The seventh lunar month is often considered by Vietnamese as the “Hungry Ghost Month,” a month associated with ghosts and supernatural beings. Thus, various superstitions and taboos arise during this month to ward off bad luck and unease.
Origin of the Hungry Ghost Month:
According to folk legends, during the seventh lunar month each year, the King of Hell opens the Gates of Hell, allowing unrested spirits and ghosts without proper veneration to roam the earthly realm.
Folk beliefs hold that during this month, the King of Hell opens the Gates of Hell, releasing unrested spirits and ghosts without proper veneration to wander the mortal world. On the fifteenth day of the month, these spirits must return to the underworld as the Gates of Hell close once more.
Typically, families will prepare food offerings and rituals to ensure these spirits are well-fed. Additionally, some communities hang lanterns with inscriptions like “Universal Enlightenment,” “Superbirth Universal Salvation,” or “Celebrating the Central Realm.”
Temples also hold sermons and prayers during this month, wishing for peace and liberation for all souls.
Superstitions and Taboos During the Hungry Ghost Month:
+ Avoid night outings
In traditional beliefs, the seventh lunar month is when supernatural beings are most active. Therefore, it is advised to refrain from night outings to prevent encountering bad luck.
+ Do not eat offerings without permission
Eating offerings without permission is considered disrespectful and may bring misfortune upon oneself.
+ Avoid hanging clothes at night
Hanging clothes at night during this month is believed to give ghosts a chance to ‘haunt’ the garments.
+ Avoid being alone
Ghosts are less likely to appear in crowded places, so staying alone may induce a sense of unease and restless nights.
+ When walking through deserted areas, do not look back
Deserted places may invite ghostly pranks and unease. To overcome this, maintain your calm and keep walking forward.
+ Do not shout names in the dark
Shouting names in the dark may attract ghosts to the person, potentially bringing misfortune.
+ Refrain from burning joss paper and hell money without reason
While burning offerings is a customary practice, doing so randomly may invite unrested spirits, leading to bad luck and misfortune.
Superstitions and Taboos During the Hungry Ghost Month
+ Avoid wearing white
During the Hungry Ghost Month, it is especially advised not to wear white clothing, and clothes with scary prints should be avoided.
+ Do not pick up money from the ground
During this month, people may scatter money to appease evil spirits. Picking up this money is believed to bring bad luck.
+ Avoid night photography
Night photography during the Hungry Ghost Month is discouraged as ghosts are believed to be roaming, and one may unintentionally capture them in photos along with the living, which is considered taboo.
+ Refrain from major life events
Additionally, some people also refrain from haircuts, spending extravagantly, visiting new mothers, intimate relations, and consuming certain foods like dog and duck meat.
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