Never do these during Hungry Ghost Month

Today is the start of the seventh lunar month of the Chinese calendar, with the Hungry Ghost Festival happening in the middle of that period.

In the Chinese culture, the gates of hell and heaven are believed to be open during this month. The ghosts can then roam the living realm, and the spirits of the deceased ancestors can return to visit the living.

So, with your safety in mind, we have curated five crucial things you should avoid at all costs for the next one month.

Watch where you are stepping.

Food offerings and joss sticks are common sightings during the hungry ghost festival. Avoid stepping on them unless you want to offend the spirits. If you do, say sorry and leave quickly.

Don’t turn when you hear someone calling you.

Evil ghosts are said to trick humans by calling or tapping their shoulders when they are alone. If you have no choice, turn your whole body. There’s a Chinese belief that everyone has a ‘spiritual protective flame’ on each shoulder. It will extinguish if you turn your head only.

Never pick coins up from the streets.

If you ever find coins strewn around the sidewalk, never pick them up.
High chance that these coins belong to the spirits. The spirits often bait humans with coins to possess them.

Don’t stay out late

Come home early and never roam the streets after sunset, especially children. Ghosts are said to prey on unsuspecting victims who travel alone at night. Especially around 4 am when the spirits are returning home.

Don’t peek

Never look out the window or peek behind the curtains to observe people making offerings. If you are unlucky, you might sight the spirits. This is especially so for children.”