The Hungry Ghost Month is upon us once again (16 August is the 1st day of the lunar 7th month), and during this month, the gates of the underworld are open for restless spirits to roam the earthly realm to satiate their hunger.
Our deceased loved ones and ancestors also come back to the land of the living to visit their loved ones.
This is a month where it really pays to be careful, because you never know who or what might be lurking around in the corners around you.
Things to avoid during this month
1. Avoid outdoor activities at night: One of the fundamental beliefs during the Hungry Ghost Month is that malevolent spirits are most active at night, when the Yin energy is the strongest.
Staying out late is non-advised because, well, the spirits are at their strongest at night.
To minimize the risk of encountering these spirits, it is advised to limit outdoor activities, especially after dark. While this may seem superstitious, it is a mark of respect for the beliefs of the culture and shows consideration for those who hold them.
2. Refrain from swimming or going near water bodies: Chinese folklore holds that water is a conduit for spirits, and during the Hungry Ghost Month, it is believed that malevolent spirits may lurk in water bodies.
Spirits of people who have drowned are doomed to find a “scapegoat” to replace them so that they may move on. Who knows? You just might be the unlucky chosen one.
To ensure safety and avoid potential encounters with restless spirits, it is advisable to avoid swimming or engaging in water-related activities.
3. Avoid redecorating or moving houses: The Hungry Ghost Month is not considered an auspicious time for making significant changes, such as moving to a new house or redecorating.
It is believed that such actions could disrupt the spirits and invite negative energy. To respect this belief, it is better to postpone any major changes until after the month has passed.
4. Refrain from wearing red or black clothing: Red is believed to attract spirits, while black is associated with mourning and death.
During the Hungry Ghost Month, it is advisable to avoid wearing these colors to prevent drawing unwanted attention from wandering spirits. Opt for lighter and more neutral colors instead.
It is widely believed that spirits are attracted to the colours and black. They might try to “wear” your clothes and inadvertently possess you.
Also, while we’re talking about clothes, don’t hang wet laundry outside late at night as wandering spirits may “wear” the clothes and get into your house when you bring the laundry in.
5. Avoid staring into mirrors or reflective surfaces at night: Mirrors have long been associated with the supernatural, and during the Hungry Ghost Month, it is thought that malevolent spirits might appear in reflective surfaces.
Staring into mirrors at night is seen as disrespectful and may even be considered an invitation to these spirits.
6. Avoid unnecessary whistling or singing: Loud noises, including whistling and singing, are believed to disrupt the spirits during this sensitive period, and also attract their attention towards you.
To maintain a harmonious atmosphere and show consideration for cultural customs, it’s best to keep unnecessary noise levels down.
7. Do not step on offerings or altars: Throughout the Hungry Ghost Month, people often set up altars and offer food, incense, and other items to appease and honor the spirits for them to “eat”.
It is considered disrespectful and inauspicious to step on these offerings or altars, as it is believed to offend the spirits and bring bad luck. This is pretty self explanatory, imagine if you were having dinner and somebody messes with your food. You’d be angry too, right?
Similarly, don’t look under the prayer altar. It is not advisable to be “kaypoh” and look under the prayer altar. Spirits might be having a feast there and they do not liked being disturbed.
8. Avoid engaging in risky activities: Whether it’s signing important contracts, starting new ventures, or taking part in extreme sports, the Hungry Ghost Month is not the ideal time for such endeavors. There is a belief that the spiritual energy during this period may influence outcomes, so it is best to exercise caution and delay any risky activities.
9. Don’t look back when your name is called: It is believed that everyone has three “lights” of “Yang” energy on their bodies, one on their forehead, one on each side of their shoulders. These lights are supposed to protect you.
So when you turn around, you extinguish one of the lights and essentially make yourself vulnerable to spiritual attacks. However, if you do have to turn around, turn your whole body so that you won’t extinguish any of the lights.
10. Don’t sit at the front row at Getais: This is pretty common knowledge by now, the front rows at Getais are reserved for the wandering spirits to have an unobstructed view of the show.
11. Don’t use cameras at night: You wouldn’t wanna capture something photobombing your selfies, would you?
12. Don’t talk to yourself: Talking to yourself is an open invitation for spirits to interact with you, because the spirits might think you are talking to them.
13. If you feel cold all of a sudden, don’t panic: It would appear as though a spirit is nearby and you have caught their attention, especially if you get the chills and start having goosebumps.
Pretend nothing happened and carry on with whatever you are doing, because the last thing you want to do is to make the ghost think that you can see them by acknowledging them.
Stay safe
The Chinese Hungry Ghost Month is a time of reflection, reverence, and caution. Observing these cultural taboos is not only a mark of respect for the beliefs of the culture but also a way to foster a sense of unity and understanding.
By avoiding these actions during this spiritually significant month, individuals can show appreciation for the rich tapestry of traditions that make up the Chinese cultural landscape.
