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The Do’s and Don’ts of Ancestor Worship: A Guide to Avoiding Common Pitfalls During the Worship of the Seventh Lunar Month.

10 September, 2024

Duck Meat

Duck is a delicacy enjoyed by many, but it is believed by some that this dish brings bad luck if offered as a sacrifice to the ancestors. Especially during the full moon of the seventh month, it is considered taboo to present duck on the altar, as it may invite misfortune and discord into the offering family’s home.

In some regions, duck meat is also associated with disbandment, and so it is avoided during certain festive periods to maintain family harmony and is never used for ancestral offerings.

Dog Meat

Dog meat is another dish that is traditionally avoided during New Year and New Month celebrations and is never offered as a sacrifice. It is seen as a symbol of bad luck, and so no one uses it for ancestral worship. Businesspeople, in particular, tend to avoid dog meat at the beginning of the lunar month to prevent losses and bad luck for the rest of the month.

Squid

The phrase “as black as squid ink” is a common expression in folk culture, and despite the popularity of this seafood, it is considered taboo to offer squid as a sacrificial dish to ancestors or deities like the God of Wealth.

Superstition holds that including squid in offerings will bring bad luck, causing the offering family to encounter obstacles in their endeavors and financial losses. Furthermore, the strong fishy smell of squid is thought to disturb the sacred and serene atmosphere of the altar.

Frequently asked questions

Ancestor worship is a traditional religious practice in many cultures, where people pay respect and honor to their deceased ancestors. It is believed that the spirits of the ancestors continue to watch over and protect their living descendants, and this worship is a way to seek their blessings and maintain a connection with them.

The seventh lunar month in the Chinese calendar is usually in August or September. It is considered a ‘ghost month’ when the spirits of the deceased are believed to roam the Earth. People offer prayers and make offerings to their ancestors during this time to ensure their blessings and avoid any negative consequences.

Some important ‘dos’ include cleaning and decorating ancestral altars, offering incense, fruits, and other favorite foods of the ancestors, and performing respectful rituals. As for the ‘don’ts’, one should avoid stepping on the incense ashes, not offer ‘unclean’ foods, and refrain from arguing or displaying negative emotions during the worship.

By understanding the cultural and religious significance, one can avoid mistakes. It is important to be respectful, sincere, and well-prepared. Offering favorite foods, performing rituals with a calm mind, and ensuring a clean and peaceful environment are key to a successful and respectful ancestor worship session.