Happy Ghost Month! In Taiwan and many other Asian countries where Buddhism or Taoism is practiced, ghost month (鬼月 Guǐ Yuè), or the seventh month of the lunar calendar, is an important festival when it is believed that the dead come to visit the realm of the living, and it is an important time for ancestor worship. In this blog, we will introduce the historical background and beliefs of this holiday, as well as key taboos to avoid during this time and how to protect yourself.
Historical and Religious Background
Ghost festival originated in ancient India based on the Yulanpen or Ullambana Sutra in which a child searches for his deceased parents, and is told that he is able to assist his parents by offering food on the 15th day of the seventh month. The 15th day of ghost month is also known as Zhongyuan Festival 中元節 Zhōng Yuán Jié, or Pudu 普渡 Pǔ Dù), when it is believed that the dead from both heaven and hell are opened to allow the dead to visit the living on earth. This festival is practiced in both Buddhism and Taoism, which are the major religions in Taiwan.
Spirits without descendants, or spirits in hell, are believed to be able to wander the earth for the entire month. These ghosts are thought to be hungry and in need of entertainment. Therefore, people prepare offerings of incense, food, and paper “ghost money,” for the ghosts to enjoy and spare any misfortune on their families. Ceremonies are also held by Taoist and Buddhist priests to try and relieve the suffering of these ghosts. Water lanterns or burning boats on the water are also used to guide ghosts back to the underworld.
Key Taboos to Avoid
Don’t go swimming
It is believed that during Ghost Month, water ghosts might pull people under the water to kill them and replace them in the underworld, so Taiwanese people are warned against swimming.
Don’t walk near open water
Going along with the above, ghosts can cause misfortune and death in open waters, especially in the sea or rivers, where the tides are strong and unpredictable. Those unfamiliar with the water can easily drown and or be swept away during ghost month (it also doesn’t help that many Taiwanese people are not good at swimming).
Stay out of mountain areas after sunset
Because it gets darker faster and stays darker in the mountains, it is easier for people to become frightened or get into an accident. Therefore, get out of the mountains before dark.
Do not place chopsticks upright in a bowl
Chopsticks upright in a bowl resemble incense which is meant for deceased ancestors, to attract them to eat the meal. Therefore, if you place chopsticks upright you can attract lots of evil ghosts to where you are which can bring you misfortune. You may also offend someone living who may think you want them to die, therefore avoid doing this all year round.
Don’t buy a car
Many people avoid buying cars during Ghost Month because it might lead to car accidents or bad luck. However, if you do not believe in this, Ghost Month is a great time to buy a car because there are lots of deals. You can check out our car-buying guide here.
Don’t buy a house
Many people avoid buying or selling houses during Ghost Month because they think this may bring bad luck to the house for the rest of the time they own it, which is too big of a risk to take. You can check out our house-buying guide here.
Don’t get married
When Taiwanese people get married, they usually try to find the most auspicious date possible. However, the whole month of Ghost month is off the table, because every day of this month has evil spirits and bad luck. You can check out our Taiwan marriage FAQ here.
Don’t dry clothes at night
It is believed that ghosts like to attach themselves to cool places or objects. Therefore, wet clothes hanging outside can easily attract ghosts, and the ghosts may attach themselves to the clothes and be brought into the house.
Don’t take walks at night
During Ghost Month, it is best to avoid nighttime activities because there are more evil spirits about and there are more chances of bad luck and misfortune.
Don’t whistle at night
It is believed that whistling or playing a flute, or making other loud noises at night can attract wandering spirits, as they might think someone is calling them.
Don’t take photos at night
If a ghost accidentally appears in your photos, this will bring misfortune and bad luck, Therefore it is best to avoid taking photos at night altogether.
Don’t pick up money on the ground
Money on the ground is fair game for the ghosts. If you pick up a ghost’s money, that could bring you more bad luck and misfortune than the money could gain you.
You can check out our guide to the New Taiwan Dollar here.
Don’t open an Umbrell Indoors
It is believed that ghosts are attracted to umbrellas because they do not like the light of day. Also the word “umbrella” (傘, sǎn) is a homophone for “scatter” (散, sàn), which suggests bad luck, financial loss, or family separation.
Do not hang chimes outside your window or near your bed
It is believed that making other loud noises can attract wandering spirits, as they might think someone is calling them. Therefore do not hang chimes, especially at night.
How to protect yourself during ghost month:
There are a few ways you can protect yourself from evil ghosts during ghost month.
Use Sandalwood
Sandalwood brings a soothing aroma that helps balance emotions and bring relaxation. It is also said to attract wealth, safety, and peace to your environment.
Use Noon Water
Noon Water is collected during the peak of sunlight, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (Dragon Boat Festival). This water is believed to have powerful properties for removing negative energies and illness. Drinking and bathing with noon water is said to remove negative energy and misfortune.
Use Wormwood
Wormwood (艾草, Ài Cǎo) is said to be a purifying herb that can cleanse and protect those that use it, and purify those that are exposed to evil or negative environments.
Frequently Asked Questions from Foreigners
Do foreigners have to adhere to the above taboos?
No, foreigners are not expected to adhere to Ghost Month taboos in Taiwan. Many foreigners end up breaking all the rules. In fact, many Taiwanese people do not even adhere to all the taboos, especially when it comes to swimming in the summer.
Are swimming pools open during August in Taiwan?
Yes, all swimming pools and swimming areas are still open during August despite ghost month. Whether one adheres to the ghost month taboos is up to personal preference.
How do people celebrate Ghost Month in Taiwan compared to other regions?
While many traditions are similar across. Asia, there can be variations in specific customs and practices. In Taiwan, for example, they believe that ghosts travel around the entire month instead of just on the fifteenth day. Also, greater emphasis is placed on water safety, Mazu worship, and using water lanterns and burning ships to ward off evil spirits.
What is the difference between Ghost Month and the Ghost Festival?
Ghost Month lasts for the entire seventh lunar month, while the Ghost Festival (中元節, Zhōng Yuán Jié) is a specific day during this month, typically the 15th day, when more elaborate rituals and ceremonies are held.
When does Ghost Month occur?
Ghost Month occurs during the seventh month of the lunar calendar. The exact dates vary each year, but it generally falls in August.
What are the key customs and rituals during Ghost Month?
Common customs include making food offerings to spirits, burning incense and paper money, participating in public performances, lighting water lanterns, and visiting temples. Families also perform rituals to protect themselves from negative influences.
What is the significance of offerings and rituals during Ghost Month?
Offerings and rituals are meant to honor and appease spirits and ancestors, ensuring they are well-fed and content. This is believed to help bring blessings and avoid misfortune.
Conclusion
Ghost Month is an interesting and exciting time to visit Taiwan. There are many festivals and activities that you can experience all around Taiwan. Also, if you are a foreigner, it can be a great time to buy a car, buy a house, or go swimming. Most of all I hope this blog makes the holiday make more sense and helps you gain more respect for the people of Taiwan and their local customs.
