What is Chinese Ghost Month?
Chinese Ghost Month, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that is observed in the seventh month of the lunisolar Chinese calendar. It is believed that during this month, the gates of hell open and ghosts and spirits are able to roam the earth.
Chinese Ghost Month is a time for families to remember their deceased loved ones and to make offerings to them. It is also a time for people to be careful not to offend ghosts and spirits, as they are said to be more active during this time.
When is Chinese Ghost Month 2021?
Chinese Ghost Month 2021 begins on August 13th and ends on September 11th.
How to Observe Chinese Ghost Month
There are many ways to observe Chinese Ghost Month. Some of the most common traditions include:
- Making offerings to deceased loved ones. This can be done by burning incense, offering food and drink, or placing flowers on their graves.
- Visiting temples and shrines. People often visit temples and shrines during Chinese Ghost Month to pray for the souls of the deceased and to ask for protection from ghosts and spirits.
- Abstaining from certain activities. Some people believe that it is important to abstain from certain activities during Chinese Ghost Month, such as swimming, traveling, or getting married.
- Wearing red. Red is believed to be a lucky color that can help to ward off ghosts and spirits. Many people wear red clothing or accessories during Chinese Ghost Month.
What to Avoid During Chinese Ghost Month
There are also some things that people should avoid doing during Chinese Ghost Month. Some of the most common things to avoid include:
- Whistling or singing at night. This is believed to attract ghosts and spirits.
- Talking about ghosts or spirits. This is believed to make them more active.
- Going out alone at night. This is believed to be especially dangerous during Chinese Ghost Month.
- Hanging clothes outside at night. This is believed to give ghosts and spirits a place to hide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are some common mistakes that people make when observing Chinese Ghost Month. Some of the most common mistakes include:
- Ignoring the traditions. Some people believe that it is not important to observe the traditions of Chinese Ghost Month. However, these traditions are important for honoring the deceased and for protecting oneself from ghosts and spirits.
- Being disrespectful to ghosts and spirits. Some people believe that it is okay to be disrespectful to ghosts and spirits. However, this is a dangerous mistake. Ghosts and spirits are often powerful and can cause harm to those who disrespect them.
- Not taking precautions. Some people believe that they do not need to take any precautions during Chinese Ghost Month. However, this is a mistake. It is important to take precautions, such as avoiding certain activities and wearing red, to protect oneself from ghosts and spirits.
Conclusion
Chinese Ghost Month is a time for families to remember their deceased loved ones and to be careful not to offend ghosts and spirits. By observing the traditions of Chinese Ghost Month and taking precautions, people can help to ensure that they have a safe and peaceful month.
Tables
Table 1: Dates of Chinese Ghost Month 2021
| Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|
| August 13th | September 11th |
Table 2: Common Traditions for Chinese Ghost Month
| Tradition | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Making offerings to deceased loved ones | To honor the deceased and to ask for protection from ghosts and spirits |
| Visiting temples and shrines | To pray for the souls of the deceased and to ask for protection from ghosts and spirits |
| Abstaining from certain activities | To avoid offending ghosts and spirits |
| Wearing red | To ward off ghosts and spirits |
Table 3: Things to Avoid During Chinese Ghost Month
| Activity | Reason |
|---|---|
| Whistling or singing at night | To attract ghosts and spirits |
| Talking about ghosts or spirits | To make them more active |
| Going out alone at night | To be especially dangerous during Chinese Ghost Month |
| Hanging clothes outside at night | To give ghosts and spirits a place to hide |
Table 4: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Observing Chinese Ghost Month
| Mistake | Reason |
|---|---|
| Ignoring the traditions | To disrespect the deceased and to make oneself more vulnerable to ghosts and spirits |
| Being disrespectful to ghosts and spirits | To anger ghosts and spirits and to cause harm |
| Not taking precautions | To increase one’s risk of being harmed by ghosts and spirits |
