As the seventh lunar month begins, Hungry Ghost Festival, or 鬼節 (Guǐ Jié) in Chinese, brings a mysterious vibe to the city. This festival, steeped in ancient beliefs, is when spirits from the underworld are believed to roam among the living. For many, it’s not just a time to honor the deceased—it’s also a period to be cautious and avoid drawing bad luck. Superstitions and taboos are observed carefully to keep these wandering souls at peace.
Whether you already take part in these practices or want to learn more about the tradition, getting to know these observations can help you navigate this ghostly month with a little more ease:
Avoid Staying Out Late
As night descends during Hungry Ghost Festival, it's believed that spirits grow more active. Many people prefer to stay indoors after dark to avoid encountering these wandering souls, as crossing paths with them is thought to bring bad luck or even illness. If possible, it's wise to limit your nighttime activities during this period.
Hold Off on Moving Houses or Renovations
The seventh lunar month is seen as an unlucky time for making big changes, like moving to a new home or starting renovations. These activities are believed to disturb spirits, which could bring bad luck or unrest into your life. Many people choose to hold off on such projects until the festival has passed to steer clear of any negative consequences.
Steer Clear of the Front Row at Performances
Throughout Hungry Ghost Festival, special performances, such as Chinese opera, are staged to entertain the spirits. Tradition dictates that the front row of seats remains empty as a mark of respect for the ghosts. Occupying these seats is widely regarded as bad luck, as it may be perceived as disrespectful to the spirits, potentially inviting their displeasure.
Make Offerings to the Spirits
One of the most important practices during Hungry Ghost Festival is making offerings to appease wandering spirits. People set up altars with food, incense, and joss paper (which symbolizes money) to ensure that the spirits are satisfied and will not cause harm. Skipping this ritual is thought to attract misfortune or angry spirits.
Do Not Step on Burnt Offerings
As you walk around during Hungry Ghost Festival, you’ll notice ashes from burnt offerings—like joss paper and incense—scattered on the streets and near altars. It’s important to be mindful of these ashes. Stepping on or over them isn’t just disrespectful; it’s believed to upset the spirits, which could lead to bad luck or even health issues. A little caution can go a long way during this time.
Avoid Weddings or Other Major Life Events
If you’re planning a wedding, birthday, or any other big celebration, it’s wise to avoid scheduling it during this festival. This period is considered inauspicious for joyful occasions, as it’s believed that celebrating during time might attract negative energy or disturb the spirits. Many people prefer to postpone these significant events until Hungry Ghost Festival has passed. A bit of patience could save you some unwanted trouble.
