Hungry Ghost Festival: Things Not To Do During The Seventh Month
How many of these superstitions around the Hungry Ghost Festival have you heard?
Aug 23 marks the start of the seventh lunar month this year, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival month, and lasts till Sep 6, 2025. And the 15th day of the seventh month, known as the Ghost Day or Zhongyuan Jie, marks the peak of the Hungry Ghost Festival. In Chinese culture, it is believed that the spirits of the deceased come back to the world of the living during this month. That's why you'd see people burning offerings, joss papers, and leaving out food for the spirits of their ancestors. And because it is believed that spirits are wandering amongst us, there's some decorum that people follow during this special time. Whether you're superstitious or not, here's what to know about what not to do during the Hungry Ghost Festival.
What not to do during the 7th month or Hungry Ghost Festival
Spirits see this as an opportunity for interaction, and if you say something aloud while alone, you just might get a response… however unwarranted.
... and definitely don't take a picture in a group of three. It's believed that the person in the middle will be the first to die.
Cameras have long been believed to be capable of “trapping” spirits, so it might be wise to not take photos when the spirits are most active.
Not that you'll ever need to pee in public since there are toilets everywhere here. But should you ever find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere and you really need to go, then it might be safer to say "sorry" before relieving yourself in the bushes.
They’re believed to be the manifestations of our ancestors, and you really don’t want to be smacking grandpa when he’s back for a visit.
Because you might just attract the attention of wandering spirits.
We know there are lots of things we shouldn't do at night, but this one might sound a bit extreme. However, there's a superstition that pontianaks (a female vampiric ghost in Malaysian and Indonesian folklore) apparently love chilling on clothes racks and bamboo poles with clothes that have been left to dry overnight...
Apparently, ghosts tend to seek shelter under the umbrellas, and opening one at home may be an invitation for them to come inside.
The Chinese believe that the forehead is the centre of qi energy, otherwise known as life energy, so it’s where it can defend you against the dark stuff. So pin up your bangs or wear a hairband—just do what it takes to keep safe.
Talking about them, whether in person or via text, will just draw their attention, and you’ll be more likely to end up with a new story to tell. Which might not be so fun.
Not especially if you feel a tap on your shoulder or hear someone calling your name while you’re all alone, of course. But if you really need to, turn your whole body around as the “light torches” on your shoulders will protect you.
We know better than to kick or step on prayer items, and in this instance, it’s also rude to stare. You just may see something feasting under the table that won’t be too pleased about being interrupted.
Text: Adora Wong and Sean Tan
This article was originally published on Aug 3, 2024 and updated on Aug 19, 2025.