Lunar 7th Month

The Lunar 7th month, often referred to as the Hungry Ghost month, holds deep cultural significance. During this period, families and businesses engage in ancestral worship to show filial piety and make offerings to wandering spirits who are homeless and hungry. Some families even arrange private banquets to commemorate these occasions.

Alongside these customs, there are certain folk tales and taboos commonly observed during the Hungry Ghost month:

1. Avoid immediately turning your head or responding when you hear someone call your name at night.
2. Refrain from patting someone's shoulder, as it is believed that a person's head and shoulders possess three vital fires that should not be extinguished.
3. Do not insert chopsticks into a rice bowl upright, as it resembles incense on an incense burner and may attract spirits to share your food.
4. Whistling is discouraged, as it may convey a misleading message to wandering spirits.
5. When passing by a cemetery, silently apologize and say, "I'm sorry to disturb you!"
6. Refrain from playing in dangerous waters, as it is believed that "water ghosts" may seek to replace the living with the deceased.
7. Do not steal or compete with ghosts for offerings during worship, as it may cause offense.
8. Avoid hanging wind chimes near your bedside, as they are believed to attract yin energy.
9. Do not engage in playing a game called Die Xian.
10. It is advisable to avoid venturing into wilderness or remote areas at night, as encounters with spirits may occur, especially for individuals with strong yin energy.
11. Refrain from picking up loose change and red envelopes found on the ground.
12. Avoid making comments while passing by funeral sites.
13. Do not step on offerings such as joss sticks or incense paper.
14. Refrain from leaning against walls to rest during this period.
15. It is best not to leave your laundry outside overnight.
16. Avoid taking random photos at night.
17. Do not shine a flashlight on trees, as it may disturb spirits clinging to them.

This year, the Lunar 7th month will commence on 4th August 2024, and last until 2nd September 2024. The 15th day of the 7th month, known as Zhong Yuan, falls on 18 August this year.

During the ritual, offerings are arranged with items and food displayed in odd numbers, such as one roasted piglet, three steamed chickens, and five hard-boiled eggs. Fruits, beverages, biscuits, candy, rice, and meat are commonly seen among the offerings. After the ritual, the offered wine or tea is poured and sprinkled in a circle of rice, and paper money is burned as an offering. Many individuals pray to seek protection and good fortune. When their wishes are fulfilled, additional items will be added to the offerings in the following year. It is important to fulfill any promises made during the prayer.

The following are the auspicious dates for performing the ritual this year: