The Spooky Month: Night-Time Activities to Avoid

11 September, 2024

Superstitions to Keep in Mind During the Ghost Month

There are several beliefs and superstitions associated with the Ghost Month. Here is a list of things one should avoid doing at night during this month:

1. Refrain from Nighttime Outings: It is believed that ghosts and spirits roam freely during this month, so it is best to avoid going out too late at night to prevent any unwanted encounters.

2. Don’t Hang Clothes at Night: Superstition has it that hanging clothes at night may invite ghosts to “borrow” them, bringing bad luck and misfortune to the owner.

Avoid hanging clothes at night during Ghost Month. (Illustrative image)

3. Don’t Shout Names at Night: Calling or shouting names late at night is believed to attract the attention of ghosts and spirits, which may bring bad luck and misfortune to the person being called.

4. Stay Away from Dark Corners: According to folk beliefs, dark corners and walls are places where ghosts and spirits tend to lurk and rest, so it is best to avoid these areas, especially at night.

5. No Scaring Others: It is considered taboo to scare others during this month as it may cause their souls to become unsteady, making it easier for ghosts and spirits to invade their bodies.

Refrain from scaring others during Ghost Month. (Illustrative image)

6. Avoid Picking Up Stray Money: Money found on the ground may be offerings to the ghosts and spirits. Picking it up may transfer any associated bad luck and misfortune to the finder.

7. No Mirror Photography: Taking photos through a mirror is believed to attract negative energy and invite spirits and ghosts due to the mirror’s association with the supernatural.

8. Don’t Eat Offerings Prematurely: During the Ghost Month, families often prepare offerings for hungry ghosts and wandering spirits. It is important to wait until after the offerings have been presented before partaking, as eating these foods prematurely or without permission may bring bad luck.

9. No Haircuts: Getting a haircut during this month is believed to invite negative energy and increase the likelihood of encountering sickness and misfortune.

10. Avoid Wind Chimes Near Your Bed: The sound of wind chimes is thought to attract ghosts and spirits, potentially leading to disturbances and negative influences in your daily life.

* The information in this article is for illustrative purposes only and should not be taken literally.

Frequently asked questions

There are several activities mentioned in the article that one might want to steer clear of after dark during the spooky season. These include venturing into forests or wooded areas at night, as the darkness can hide all manner of dangers and one could easily get lost. Another ill-advised activity is exploring abandoned buildings or asylums, which could be structurally unsafe and may be home to squatters or criminal elements.

The article suggests that being alone outdoors at night during this month is risky as it is often a time when supernatural entities are believed to be more active. It is also a time when criminals may take advantage of the cover of darkness and the reduced foot traffic to carry out their misdeeds.

The author recommends taking certain precautions if one absolutely must venture out after dark. These include carrying a charged phone with emergency contacts readily available, bringing a flashlight or two, and informing someone of your intended route and expected time of return.

In addition to forests and abandoned buildings, the article advises against lingering in graveyards or cemeteries at night, as well as wandering too close to bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers, which are often associated with dark legends and tragic stories.

For those who still want to embrace the spooky spirit without endangering themselves, the article suggests organizing a movie night with friends, featuring classic horror films, or visiting a haunted house attraction, which offers thrills in a controlled and safe environment.