Superstitions and Taboos During the Ghost Month in the Lunar Calendar
The seventh month of the lunar calendar, often referred to as the “Ghost Month,” is considered an unlucky time according to folk beliefs. It is believed that during this month, the gates of the underworld open, allowing vagrant spirits to roam the earthly realm. These spirits are thought to bring trouble to humans. Thus, in addition to offerings made on the first and full moon days, families also prepare rituals to appease these vagrant spirits and absolve them of their sins.
To avoid bad luck during the Ghost Month, it is widely believed that certain taboos must be observed.
Avoid Nighttime Activities During the Ghost Month
Folklore holds that during the seventh month, Yama, the ruler of the underworld, opens the gates of hell, releasing spirits and ghosts into the human world. From the beginning of the month until the full moon, these gates remain open. Thus, during the first half of the seventh month, it is advisable to refrain from venturing out at night. Our ancestors believed that the nocturnal atmosphere was heaviest with negative energy, and one risked attracting unwanted supernatural attention by being outdoors during this time.
They also cautioned against venturing near bodies of water like ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams during this superstitious month.
Avoid Hanging Clothes at Night
Hanging clothes at night, especially during the Ghost Month, was discouraged by our forebears, who believed that spirits might borrow and wear these garments, bringing misfortune to their owners.
Superstitions during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, believed to ward off bad luck.
Avoid Calling Out Names Late at Night
Our ancestors would advise against shouting or calling out names late at night during the Ghost Month. This was thought to attract the attention of spirits, who would then remember the names of those called out, leading to potential trouble.
Avoid Picking Up Loose Change
One of the taboos during the seventh month is to refrain from picking up loose change. During rituals, people often scatter small denominations of money to either bribe the spirits or offer charity to vagrant souls. Many believe that picking up this money will bring bad luck and attract unwanted spiritual attention.
Be Cautious When Burning Hell Money
The consumption of hell money, or joss paper, often increases during the seventh month. However, burning this paper money should be done thoughtfully and not indiscriminately. In reality, burning excessive amounts of hell money is not only costly and environmentally detrimental but also poses a fire hazard. As a result, this practice is discouraged in modern times.
Refrain from Touching Offerings
The offerings made during the seventh month are typically vegetarian dishes presented to vagrant spirits. It is important to keep children away from these offerings and ensure they do not touch them until the ritual is complete and the incense has burned out. This belief stems from the idea that offerings made during the Ghost Month are meant for homeless spirits without descendants to worship them. Touching their food is thought to anger these spirits, inviting trouble.
Avoid Significant Expenditures and Important Decisions
Many people refrain from making large purchases or conducting important business during the seventh month. They believe that spending money or settling debts on the first day of the month will deplete their wealth and luck. Additionally, people tend to avoid significant events like engagements or weddings and refrain from buying valuable items like vehicles or properties during this month.
It is important to note that these taboos are based on folk beliefs passed down through generations and may not hold the same relevance in modern times. Whether one chooses to observe these superstitions depends on their personal beliefs and convictions. In today’s evolving society, it is natural for some of these practices to be deemed outdated and disregarded.
Information provided is for reference only and should not be taken as absolute truth.
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