The Spooky Month: Superstitions and Taboos to Navigate the Month of Ghosts

The seventh month of the lunar calendar, often referred to as the 'ghost month', is steeped in folklore and superstition. It is believed that this month brings with it a host of taboos and restrictions. Discover the 17 dos and don'ts to navigate this month with ease.

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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

For further reading: 

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.

Frequently asked questions

The ‘Spooky Month’ refers to the seventh month of the lunar calendar, which is usually in August. It is believed that during this month, the gates of hell open and the dead are free to roam the Earth, causing an increase in supernatural occurrences.

There are several superstitions and taboos that people follow to navigate the month safely. Some common ones include avoiding outdoor activities after dark, not swimming or taking part in water-related activities, refraining from moving to a new home or getting married, and not whistling or singing at night.

It is believed that the roaming spirits can bring bad luck and influence life decisions, especially those related to major life changes such as marriage or moving house.

Water-related activities are considered dangerous as it is believed that the gates of hell are located at the bottom of bodies of water. Swimming or taking part in water activities increases the risk of encountering ghosts or being dragged underwater by supernatural forces.

Yes, people often prepare and offer food to the wandering spirits. This can include fruits, rice, and traditional dishes. It is believed that by offering food and showing respect, the ghosts will be appeased and bring good fortune instead of causing harm.

People tend to spend more time at home with family, avoiding risky outdoor activities. They may also choose to watch horror movies or tell ghost stories as a way of acknowledging and respecting the supernatural atmosphere of the month.
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