Here in Southeast Asia, August is also known as the “Hungry Ghost Month”, referring to the Hungry Ghost Festival. It is a celebration to honour the dead and is quite a big event in Asia. Other cultures have similar festivals to remember the dead, e.g. El Dia De Muertos in Mexico, Halloween in North America, or Allerseelen in the catholic parts of Germany. While these festivals only last one day, the Hungry Ghost Festival lasts a whole month!
Having its roots in Buddhist and Taoist beliefs the Hungry Ghost Festival always takes place during the 7th month of the Chinese Lunar calendar. This year, it starts on 4 August 2024. On the 15th day of the 7th month, “Ghost Day” is celebrated, which falls on 18 August. After another 14 days, the Hungry Ghost Festival (Hungry Ghost Month) ends on 2 September 2024. 
WHAT IS THE HUNGRY GHOST FESTIVAL?
Among the vibrant array of festivals celebrated in Buddhist and Taoist traditions, Hungry Ghost Month stands out as one of the most compelling and significant. According to ancient Chinese mythology, this eerie observance begins on the very first day of the Hungry Ghost Month, when the gates of the underworld swing open, releasing the souls and spirits of the dead to wander the earth. These unearthly visitors are believed to return with a singular purpose — to reconnect with their living relatives.
This period is not merely a time for familial reunion; it is an important time to pay homage to one’s deceased ancestors. The significance of this ritual cannot be overstated, for neglecting to honour these wandering souls is said to provoke their anger, inviting various misfortunes into the lives of the living.
Hungry Ghost Month demands heightened vigilance. The Chinese believe that if your personal energy — your “Chi” — is depleted, you become vulnerable to the malevolent influences of these spirits. Thus, extra caution is advised, particularly during the mysterious and intense night hours. This is a time when the yin forces, embodying darkness and passivity, are at their peak, and the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is at its thinnest. In such an atmosphere, the boundaries of reality can blur, and the unexpected becomes almost certain.
In essence, Hungry Ghost Month is a captivating blend of reverence, superstition, and familial duty, a time when the living and the dead share a delicate exchange of remembrance and respect.
OFFERINGS DURING HUNGRY GHOST MONTH
Those families who celebrate Hungry Ghost Month set up offerings outside their house or on the side of the street to appease the ghosts and spirits. These offerings are usually fresh food items and incense sticks, often accompanied by a drink, for the hungry souls and dead relatives to enjoy.
In addition, here in Singapore, big metal drums are set up everywhere, where residents can burn paper offerings for their ancestors in a safe way. These offerings can take on many forms! Mostly they are paper money, paper houses, paper cars, but they could also include paper furniture, paper laptops, or whatever you wish for your deceased ancestors to have in their afterlife.
Furthermore, tents are set up in parks and green spaces near housing estates for colourful performances of Chinese opera and live “Getai” performances. These are another highlight of the Hungry Ghost Festival period. “Getai” used to be a stage for traditional opera and puppet performances which were mainly performed in Chinese dialects. In Singapore, these performances have evolved to include modern pop songs in Chinese. Ever since the pandemic, some “Getai” performances are also streamed online.
Visitors are always welcome to watch the live shows, but it is custom to leave the first row of seats empty, as these are reserved for the honoured ghosts!
THINGS NOT TO DO DURING GHOST MONTH
Despite the celebrations, Hungry Ghost Month is regarded as an inauspicious period, during which it is wise to avoid certain activities to steer clear of bad luck.
These are the main taboos:
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- Do not move house or start a new business during Hungry Ghost month as it is considered an inauspicious time for such activities.
- Try to be home before dark. Especially children, young adults and pregnant women are advised to stay indoors after dark as they are particularly susceptible to spirit possession.
- Do not wait alone under a tree or a bus stop in the dark, as the spirits love hanging out in such places.
- Do not turn your head if somebody calls your name.
- Do not swim (and avoid any water activities) in the Sea or in a lake as it is believed that evil spirits who previously drowned might try to pull you down and drown you in order for their re-birth.
- Avoid getting married, as weddings are the most obvious place for jealous female spirits to attack! They may curse and cast spells on the wedding couple – please be aware!
- Do not leave your laundry outside to dry during the night as the ghosts might settle in them. For the same reason, do not leave any open umbrellas outside to dry during the night either.
- Do not wear clothes with your name on it.
- Do not pick up anything from the ground.
- Honour the offerings and do not disturb them.
PROTECTION DURING HUNGRY GHOST MONTH
Light up your home during this dark time and set up your own incense station. The sweet scents of Kemenyen or Sandalwood are particularly popular. You can also use a scented candle if that is what you prefer.
You can also protect the main entrance of your home with the 28 Hum Protection Wheel or the White Umbrella Goddess. Both are excellent protectors against ghosts and evil spirits.
When travelling during Hungry Ghost month, carrying protective amulets becomes especially important. This could be a Night Spot Protection Talisman or the 28 Hums Protection Wheel keychain.
24 July 2024