The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as the Chinese Ghost Month, is a festival observed in Malaysia and several other countries in the East, with significant Chinese roots. The festival has deep historical and cultural roots, blending elements of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
The festival is believed to have originated over two thousand years ago during the Han Dynasty in China. It is primarily based on the Chinese lunar calendar and usually falls in the seventh month, which is considered the "Ghost Month." This corresponds to the period from the first day to the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar. In 2023, the Hungry Ghost Festival started on 6 August 2023, and will end on 14 September 2023. Meanwhile, Ghost Day will fall on 30th August 2023.
The festival is centered around the belief that during this month, the spirits of deceased ancestors are released from the underworld and roam the earthly realm. These spirits are believed to include restless souls, wandering spirits, and even malevolent entities. To appease and honor these spirits, various rituals, offerings, and activities are conducted.
To show respect and avoid potential negative interactions with these spirits, here are some things to avoid during Chinese Ghost Month:
- Avoid Outdoor Activities at Night
It's advised to limit outdoor activities during the night, as spirits are believed to be more active during this time. If possible, reach home before sundown and stay home until sunrise. You have plenty of time during the day to head out.
2. Avoid Swimming
Spirits are thought to be able to drown living individuals during this month, so swimming in open waters or pools is discouraged. If you swim at night, you might feel something pulling at you.
3. Avoid Moving Houses or Renovations
Starting new construction, moving into a new home, or renovations are considered inauspicious during this time.
4. Avoid Loud Noises
Loud noises and disturbances are thought to attract the attention of spirits, potentially leading to unwanted interactions.
5. Avoid Mocking or Making Fun of Spirits
Treat the spirits with respect and avoid making jokes or mocking them. If you've watched the Singaporean ghost movie “Where Got Ghost?”, you'd know to do better.
6. Avoid Whistling or Singing at Night
Whistling and singing are believed to attract spirits, so it's best to avoid these activities during the evening. If you don't disturb them, it's likely that they won't disturb you too, Keep to yourself.
7. Avoid Picking Up Money
Money or offerings found on the ground might be meant for the spirits, so it's advised not to pick them up. Even on normal days, it's not a good idea to pick up things on the ground that don't belong to you, even more during the Hungry Ghost Festival.
8. Avoid Taking Photos at Night
Taking photos during the night might inadvertently capture unwanted spiritual entities. While you may not have wanted not anticipated it, your life might end up like the movie “Shutter”. Best to avoid.
9. Avoid Open Water Activities
Boating or fishing is considered dangerous during Ghost Month, as spirits might try to harm or drown individuals.
10. Avoid Setting Up New Businesses
Starting new ventures during this period is seen as inauspicious.
11. Avoid Disturbing Altars
Show respect to ancestral altars and spirit houses by not disturbing or disrespecting them. Again, you don't disturb them = they don't disturb you.
12. Avoid Whistling or Calling Out Names
Spirits might mistake whistling or calling out names as an invitation to follow the living. In any case, do not give or make any indication that they should follow you home.
13. Avoid Negative or Disrespectful Behavior
It's important to maintain a respectful and considerate attitude to avoid angering spirits. Be considerate towards those around you conducting their prayers and offerings.
While it may seem scary. Hungry Ghost Month is also a month where the departed are given the opportunity to visit their loved ones again, albeit not being able to be seen or sensed. As long as you maintain a good order of respect towards the unseen entities floating in the community this month, it will be alright.
Crystal Chai is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.
