According to folk legends, the King of Hell opens the gates of the underworld during the seventh lunar month, allowing spirits to roam the mortal realm. As a result, this month is believed to be heavy with negative energy and wandering souls. To avoid misfortune, it is advised to refrain from the following:
Burning Incense at Night
The scent of incense is believed to attract wandering souls, so burning it at night is discouraged. This is because the night is when these souls are most active and likely to attach themselves to you.
Avoid Patting People on the Shoulder After Dark
Patting someone on the shoulder can startle them, causing a momentary lapse in mental focus. This moment of weakness makes it easier for evil spirits to possess or harass an individual. With the increased presence of hungry ghosts during the seventh month, this action becomes even more dangerous.
Stay Indoors After Dark
Unless absolutely necessary, it is best to avoid going out at night during this period. The darkness provides cover for wandering souls, and the flickering lights can induce fear and panic, leading to accidents. Additionally, the cooler temperatures at night can increase the risk of catching a cold. Therefore, staying indoors not only respects traditional beliefs but also ensures your safety.
Refrain from Hanging Wind Chimes
According to folk beliefs, the sound of wind chimes can attract wandering souls. Therefore, it is advised not to hang wind chimes during the seventh lunar month.
Avoid Nighttime Grooming in Front of the Mirror
Grooming in front of the mirror at night can evoke images of supernatural entities. Additionally, this act may invite wandering souls into your home. Mirrors are believed to capture negative images and energies at night, which can be frightening.
Don’t Take Nighttime Photographs
Taking photos at night during this month is believed to increase the chances of capturing supernatural entities. Scientifically, the lack of light at night can result in poor-quality images, and long exposure times can cause light leaks and noise, affecting the overall quality.
Don’t Dry Clothes Overnight
Clothes dried overnight tend to remain damp and attract insects and birds, leading to soiled garments. Additionally, with the heavy negative energy and wandering souls of the seventh month, your clothes may become a temporary residence for these entities. In reality, this superstition also serves as a reminder that during this humid and hot month, leaving clothes out overnight will likely result in them needing to be washed again due to the absorption of moisture.
Avoid Plucking Leg Hair
According to folk beliefs, “one strand of leg hair controls three demons.” Therefore, plucking leg hair during this month is believed to invite bad luck. In reality, plucking leg hair can lead to infections and exposure to cold, affecting your health.
Don’t Call Out Names at Night
Ancient beliefs suggest that evil spirits will call out the names of the living, and those who respond are at risk of soul-catching. Therefore, it is considered taboo to call out names during the seventh lunar month, especially at night.
For reference only