What are the do's and don'ts during the Hungry Ghost Festival?

The Hungry Ghost Festival is an important event that takes place annually. The festival is steeped in tradition, and it is vital to follow certain dos and don'ts to appease the wandering souls. Here's what you need to know.

Origin of Hungry Ghost Festival

The Hungry Ghost Festival originates from Buddhist and Taoist beliefs and is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. The belief is that during this month, the gates of Hell open and allow ghosts and spirits to return to the living world in search of food and entertainment.

Traditional Beliefs and Practices

Offerings To appease the wandering spirits, people offer food, paper money, homes, and other material objects. It is believed that by making these offerings, they will seek blessings from their ancestors.

Burning of Hell Money People burn Hell money, known as "joss paper," to help the ghosts buy things they miss in the afterlife. Some people also burn paper models of desired objects such as iPhones, cars and mansions.

Holding Rituals Many people hold special events, such as open-air operas, to keep the ghosts entertained. They believe that by doing so, they will ensure their family's good luck and prosperity for the year.

Dos during the Festival

Be Respectful During the festival, it's important to be mindful of the beliefs and superstitions of others. Be respectful, remember to be cautious of your manner and language during the festival.

Offer Generously If you want to offer something to the ghosts, make sure it's genuine and sincere. Don't offer imitation material or burn unusable items like torn notes or broken items.

Stay Safe Be careful when walking outside at night and avoid staying out too late - legend has it, ghosts might appear as human beings and follow you home if you don't behave appropriately.

Don'ts during the Festival

Don't Disturb Others' Offerings It's inconsiderate and bad luck to touch, or steal anyone's festival offerings. Don’t touch the food offerings and apologise if you kick them accidentally

Don’t stand your chopsticks vertically into your rice

This resembles incense used when praying to spirits, and the starving ghosts might think you’re inviting them to your meal

Don't Wear Bright Red or Black Colors Avoid wearing bright red, which is associated with mischief and attracting wandering spirits. Don’t wear large amounts of black or red, as these two colours are believed to attract ghosts.

Avoid Swimming during night time

Swimming can invite negative energy. Keep away from the water if you can, as some believes that water spirits might drown people in order to reincarnate.

Avoid Singing or Whistle when alone after dark

There is believe that singing or whistle can attract spirits and ghost may “snatch” your voice.

Don't Turn and Look Back easily when hear someone call your name.

There is believe that this might be spirit trying to possess your body.

Don’t pick up money found on the street.

Never bring home money or angbao pick up from the street as it’s believed that cash is used to bribe the guards of hell.

Don’t sleep facing the mirror or anything reflective, as it attracts spirits.