Don’t have a clue as to how to survive ghost month? Ward off any bad luck with our do’s and don’ts!
A tradition and superstitious belief that originated from Buddhist and Taoist devotees from East and Southeast Asia, Hungry Ghost Month is celebrated on the seventh month of the lunar calendar. During this time, ghosts and spirits are believed to break out from the gates of hell, and crossover to the world of the living.
This year, ghost month is celebrated from August 8 to September 6, with the Hungry Ghost Month Festival to be celebrated on the 22nd of August. This month is considered as one of the most inauspicious months, especially for the Chinese and Filipino-Chinese.
If you’re unsure of what to do, here are some do’s and don’ts for ghost month:
DO:
Pray
Whatever you believe in, prayer is our first line of defense from anything—most especially ghost and bad spirits. According to Feng Shui expert Master Ang, ghosts are more likely to feed on people who have bad karma. He advises, “Kontrolin mo ang sarili mo. Kailangang maging mabait ka. Iwasan ang gulo at ang pagiging mainitin ang ulo.”
Keep Your Home Well-Lit
It is believed that dark, gloomy places attract ghosts. By keeping your home well lit and clean, you’re more likely to ward off any bad spirits wandering around.
Wear Brighter Colors
Well, except for red. According to Feng shui experts, the colors black and red are favored by ghosts, and will seek out those who wear such colors. High heels should also be avoided.
Burn Incense
Burning incense is believed to be an effective way to “feed” the spirits. Wandering spirits are said to feed on the fragrance an incense emits.
Play Relaxing Music
Now may be the best time to update your playlist. Apparently, ghosts have a music preference too! Play relaxing and meditative music to ward off hungry ghosts.
DON’T:
Go To Any ‘Yin’ Places
The ‘yin’ in yin yang represents the dark side, and is often associated with negativity and hardships. During ghost month, avoid going to such places like hospitals, cemeteries, graveyards, or funerals, as it can make you more vulnerable to spirits.
Schedule Big Events
Who would ever want uninvited guests crashing their wedding? Big life events such as weddings are said to invite unwelcome guests, aka ghosts. So, whether you’re planning on getting hitched or moving to a new house, it’s better to postpone it until ghost month is finally over.
Sleep Facing A Mirror
Mirrors are considered as “soul stealers” in Feng shui. To avoid any scary mishaps, or some soul stealing situation, it’s better to reposition your mirror or cover it.
Go Into Large Bodies Of Water
Or engage in any water related activities, for that matter. Ghosts are believed to stay in the water during these times, with the goal to possess a body through drowning.
Go Out Late At Night
As well as keeping your home well lit, be careful of going out late at night. Darkness attracts ghosts and spirits, and they are believed to be at their strongest after the sunset, with the moon’s ‘yin’ energy.
