Banana Offering Taboo
It is customary to bring flowers, fruits, and incense when visiting ancestral graves, but bananas should be avoided. While bananas are commonly offered during rituals at home, they are not suitable for grave-side offerings. This is because bananas are believed to attract spirits, and consuming such offerings may invite them into your home.
Bananas are commonly offered at home but not at gravesides.
Avoid Photography in Cemeteries
Taking photographs in cemeteries is believed to capture not just the scenery but also the spirits and ghosts that reside there. This act is considered to bring bad luck and is disrespectful to the dead. Therefore, it is best to refrain from taking pictures in such places.
Timing is Everything: Avoid Noon, Early Morning, or Late Visits
Noon, when the sun is at its peak, is considered an inauspicious time for grave visits as the harsh sunlight drives away spirits. Visiting too early in the morning or late in the evening is also ill-advised, as these are the hours when wandering souls are most active. Such encounters may lead to spiritual harassment or negative energy attachments, resulting in illness. The most favorable times for grave visits are between 9-10 am and 2-4 pm.
Avoid visiting graves too early in the morning, at noon, or too late in the evening.
Leave Offerings Behind
The damp and insect-ridden environment of cemeteries can contaminate food offerings over time. Therefore, it is considered unhygienic to consume these offerings after the ritual. Instead, it is advisable to leave the food for the homeless or those in need.
Who Should Refrain from Visiting Graves?
It is recommended that young children, the elderly, and pregnant women refrain from visiting graves due to their physical vulnerabilities and the challenging terrain. Such visits may pose a risk of accidents or illness for these individuals.
Leave Nothing from the Cemetery at Home
Resist the temptation to take any objects, including plants, from the cemetery. Over time, these items absorb negative spiritual energy, and bringing them into your home can disrupt the positive energy within. Therefore, it is essential to leave nothing from the cemetery behind when you return home.
Visiting and tending to ancestral graves is a beautiful cultural tradition that honors the deceased. However, it is important to be mindful of certain taboos to ensure a safe and respectful experience. As the old saying goes, “better safe than sorry,” and these practical guidelines can help ensure a peaceful visit.
Information based on spiritual beliefs and practices.
