The 7 Taboos of the Ghost Month

In order to ward off bad luck during the seventh lunar month - known as the Ghost Month - certain taboos and superstitions are observed.

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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.

Frequently asked questions

The 7 taboos are: (1) Avoid swimming or water-related activities as it is believed that the Ghost Month gate opens near bodies of water; (2) Refrain from moving to a new house or office as it is considered bad luck and may bring misfortune; (3) Do not get married or engage in happy occasions as it is believed that the spirits may bring bad luck; (4) Avoid traveling, especially to far-off places, as it is believed that one’s protection against spirits is weaker when away from home; (5) Pregnant women should be extra careful and avoid going out at night as it is believed that ghosts target pregnant women; (6) It is advised not to answer phone calls from unknown numbers as it is believed that ghosts can communicate through technology; (7) Refrain from wearing red clothes as it is believed that ghosts are attracted to the color red.

The Ghost Month is a time when the gates of hell are believed to open, allowing restless spirits to roam the Earth. These spirits are believed to bring bad luck and misfortune, which is why many people choose to avoid important events and activities during this month.

Some beliefs include offering food and prayers to the spirits to appease them, burning incense and spirit money to help guide the spirits, and placing a watermelon offering by the door to ward off evil spirits. Superstitions also include avoiding dark places, not walking under ladders, and not stepping on cracks as these are believed to invite bad luck.

Besides avoiding the taboos, one can also wear protective amulets, carry a bagua mirror, and hang wind chimes to ward off negative energy. It is also believed that doing good deeds and helping others can bring protection and blessings.

Cultural practices include burning joss paper and offering food to the spirits, as well as releasing paper lanterns on water to guide lost spirits. Some people also choose to get together with family and friends to offer support and protection during this time.
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