styles around the world.
The purpose of Oro, Plata, Mata is to bring good luck and harmony to the design of a house. It is a traditional Spanish Filipino architectural superstition that emphasizes the avoidance of design elements ending in a multiple of three, in favor of a pattern of oro (gold), plata (silver), and mata (bad luck). This belief holds cultural and historical significance in the Philippines and is cherished by many Filipino families as they strive to create a harmonious and prosperous living space.