The Hungry Ghost Festival: What You Should Avoid for Good Luck
As part of Global Trekker’s exploration of cultural traditions, global destinations, and diverse cuisines, we delve into the intriguing practices surrounding the Hungry Ghost Festival. Celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, this festival, also known as the Ghost Festival or Zhongyuan Festival, is observed in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and among various communities globally. Believed to be a time when the gates of the underworld open, allowing spirits and ghosts to wander among the living, the festival is steeped in tradition and superstition. To help you navigate this period with good fortune, here are some practices and behaviours you should avoid during the Hungry Ghost Festival.
Understanding the Hungry Ghost Festival
The Hungry Ghost Festival is rooted in ancient folklore and religious beliefs. During this time, it is believed that the souls of deceased ancestors and wandering spirits return to the earthly realm. Families prepare offerings of food, burn incense, and perform rituals to appease these spirits, ensuring their protection and good fortune.
What You Should Avoid During the Hungry Ghost Festival
Avoid Loud Noises and Rowdy Behaviour: Loud noises are thought to disturb the spirits and invite misfortune. It is customary to keep activities and celebrations subdued during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Refrain from making excessive noise, having loud gatherings, or engaging in rowdy behaviour to avoid provoking the spirits.
Refrain from Swimming or Going Near Water: Water is considered a medium for spirits during this festival. Swimming or participating in water activities is discouraged, as it is believed that spirits may cause accidents or drag individuals into the water. To stay safe, it’s best to avoid bodies of water during this time.
Do Not Pick Up Lost Items: Finding a lost item during the Hungry Ghost Festival is considered unlucky. It is believed that such items might belong to wandering spirits. Avoid picking up these items to prevent attracting negative energy. Instead, leave them where they are or report them to local authorities if necessary.
Avoid Travelling at Night: Spirits are thought to roam more freely at night. Travelling alone or going out late is discouraged during this period. If you must go out, ensure you are with others and stay cautious.
Do Not Engage in Conflicts or Arguments: This period can be fraught with heightened sensitivity and negative energy. Avoid conflicts and arguments to prevent exacerbating tensions and attracting bad luck. Maintain a calm and peaceful demeanour to safeguard your well-being.
Avoid Taking Photos in Certain Places: Taking photos, especially in places of worship or during rituals, might be seen as disrespectful or could capture spirits. Be mindful of local customs and avoid taking photos in areas where it is not appropriate.
Do Not Neglect Personal Safety and Well-being: Maintaining personal safety is crucial. Follow local customs and guidelines to protect yourself and your loved ones during the Hungry Ghost Festival.
Avoid Hosting Weddings or Major Celebrations: The Hungry Ghost Festival is not considered an auspicious time for weddings or major celebrations. It is believed that performing such events during this period may bring bad luck or misfortune to the newlyweds or celebrants. If possible, schedule important events outside of this month.
Refrain from Moving House: Moving house during the Hungry Ghost Festival is also discouraged. It is thought that moving during this period might bring misfortune or invite negative energies into the new home. To ensure a smooth transition, it is advisable to plan moving activities before or after the festival.
Don’t Step on or Disturb Roadside Offerings: During the Hungry Ghost Festival, people place offerings on the roadside to appease wandering spirits. It is considered highly disrespectful and unlucky to step on or disturb these offerings. Be mindful of these displays and avoid interacting with or disrupting them.
Exploring Cultural Traditions: A Glimpse into Other Rituals
Villagers use nets to catch offerings thrown by members of the Tenggerese minority group into the crater of the active Mount Bromo volcano as part of the Yadnya Kasada festival in Probolinggo, East Java, on June 5, 2023. PHOTO: JUNI KRISWANTO/AFP
In addition to the Hungry Ghost Festival, Global Trekker explores other fascinating cultural practices around the world. For instance, our recent “Destination & Food” article, “Exploring a Volcanic Ritual on the Indonesian Island of Java,” delves into the unique rituals performed around volcanic landscapes in Indonesia. This article offers a glimpse into the diverse ways communities engage with their environment and spiritual beliefs.
Conclusion
The Hungry Ghost Festival is a period rich in cultural significance and spiritual traditions. By understanding and respecting the customs associated with this festival, you can navigate the month safely and uphold good fortune. Avoiding loud noises, water activities, and conflicts, among other practices, will help you honour the traditions of the festival and maintain a prosperous and peaceful time.
Whether you’re participating in the festivities or simply observing, following these guidelines will help you respect cultural practices and safeguard your luck during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Stay tuned to Global Trekker for more insights into the world’s diverse traditions and rituals.
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