The Don’t during the Ghost festival

A few years ago, I wrote an article about the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival, but I didn’t elaborate on the “don’ts” observed during this period. Now, I would like to share some tips and hope everyone stays safe during this time. Even if you aren’t superstitious or don’t believe in ghosts, it is still respectful to observe these practices when you are in Asian countries, especially around those who do believe.

Every year, the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival falls in either July or August, as it follows the Chinese lunisolar calendar rather than the more commonly used Gregorian calendar. The Chinese calendar is based on precise astronomical observations of the Sun’s longitude and the Moon’s phases. Typically, a common year has 12 months (353–355 days), while a leap year has 13 months (383–385 days).

In 2022, the first day of the festival began on 29 July (the first day of the seventh lunar month), and the last day fell on 26 August. The fifteenth day of the seventh month, known as Ghost Day, fell on 12 August. If you happen to visit Singapore during this period, do take note and stay alert.

Here is a list of common “don’ts”:

• Don’t stay up late or go out at night unless necessary, to avoid encountering ‘them’.
• Don’t take photos at night, as you might accidentally capture ‘them’.
• Don’t shine a torch into trees, as ‘they’ may be lingering there.
• Don’t whistle at night, as it may attract ‘them’. It is similar to the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin—they may follow you home.
• Don’t hang or dry your clothes outdoors at night, as ‘they’ may “borrow” them.
• Avoid wearing black clothing or accessories with your name on them, to prevent being called or approached by ‘them’.
• Avoid repeatedly calling your own or your friend’s name at night. Use nicknames instead.
• If someone calls your name at night, avoid turning your head in response. If you need to check, turn your whole body instead.
• Avoid hanging wind chimes near or above your bed, as the sound may attract ‘them’ and disturb your sleep.
• Don’t place your slippers or shoes neatly beside your bed or pointing towards it, as ‘they’ may use them and sleep next to you.
• Avoid leaning against walls, as ‘they’ are believed to linger in cooler areas such as walls.
• Never slap someone on the top of their shoulders, as it is believed to weaken their protective “aura”.
• Don’t go night swimming in pools, the sea, or lakes, as water spirits are believed to pull people under.
• Don’t take or eat food that has been offered to ‘them’.
• Don’t step on or disturb burning joss paper. Stay still while it burns and ensure it is fully burnt, as incomplete offerings may offend ‘them’.
• Don’t stick chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice or noodles, as it resembles incense used in offerings.
• Don’t pick up coins or unusual items from the ground, as they may be offerings.
• Avoid saying the word “ghost”.
• Some believe you should cover your forehead with your hair while sleeping, to avoid being mistaken for ‘them’.
• Don’t sit in the front row at a getai performance, as those seats are reserved for ‘them’.
• Avoid visiting cemeteries unless necessary, especially with young children.
• Don’t try dialling 777 7777. Some believe it is a direct line to the underworld—you may hear crying or screaming.

Whether you believe in these practices or not is entirely up to you. However, it is always wise to be mindful and respectful during the Chinese Ghost Month—just in case ‘they’ are watching.