SINCE time immemorial, the Philippines has been a cornucopia of several different cultures and traditions. There are so many, in fact, that people cannot anymore recall where some of these superstitious practices originated from. One of the biggest beliefs in the Philippines—that actually affects a lot of people’s lifestyle and business choices—is the “Ghost Month.”
Originating from Chinese custom, the “Hungry Ghost Month” (seventh month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar) is said to be the month when the gates of hell open to enable hungry spirits and ghosts to wander around the world of the living in the search of food and, perhaps even, victims. Thus, the whole season of the Ghost Month causes many people to be more cautious with their endeavors for fear that something they do might trigger a string of bad luck. Below is a list of things that people say should be avoided for the duration of the Ghost Month.
1. Do not hang out late or go out late at night—especially not the children and elderly. Many believe that one might get haunted by a spirit or that a spirit may follow you back.
2. Do not stab your chopsticks or utensils in your food. Not only is it bad table manners, it also resembles the joss sticks (incense) offerings to the dead. Many believe it is somehow cursing your own death and also telling the spirits that it is their food.
3. Do not open your umbrella under a roof or at night (unless it is raining), especially not a red one. Many believe that wandering ghosts might seek “shelter” under your umbrella.
4. Stay away from water. Do not swim in a pool or lake in the middle of the night as it is believed that many have experienced the sensation of something pulling at their legs.
5. Do not walk alone at night while singing, whistling, wearing red, or making loud noises. It is believed that the noise and the color red attracts or disturbs spirits and some may even want to sing or whistle with you.
6. If someone pats you on the shoulder or calls you from behind, do not turn your head. Turn your whole body instead. There is a belief that the living have two protective flames—one on each shoulder and that if a ghost pats you on the back and you turn only your head, you’ll put out that protective flame, thus leaving you vulnerable.
7. Don’t hang up any of your clothes (damp or dry) at night. It is believed that these attract ghosts to possess them.
8. Do not talk about ghosts or the supernatural at night. This has always been a non-seasonal belief—that talking about anything supernatural when the sun is out will attract the supernatural toward you.
9. Do not make any big, life-changing, business, or relationship decisions. It is believed that anything that causes an impact in your life done during the Ghost Month will doom it to catastrophe and bad luck. This is why many people avoid buying houses and cars, starting businesses, opening new stores, and getting married during this season. This can help you also be more aware of purchasing patterns—especially why a lot of things happen to go on sale during this time of the year.
10. Do not kill any insects that enter your house. In Chinese culture, insects are believed to be the reincarnation of spirits. The huge moth that sits peacefully on the high end of your wall could be a visit from your late loved ones.
This year’s Ghost Month started Aug. 11 and will last until Sept. 9. With this, it would probably be good to keep in mind that the Ghost Month is one that many people (especially in the Chinese-Filipino community) follow and awareness will help non-believers gain an understanding of the behavior of others. Whether or not one believes in the tradition, it is always best to be more aware of the “taboos” or the things one is advised to avoid during the whole season so that one understands why people do and not do certain things this time of year.