The seventh month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar is known as Ghost Month, a time when the spirits of the dead are said to roam the earth. This year, Ghost Month starts on July 29 and ends on August 26, both of which fall on a Friday.
Are you worried about the bad luck that may come during Ghost Month?
Don't worry, we've got you covered. Learn more about Ghost Month and how to ward off the bad luck that may come during this time.
You don't want to risk any bad luck during Ghost Month, do you?
That's why it's important to read up on all the information we have about this spooky time of year. Make sure you're prepared for anything that comes your way.
Read this post and learn everything you need to know about Ghost Month!
What is Ghost Month and what are the key facts to know about it?
Ghost Month is a traditional Chinese holiday that takes place in the seventh month of the lunar calendar.
The holiday is also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, and it is believed that the gates of Hell open during this month, allowing ghosts to roam the earth.
Families often make offerings of food and drink to placate the spirits, and special ceremonies are held to send the ghosts back to the underworld.
Ghost Month is a time of both celebration and superstition, and it is a popular time for ghost stories and movies.
For many people, Ghost Month is a time to reflect on their ancestors and pay respects to those who have passed away.
Why do people believe that Ghost Month is a time of bad luck?
While the origin of Ghost Month is a bit murky, the tradition is thought to date back to the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history.
At that time, it was believed that the spirits of the dead roamed the earth during the seventh month of the lunar calendar.
To placate these restless ghosts, people would offer food and other gifts.
In some cases, they would even release paper lanterns into rivers, hoping that the floating lights would guide the ghosts back to the spirit world.
Today, Ghost Month is still observed by many people in Asia.
While the specific customs may vary from place to place, the basic idea remains the same: to honor the dead and keep them from causing mischief in the world of the living.
So if you find yourself avoiding black cats and walking under ladders this month, now you know why.
How can you protect yourself from the bad luck during Ghost Month?
Ghost Month is upon us, and that means it's time to start thinking about ways to protect ourselves from bad luck.
Here are a few things you need to know about Ghost Month:
First, it's important to understand that Ghost Month is a time when ghosts are said to be able to roam the earth. As such, it's important to be respectful of these spirits and avoid doing anything that might anger them.
Second, there are a few specific activities that are said to be particularly risky during Ghost Month. These include swimming, going into the mountains, and staying up late at night. If you must do any of these things, be sure to take precautions against angering the ghosts.
Third, there are a few things you can do to ward off bad luck during Ghost Month. One is to wear red, which is said to be a color that ghosts don't like. Another is to hang up Ghost Lanterns in your home - these are special lanterns that are said to help keep ghosts away.
Fourth, it's also important to be aware of the things that are said to attract ghosts. These include food, water, and shelter. If you have any of these items in your home, be sure to keep them well-protected so that ghosts can't get to them.
Fifth, if you do happen to encounter a ghost during Ghost Month, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it. One is to offer the ghost food or water - this is said to placate the spirit and send it on its way. Another is to give the ghost money - this is said to buy its silence and prevent it from causing mischief.
Sixth, Ghost Month is also a time when it's important to be extra careful with fire. This is because ghosts are said to be attracted to fire, and they can sometimes cause accidents if they get too close. So be sure to keep an eye on any open flames and make sure they're extinguished before you go to bed.
And finally, Ghost Month is a time when it's important to be extra kind to those around you. This is because ghosts are said to be attracted to negative energy, and they can sometimes cause problems for people who are feeling down.
So be sure to spread some positivity this month and you'll help keep the ghosts at bay.
What are some of the things you cannot do during Ghost Month?
Ghost Month is upon us, and that means it's time to take extra care not to anger the spirits. Here are some things you should avoid doing during this spooky time of year:
- Don't move into a new home: This is considered bad luck, as it's likely that there are already spirits residing there who will be disturbed by your presence.
- Don't get married: Spirits are said to be jealous of couples, so it's best to wait until after Ghost Month to tie the knot.
- Don't have a baby: It's believed that Ghosts will kidnap newborn babies, so it's best to wait until after the month is over to conceive.
- Don't travel: Ghosts are said to roam the earth during this time, so it's best to stay put and avoid them altogether.
- Don't make any major decisions: It's best to let the ghosts have their way during this month and avoid making any big decisions that could anger them.
What are some of the things you can do to ward off bad luck during Ghost Month?
Wear red: This is said to be a color that ghosts don't like, so it will help keep them away.
