Come the month of August, people halt big business launches, purchasing and selling decisions, and even getting married. The number one cause? Because Ghost Month is about to begin. So why does everything seem to stop during Ghost Month? Read on to know more about this tradition.
What is Ghost Month?
Ghost Month, or Hungry Ghost Month, is a Chinese tradition that is also observed in the Philippines. It happens on the seventh month of the lunar calendar, which is usually from August to September. This 2023, Ghost Month starts on August 16 and ends on September 16. It is believed that the gates of hell are open and the spirits of the dead are free to roam the Earth during this period,
What is the history of Ghost Month?
The origins of Ghost Month are unclear. Aside from China, it is also observed in Taiwan, Japan, Cambodia, and India.
It is said that during Ghost Month those who have died are allowed to roam the Earth. This includes souls without proper burial or who have unfinished business in the world of the living. The said wandering spirits keep those who are living wary. There are several things the living can do and not do as "pangontra" to the possible "harm" the dead may cause.
What should you do during Ghost Month?
Filipinos who observe Ghost Month take steps to appease the spirits of the dead, including their ancestors.
- Make offerings to the dead. This may involve burning joss paper, incense, and food. They also burn make-believe money on the first day of Ghost Month as a way of giving money to the spirits of the dead while they roam the mortal world.
- Visit the graves of deceased relatives. For the majority of Filipinos, this is done during All Saints or All Souls Day. But for Chinese- Filipinos, it is during Ghost Month when they clean the graves and pray for the dead.
- Hold memorial services for ancestors. These services may be held at home or at a temple.
What are things that you shouldn't do during Ghost Month?
During Ghost Month, some Filipinos avoid certain activities that they believe may upset the wandering spirits.:
- Making any life-changing decisions
- Traveling
- Starting a new business
- Moving to a new home
- Getting married
- Picking up coins or strange items you found outside (these may belong to the dead)
- Answering unknown whispers and sobbing (these could be spirits!)
- Talking to yourself
- Going to cemeteries alone
- Staying out late at night
- Being near bodies of water
- Talking about ghosts or death
- Leaving food or hanging clothes out after sunset and leaving them overnight (their human-like shape may invite spirits to your home)
- Wearing black as these color attracts spirits
- Tapping someone on the head and shoulders (doing so may affect their luck)
Is Ghost Month a scary time?
Ghost Month is not necessarily a scary time. It is a time to honor their ancestors and to pray for their souls.
However, it's normal to feel cautious during this time. You may want to take some extra precautions to keep yourself protected during Ghost Month. Make sure that you're not doing anything from the previous list above!
This is just a quick explainer of the general concept of Ghost Month. If you need specific advice, you may check out this story, this explainer, and this article. You may also consult a Feng Shui expert.
