8 Things Not to Do During The 7th Month!
As the Buddhists and Taoists start to celebrate the Lunar 7th Month, aka Hungry Ghost Festival, you would have seen offerings lining along the streets of Singapore. This year’s Hungry Ghost Festival falls on 19 August 2020 – 16 September 2020, with the actual Ghost Day on 2 September 2020 and whether you’re superstitious or not, one cannot deny that this festival can be a little spooky. To ensure a smooth time during this festival, why not check out some tips on the things to not do during the Lunar 7th Month!
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Do not stay out after the sun sets.
It is believed that the spirits of the dead wander along the streets at night so to not catch any unwanted attention, try not to loiter around after 7pm! If you really need to head out, grab along a (human) buddy with you just in case.
Do not whistle at night.
This may sound new to some, but it is said that whistling can attract unwanted attention (probably because it sounds like you’re calling them), and if they take an interest in you they might want to follow you home!
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Do not go swimming.
Places like beaches, swimming pools, or anywhere with a deep pool of water tend to attract spirits that have died a wrongful death or have drowned. Going near a body of water will attract these vengeful spirits and they might even try to lure you to join them, by downing you.
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Do not turn around if you hear someone calling you from behind.
If you’re walking along a dark and quiet street, or an unlikely place to coincidentally bump into a friend and you hear someone calling your name from behind, the best bet would be to just keep walking straight and ignore the voice. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to know who’s out there.
Do not wear red.
Wearing red will catch unwanted attention as it is said that hungry ghosts are believed to be attracted to this colour.
Do not photograph/video offerings.
Cameras are said to be able to ‘trap’ spirits so if you’d like to avoid having extra figures in your photos/videos, you’re better off keeping these memories in your head. Snapping photos/videos of offerings (no matter how instagrammable they are) are also not only rude, you might also bring home unwanted guests with you. Enough said, keep your phones in your pocket!
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Do not kill any insects.
The Chinese believe that spirits can be reincarnated as insects, especially moths. If you see any of these at home, gently usher them out because you never know, they might just be your relatives dropping by for a visit!
Do not step on offerings.
Stepping or fiddling with offerings may upset whatever they were intended for, and if you do accidentally touch them, apologise and pray that they won’t be angry. All in all, just be alert during these times when you’re out!
These spirits are generally just out there looking for offerings and aren’t out there to harm anyone, so whether you believe in these superstitions or not, keeping a safe distance and being respectful will definitely not harm anyone!
If you haven’t gotten your Lunar 7th Month food offerings, check out our menus here: https://www.foodline.sg/lunar-7th-month/
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