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Hungry Ghost Month, or 鬼月 (gwái yuht in Cantonese), is a time when ancestors and restless spirits are believed to roam the earth, seeking respect and offerings. The peak of this month is the Hungry Ghost Festival, celebrated on the 15th day, which this year falls on August 18. Also known as the Zhongyuan Festival (中元節) or Yulan Festival (盂蘭節), this day is said to mark the opening of the Gates of Hell, allowing spirits to return to the human world.
Traditions during this month include offering food on street corners or in temples to appease the hungry spirits and burning effigies and joss paper to provide them with items they may need in the afterlife. Neighborhoods often come alive with traditional Chinese opera performances, featuring elaborate costumes and stylized actions.
While the Hungry Ghost Festival is traditionally celebrated on the 15th night of the 7th lunar month, it’s part of a month-long observance from August 4 to September 2, 2024. During this period, there are certain practices you might want to avoid, especially if you’re superstitious about keeping your money and your luck unharmed. So, steer away from the following:
#1: DON’T RIDE THE LAST BUS OR TRAIN
Riding the last bus or train home late at night is already a bit creepy, but stakes are high during Hungry Ghost Month. There’s a belief that spirits might be hitching a ride on these late-night journeys, looking for vulnerable mortals to prey on. Avoid taking the last ride home.
#2: DON’T TRANSFER INTO A NEW HOME
Transferring or moving into a new home during Hungry Ghost Month is a big no-no. It’s said that doing so might invite spirits to enter your new space along with you. Plus, this month is traditionally seen as unlucky, so it’s wise to postpone any major life events until it passes.
#3: DON’T REMODEL YOUR HOME
Any form of home renovation, including rearranging furniture, is thought to disturb any spirits that might be lingering in your house. It’s best to hold off on any changes until the month is over.
#4: DON’T GET MARRIED
Speaking of major life events, celebrating weddings during Hungry Ghost Month is considered inauspicious. Some believe that marriages officiated during this time might not last. However, if you’re not superstitious, you might find that wedding packages are cheaper during this period.
#5: DON’T PAY FOR WATER-RELATED ACTIVITIES
It’s believed that mischievous spirits and vengeful ghosts linger in bodies of water to claim a victim to take their place. If you must swim or participate in water sports, it’s safer to do so during the day and avoid the sea altogether.
#6: DON’T SIT IN THE FRONT ROW AT GETAI SHOWS
You know who likes a good show? Ghosts! Getai performances, extravagant shows often featuring traditional songs and puppetry, are a highlight of Hungry Ghost Month. While these performances are often free, avoid sitting in the front row, as those seats are believed to be reserved for the spirits themselves.
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By keeping these precautions in mind, you can celebrate the “festivities” of the Hungry Ghost Month with both your finances and your luck intact.
