“Ah boy ah girl ah, don’t stay out too late ah”
The seventh lunar month, which is known as Ghost Month among Buddhist and Taoist believers in East and Southeast Asia. The dead are thought to cross over from hell of the realm of the living during this month in pursuit of food and entertainment.
Depending on one’s particular beliefs, some people may avoid doing things that are deemed taboo during this inauspicious period. Here are the 10 timeless superstitions to follow throughout the festival:
1. Avoid staying out too late
Image source: Fawazlul Rizqi
This is the most important taboo of all. Just like our parents and grandparents always say “come home earlier”, not only for general safety reasons, also people believed that ghosts are supposed to be at their most powerful after sunset, as yin energy from the moon boosts ghosts at night. So get home before the sun goes down peeps!
2. If you notice something strange, ignore it
Image source: SAYS
Avoid picking up anything you come across on the street, especially coins and unusual objects. Don’t try to be greedy! These objects could already belong to a spirit, or they could be used to seduce a person who touches them. However, odd fragrances, especially delightfully sweet ones such as flourish smell, as well as strange sounds like whispering or sobbing, should be ignored.
3. Don’t tap anyone on the shoulder or head
Image source: Tap my shoulder
According to Chinese folklore, it is believed that the shoulders and top of the head have torches of fire on them that are essential in warding off evil spirits and misfortune, and that tapping these areas during the seventh month will bring bad luck
4. Avoid getting married
Image source: Jeremy Wong Weddings
It is considered unlucky for couples to tie the knot around this time of the year, as it is thought that these marriages will not be happily ever after kind or something unpleasant will happen. On top of that, you also do not want any “uninvited guests” to show up at your wedding party.
5. Don’t take pictures late at night
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Just like what the movies taught us, horror films such as Shutter and Paranormal Activity are already enough to portray us that cameras and ghosts aren’t a good combination. Thrill-seekers who dare to expose their cameras and phones at ungodly hours risk capturing ghosts in action and possibly trapping vengeful spirits in their devices. Unless you want to be plagued by bad luck and poor lighting, you should probably save your photography mood for the next day.
6. Don’t whistle at night
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Although you should already be avoiding whistling at night even not during the seventh month, that means you should be “double” avoiding whistling at night during, regardless of how bored you might be. Whistling is thought to attract wandering spirits who are only waiting for someone to lead them to a scary encounter. It’s also believed that people who disturb the calm of night will be punished, therefore it’s probably best to keep quiet at night.
7. Don’t sit in the front row at street performances
Image source: SAYS
Throughout the month, Chinese opera performances and getai (concert-like stage production) are held to entertain wandering spirits, with front row seats reserved for unseen VIPs. Even though during pandemic we are unable to attend these yearly gatherings where you get to eat free food and watch street performances. But it should be kept in mind that you should not sit in the front row! It’s like, imagine your seat getting taken, or someone sat on you?
8. Don’t touch, step over or kick roadside offerings
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Roadside offerings are common sights during the month, where people set up food and joysticks by the roadside are typically for hungry spirits who are only allowed to eat at this time of the year. Do not step on or over the food, let’s put it this way, wouldn’t you be irritated if someone began touching or trampling on your food? Apologize immediately if it’s done by accident.
9. Don’t stand too close to the wall
Image source: Christian Chen
According to Chinese folklore, walls have natural cold and ominous air, making them popular gathering spots for ghosts. Avoid leaning against or strolling near walls, as spirits like to walk or fly along walls and dark corners. Knowing some of us may fancy posing near the wall for some insta worthy photos, hold it off doing that during the seventh month.
10. Don’t hang your clothes outside through the night
Image source: Shutterstock
Avoid leaving your clothes outside the window or on the balcony. Visiting spirits are believed to be attracted to the human shape of clothing, and will gladly come over to “borrow” your clothes for the night. Apparitions may leave a misfortune-inducing aura on your clothing as well. Well, do your laundry during the day then!
These superstitions may sound like trying to scare people, but it should be noted that they are based on personal beliefs.
Regardless, sometimes no harm in following it as a respect for the dead.
