The seventh month is considered Ghost Month in folk culture, as it is believed that this is when wandering, hungry ghosts return to the mortal realm, resulting in a heavy concentration of negative energy. The full moon of the seventh month is particularly significant as it marks the day of pardoning the dead, when the King of Hell opens the Gates of Hell to allow ghosts and spirits to roam freely in the living world. This day also marks the peak of negative energy, so it is important to keep the following taboos in mind to avoid any misfortune.
1 Avoid Going Out at Night During Ghost Month
It is believed that during this month, ghosts and spirits roam freely, so it is best to avoid going out at night to prevent any unwanted encounters.
Reference: to avoid bad luck?
Avoid Going Out at Night During Ghost Month
2 Do Not Burn Hell Money or Paper Offerings
Burning hell money or paper offerings during this month is believed to attract wandering ghosts and spirits, causing disturbances in your life.
Do Not Burn Hell Money or Paper Offerings
3 Do Not Pluck Leg Hair
According to folk beliefs, “one strand of leg hair controls three ghosts,” so plucking leg hair during Ghost Month is thought to bring bad luck and misfortune.
Do Not Pluck Leg Hair
4 Do Not Hang Clothes Out to Dry at Night
Hanging clothes out to dry at night may invite ghosts and spirits to “borrow” them, bringing bad luck and misfortune.
5 Do Not Eat Offerings Before the Ceremony Is Complete
During the full moon of the seventh month, families often prepare offerings for wandering ghosts and spirits. It is important to wait until the ceremony is complete before consuming any of the food, as eating these offerings without permission is believed to bring bad luck.
Do Not Eat Offerings Before the Ceremony Is Complete
6 Do Not Pick Up Loose Change
Picking up loose change from the ground is believed to be bad luck, as it may be money that was used for spiritual offerings. If you pick up this money, you may inherit the bad luck and misfortune of the person who offered it.
Do Not Pick Up Loose Change
7 Do Not Hang Wind Chimes Near Your Bed
According to folk beliefs, the sound of wind chimes can attract ghosts and spirits, leading to disturbances in your daily life.
Reference:
Do Not Hang Wind Chimes Near Your Bed
8 Do Not Shout Names at Night
Shouting or calling out names at night is believed to attract the attention of ghosts and spirits, bringing bad luck and misfortune to the person being called.
Do Not Shout Names at Night
9 Do Not Scare Others
Scaring others during this month may cause their souls to become unsettled, making it easier for ghosts and spirits to possess them.
Do Not Scare Others
10 Do Not Stick Chopsticks Upright in a Bowl of Rice
Sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice is similar to offering incense to the spirits, which may invite them to share your meal.
Do Not Stick Chopsticks Upright in a Bowl of Rice
11 Avoid Buying Vehicles
It is generally advised to avoid buying vehicles during Ghost Month, especially on days that are considered inauspicious due to conflicting heavenly stems and earthly branches.
Avoid Buying Vehicles
12 Stay Away From Dark Corners
Dark corners are believed to be the preferred hiding spots for ghosts and spirits, so it is best to avoid these areas, especially at night.
Stay Away From Dark Corners
13 Do Not Take Photos Using a Mirror
According to folk beliefs, mirrors are associated with negative energy and can easily attract ghosts and spirits.
Do Not Take Photos Using a Mirror
14 Do Not Point Shoes Toward the Bed When Sleeping
Pointing shoes toward the bed while sleeping may invite ghosts and spirits to assume that a person is sleeping in the bed, leading them to join you.
Do Not Point Shoes Toward the Bed When Sleeping
15 Do Not Cut Hair
Cutting hair during Ghost Month is believed to invite negative energy, leading to misfortune and health issues.
Do Not Cut Hair
16 Do Not Offer Meat During Ceremonies
Offering meat during ceremonies is believed to awaken “greed, anger, and delusion” in the spirits, making them more aggressive.
Do Not Offer Meat During Ceremonies
17 Avoid Swimming
Swimming during Ghost Month is not advised, as ghosts and spirits are believed to roam freely, especially near bodies of water, increasing the likelihood of encountering misfortune.
Avoid Swimming
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It is also important to be aware of the taboos and auspicious days during the Qingming Festival to avoid bad luck.
Learn more about what to avoid and what to do during the Cold Food Festival on our website.
These are the things you should keep in mind during Ghost Month. As the saying goes, “it’s better to be safe than sorry.” So, take note of these dos and don’ts to ensure a smooth month ahead.