hungry ghost month Archives

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.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

By keeping these precautions in mind, you can celebrate the “festivities” of the Hungry Ghost Month with both your finances and your luck intact.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

What is Ghost Month?

Ghost Month is the seventh month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Because the Lunar New Year falls on a different day each year, the start of Ghost Month also varies. For 2022, Ghost Month started last July 29 and will end on August 26.

The Ghost Month, according to Chinese tradition, is the period when souls are given a “one-month pass” to roam among the living. This festival also pays respect to the homeless spirits, or those without families. China, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and Cambodia are just some of the countries that observe Ghost Month.

Many people take precautions during Ghost Month to avoid running out of luck. After all, there is no harm in being extra careful. On that note, here are 6 Tips to Attract Luck during Ghost Month.

#1: POSTPONE YOUR MAJOR PURCHASES

Ghost Month typically brings uncertainty. Use this time to plan your purchases, especially on major items that you do not urgently need. If you are thinking of purchasing a new camera or gadget, postpone your purchase to the following month when you are more certain about your funds. Plan your budget and allocation ahead of time.

#2: STAY AWAY FROM UNNECESSARY DEBT

Apart from impulsively spending significant amounts of money, borrowing money during Ghost Month may not be the best idea. If you are planning to use the money on unnecessary purposes, you have to slow down. Prioritize your needs and pause any huge spending until things start picking up.

#3: EVALUATE YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

Starting a business during Ghost Month is often ill-advised as many investors take a break during this time, which can influence the economy. Use this period as an opportunity to recalibrate your business plan. Ensure that you have everything ready before you finally launch your business.

#4: DO BURN PAPER MONEY, INCENSE, AND CANDLES

The candles and incense will help light the spirits’ way. While paper money will give them wealth in the afterlife. If you have budget to spare, you can treat them to other creature comforts like paper car.

#5: LIGHT UP YOUR HOME

It is said that spirits tend to lie in wait in dark and rarely used corners of a home. Bring positive energy to the space by adding lights. Put lights in hallways and corners. If the space does not have a lighting fixture installed, here is your chance to put a decorative floor or desk lamp. You can opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs. Apart from being earth-friendly, this option is also economical.

#6: WEAR BRIGHT COLORS

Hungry Ghosts are attracted to muted or dark colors such as black, gray, and dark blue. Bright colors may keep them at bay. Pick cheerful colors for your sheets, curtains, pillowcases, and more. Shades of yellow, orange, pink, green, red, and pastel encourage positive energy and uplift the mood.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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