The full moon over Quezon City. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News file

The Chinese Ghost Month, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is upon us.  While most traditional Chinese holidays are filled with things to do, this is one where the list is mostly what not to do.  

Because the Chinese follow the lunar calendar, the actual dates for the month-long Ghost Festival changes every year.  It is always set on the 7th month of the lunar calendar, which this year is August 4, and ends before the 8th month begins, which will be on September 2.

If you live in a community with traditional Chinese, you’ll be seeing incense sticks or incense candles lit, plus food set aside as offerings to the hungry ghosts.  On the positive side, the Buddhist and Taoist devotees take this time to honor the memories of the deceased.  But among traditional Chinese, many fear this month because they believe that the 7th lunar month is plagued with disasters. It is said that the 7th lunar month marks the opening of the Gates of Hell where the ghosts or spirits were able to return to Earth. This is why most feel it is unwise to make major decisions and will wait until the festival has passed.

Curious to know more about the Ghost month, and what are the things your Chinese neighbors and friends will be doing (and not doing)? Here is the Ghost Month explained in 5 basic facts.

#1 Expect smoke on key dates of 7th lunar month

To appease the wandering spirits, and also as a form of ancestor worship, the traditional Chinese light up incense sticks and candles during the Hungry Ghost Festival, but especially on three key days: the 1st, 15th and last day of the 7th month.  If you are allergic to smoke, or are uncomfortable with the smell of incense, take note that these dates will be smokier than usual in your community with Chinese neighbors.

#2 Food and more are offered for the deceased

Apart from incense or joss sticks, there are many other types of offerings that are burned as offering to the deceased and to the ghosts: from paper money, to paper effigies of houses, cars, even phones. There are also food that are left on the sidewalk to satisfy the ghosts’ appetites and appease deceased family members.  The Chinese believe that by doing all these, it can bring them good luck. If you see any of these discarded, please do not touch them, nor take the food or drinks.

#3 Not for your social media feed

Some of the offerings may look grand or colorful, and it can be tempting to take photos and share in your social media accounts.  But these are not the souvenirs you would want to keep.  According to superstitions, taking photos will ‘trap’ lurking spirits, so unless you want to have strangers or extras in that pic, keep your cameras or phones away. It is also considered rude to make someone’s sign of respect for their deceased, and turn it into your Instagram moment.

#4 Respect the Ghost Festival curfew

You’ll find that most Chinese will make sure to be home by dinner during the 7th month.  So if you have Chinese friends and want to hang out with them, consider waiting until the 8th month.  Do not be offended if they say no to you.  It’s not you, but the souls of the dead that are said to wander through the streets at night that will make your Chinese neighbors turn down your invitation.

#5 No to life major changes

The Ghost Festival is also not the ideal time to move into a new home, or to renovate your current one.  If it can wait, the Chinese will sit on it until the 8th month.  Some who are offered a new job will likely even ask their employers if they can start after the festival.  It’s also not the time to get married – not only because it is not an auspicious start for the couple, but also because many Chinese guests will likely not come.

You don’t have to believe in these superstitions, but knowing them can help you become a better neighbor and friend to the many Chinese in the country at this time of the year.