Taboos during Hungry Ghost month

Published in NST Property - August 16, 2018 

THE Hungry Ghost Festival has started and there are several taboos that households should not ignore during this period.

In Chinese folk legend, the seventh lunar month is the Ghost Month and marks the opening of the Gates of Hell.

This is when the spirits of the dead freely roam in the land of the living for an entire month.

During this period, Buddhist and Taoist devotees hold special prayers and submit offerings to the guardians of hell and the spirits as a mark of respect. This is when you see devotees offering their prayers by the roadside at night.

Avoid spitting at trees or plants. (File pix)

This year, the Hungry Ghost Festival falls from August 11 to September 9. During this period, the Chinese will observe a number of rituals and superstitions — mainly focused on things that should be avoided.

• Avoid buying any property during this period as it is believed to bring you bad luck. You can look around for properties and shortlist one, but sign legal agreements after the festival ends.

• If you can, don’t move house during the Hungry Ghost Festival.

• Do not open an umbrella, especially a red one, in the house because wandering ghosts might seek “shelter” under it and cause disturbance.

Do not open an umbrella, especially a red one, inside the house. (File pix)

• Do not commence your renovation works (in your existing home or new property) in the seventh lunar month as it might cause disturbance.

Do not commence your renovation works during the Hungry Ghost Festival as it may cause disturbance. (File pix)

• Avoid staying out too late at night. Try to be at home by sunset, especially if you are alone. According to an old belief, ghosts are at their strongest in the night because the “yin” energy from the moon strengthens them, whereas the “yang” energy from the sun weakens them. It is best that you wash your feet before you enter the house.

• Avoid spitting at any tree/plant that is within your house compound or outside (or just about anywhere).

Don’t lean against the wall. (File pix)

• Don’t lean against the wall (any wall). Apparently, spirits like to stick to walls because they are cooler.

• Do not kill any insects that come into your home.

Do not kill any insects that come into your home. (File pix)

According to the Chinese belief, insects are reincarnation of spirits or could be your departed loved ones who are visiting you. Killing them is disrespectful.

• Do not hang your clothes overnight as they easily attract spirits.

• Do not play games that can attract spirits such as Ouija board.