Hang up Ghost Lanterns: These special lanterns are said to help keep ghosts away, so be sure to put them up in your home.
Offer food or water to ghosts: If you happen to encounter a ghost, this is said to placate the spirit and send it on its way.
Give money to ghosts: This is said to buy their silence and prevent them from causing mischief.
Extinguish all flames: Ghosts are attracted to fire, so be sure to keep an eye on any open flames and make sure they're extinguished before you go to bed.
Be extra kind: Ghosts are attracted to negative energy, so be sure to spread some positivity this month and you'll help keep them at bay.
Offer prayers: Praying is said to be one of the best ways to ward off bad luck during Ghost Month.
Burn candles, incense, and paper money: The candles and incense will lead them safely. Paper money especially prepared for Hungry Ghost Month will bring them riches in the afterlife. If you have the cash, you may also provide them with other amenities such as a paper automobile or other creature comforts.
Make your home bright: Keeping your home well-lit is said to discourage ghosts from coming inside.
Avoid dark and lonely places: Ghosts are said to lurk in dark and isolated areas, so it's best to avoid them altogether.
Wear "yang" colors: Colors that represent the sun and fire, such as red, orange, and yellow, are said to be disliked by ghosts. Wearing these colors is said to help keep them away.
Do not give alms to beggars: It's believed that doing so will only encourage more beggars to come to your door.
Do not gamble: This is said to be a sure-fire way to anger the spirits and invite bad luck.
Do not use sharp objects: It's believed that ghosts can be injured by sharp objects, so it's best to avoid them during this month.
Be respectful: Remember that this is a time when ghosts are roaming the earth, so it's important to be respectful and avoid doing anything that could anger them.
Use salt: Many civilizations around the world utilize salt for purification and protection. Salt is said to be a powerful tool for keeping ghosts away. Sprinkle it around your home, especially on your doors and windows. If you are out of your home, make sure to bring salt with you in a brightly-colored cloth bag to ward off any unwanted spirits.
Don't tap anyone on their shoulder: When their backs are turned, don't ever attempt to tap anyone on their shoulder. You could be tapping a Hungry Ghost on accident for all you know. This is said to be a sure way to anger the ghosts, so it's best to avoid it.
Don't try to shout out anyone's name: If you need to get someone's attention, don't shout out his name. A hungry ghost with the same name may be nearby! Be careful if someone calls out to you, too. Make sure you turn your body, not just your head.
Be extra careful with knives: It's believed that ghosts can be injured by sharp objects, so it's important to be extra careful with knives during this month.
Don't let your guard down: Just because Ghost Month is coming to an end doesn't mean you can let your guard down. There are still straggling ghosts that may be looking for a place to stay, so it's important to keep up your defenses until the very end.
Don't leave clothes hanging out at night or in dark rooms: It's said that ghosts can enter your home through your clothes, so it's best to keep them stored away at night.
Keep an eye on your children: Children are especially vulnerable to ghost attacks, so it's important to keep a close eye on them during this month.
Don't swim alone: Ghosts are attracted to water, so it's best to avoid swimming alone during this month.
Use good luck charms: There are a variety of charms that are said to be effective against ghosts. Charms can be purchased from temples or online.
Do not walk around barefoot: It's believed that ghosts can enter your body through your feet, so it's best to avoid walking around barefoot during this month.
Wear red underwear: This is said to be a very effective way to ward off ghosts.
Do not go out after dark: If you can help it, try to stay indoors after dark. This is when ghosts are most active and are more likely to come looking for you.
Avoid dark places: Ghosts are attracted to darkness, so it's best to avoid dark places during this month.
Make noise: It's said that ghosts are afraid of noise, so making plenty of noise is a good way to keep them away.
Keep your doors and windows open: This is said to allow the good spirits in and keep the bad spirits out.
Ghost Month is just roughly 30 days and will soon be over.
However, Ghost Month is ephemeral. It will be gone before we know it.
It isn't something to be frightened of. Rather, it should serve as a reminder to respect our beloved dead, satisfy the repentant, and live our best lives on Earth here and now.
Whether or not you believe in Ghost Month, all of these DOs and DON'Ts are merely intended to assist us in covering all of the bases.
Because, at the end of the day, we are the ones who decide our fate.
The power of a good attitude, a positive mentality, and a positive disposition will take us to our best possible life.
Positive thinking, feelings, and actions are all essential components of living our finest existence; they offer hope when times are tough and push us forward when things look bleak.
