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Sarhento Patola
Ghost Month: What and when Is It?
Ghost Month is the seventh month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. And because the Chinese New Year falls on a different day each year, the start of Ghost Month also varies annually. This 2022, Ghost Month starts on July 29 and ends on August 26, both of which fall on a Friday.
What makes this month different from all the others?
Buddhists and Taoists believe that the guardians of the underworld open the gates of hell—which, let’s be clear, is different from the Christian concept of hell—to release the souls for their annual furlough.
But Master Hanz says they don’t all go out at once. Instead, they form a queue and wait their turn to be released. That’s why the 15th day of Ghost Month is considered its peak. On that day, all of the Hungry Ghosts have made their way out of the gates. This 2022, that peak date falls on August 12.
Because Hungry Ghosts can be mischievous, Master Hanz cautions that they can bestow bad luck to the living. That’s why big life decisions should be avoided all throughout the month.
What are Hungry Ghosts and can they harm the living?
Master Hanz says that ghosts who emerge from the gates are the restless spirits of those who have wronged others or have committed crimes during their lifetime, as well as those who have met a tragic, accidental, or sudden death.
Because they have been deprived of all joy in the afterlife, they emerge from hell as Hungry Souls who are in search of food, prayers, fun, and even mischief. That’s why the incidences of bad luck and unexplained events are likely to increase during Ghost Month.
Though they can’t directly harm us, Hungry Ghosts tend to bring misfortune, such as accidents and conflict, to the living. However, it is these bouts of bad luck that may lead to anywhere from minor inconveniences to court disputes and even to physical harm.
Do offer prayers
Whether at church, your home altar, or a temple, offering prayers will help ease their burden. Do visit your loved ones’ graves before they visit you, jokes Master Hanz.
Do burn incense, candles and paper money
The incense and candles will help light their way. Paper money specifically meant for Hungry Ghost Month will give them wealth in the afterlife. If you have the budget to spare, you can even treat them to other luxuries such as a paper car or other creature comforts.
Do keep your house light and bright
Hungry Ghosts linger in the dark. Keeping your surroundings bright will discourage them from paying you a visit.
Do wear ‘yang’ colors
Hungry Ghosts are attracted to ‘yin’ (dark or muted) colors, like black, white, dark blue, and gray. Yang colors that are bright may keep them at bay. Choose lively shades of red, yellow, orange and green. Neon colors work well too.
Do use salt
The use of salt for purification and protection is common among many cultures. Master Hanz recommends protecting your doors and windows with rock salt. If you’re in transit, you may also bring salt with you in a brightly colored cloth bag.
Don’t tap people on the shoulder
And especially not when their backs are turned. For all you know, you could be tapping a Hungry Ghost by mistake.
Don’t call out names. And if you hear yours being called, don’t turn right away.
When you call out a name, a similarly named Hungry Ghost might be within earshot. If someone calls out to you, slowly turn your entire body, not just your head. You may be in for a fright if you aren’t careful.
Don’t leave clothes hanging at night or in dark rooms
Especially avoid hanging clothes that assume the human form. Fold them instead. Hungry Ghosts may covet the clothing. Once they attach themselves to the clothes, they will eventually attach themselves to the wearer.
Do bring special good luck charms
If you have the funds to spare, Master Hanz says that you can buy certain crystals, amulets, statuettes, and other good luck charms to ward off misfortune.
Do offer goodies and treats
Typical food offerings include rice, fruit, meat dishes, buns, and sweets. But Master Hanz says you may also leave beer or *********s to appease their other cravings. But he says that these offerings should be left outside your door so that the ghosts will have no need to enter your home.
You may replace these offerings periodically. You may even consume them yourself, but Master Hanz says they will probably be flavorless if the ghosts have already had their fill. If you plan on eating the offerings, you may do so after lighting incense and allowing it to burn all the way through.
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