Chinese Ghost Month Taboo / 鬼月禁忌
Updated :- In year 2016, The chinese hungry ghost month will begin on 3rd August 2016 and will end on the 31st August 2016
In year 2015, The chinese hungry ghost month will begin on 14th August 2015 and will end on the 12th September 2015.
In year 2014, The chinese hungry ghost month will begin on 27th July 2014 and will end on the 24th August 2014.
In year 2013, The chinese hungry ghost month will begin on 7th of August 2013 and end on the 4th September 2013.
In year 2012, The chinese hungry ghost month will begin on 17th of August 2012 and end on the 15 September 2012.
In year 2011, The chinese hungry ghost month will begin on 31st of July 2011 and ends on the 28th of August 2011.
In year 2010, The chinese hungry ghost month will begin on the 10th of August and end on the 7th of September.
The Chinese ghost month or commonly known as the Hungry Ghost festival falls on the 7th Month of the chinese lunar calendar. At this time, the gate of hell is opened so the spirit and soul of the otherworld is free to roam on ours.
Listed are things that one should avoid doing during the chinese seventh lunar month aka the hungry ghost festival. NOTE:- Much of this has been told down to me by the elders. DO not take it too seriously.
01) One should not pee on a tree because it may offend the spirits that resides there.
02) It was said that young people should not wander around too late into the night during the ghost festival for fear that spirits would follow the individual home.
03) It is bad luck to kick or disturb offering to the hungry ghost such as joss stick, candle and food offerings. All these item are mean for appeasing the spirits and ghost.
04) It is also inauspicious for couple to get married during the hungry ghost month.
05) During the month, Chinese Operas would be staged to perform and entertain the spirits and soul during the hungry ghost festival. Usually the front row of seats are reserve for the spirits so it is not advisable to sit on it especially during the first day of the festival. It is said that one may get possess if the individuals luck is low.
06) It would be best to avoid swimming during this month as victims death by drowning may cause the individual to drown. Some has experience their leg been drag/pull into the water.
07) During this month it is not auspicious to visit a sick person in the hospital, attend an funeral, moving house and starting a new business.
08) Avoid talking about ghost during this month as it may offend wandering spirits.
09) Wearing black clothing are consider inauspicious during this time of the year too. So is red if I’m not wrong.
10) It is advisable not to have the main door of a premise open all night long. This apparently will invite negative energy into the house.
11) Leaving an umbrella open outside the house in the night is also considered a no-no as spirits may take shelter under them.
12) Opening an umbrella INSIDE the house after it was used in the night is also not advisable. It is said that one may bring/carry in spirits to the house.
13) One should also avoid going into a jungle during this time. Tree with long leaves are consider very yin and it’s not advisable to take shelter there.
14) One must also not kill any rare insect (moth, grasshopper, butterfly, etc) that visits the house during this time. They apparently are manifestation of spirits or ancestors paying a visit.
15) To begin/start renovation to your premise during this time is inauspicious. This is said to be disturbing any spirit/soul residing there.
16) I was told that moving/placing a fish tank into a house this month is also considered inauspicious. Water is considered a Yin element.
17) Celebrating birthdays in the middle of the night during the seventh Chinese ghost month is inauspicious.
18) Taking out wet clothes for drying in the night. Apparently, Spirits would try them on and will bring misfortune to whoever that wears it after.
19) High heel shoes are also not advisable during this time. I was told that spirits/soul could easily possess the victim when their heel are high up. But do not worry as the person would need to be in a very bad luck to be effected.
20) It is inauspicious to have the chopstick stab onto the rice while eating. Do this would signify that the food is an offering to the good brothers/spirits.
21) The chinese believe that each person contain an unseen trinity fire which is located on the forehead and shoulders. These are to protect them from been possess and bad luck. It would be advisable not to pat anybody shoulder or forehead at this time.
22) During this ghost month it is advisable not too look back or respond when somebody calls your name from your back.
23) Do not place your sandals facing the headboard of your bed to avoid unwanted spirit sleeping along.
24) Avoid taking photographs in the evening. Having a photo taken with the spirits is inauspicious and may led to trouble.
25) One should avoid playing with spiritual games like the Ouija Board, Spirit Pen, etc.
To know more about offering to the hungry ghost do read my small article Praying to Hungry Ghost
NOTE:- Kindly understand that we DO NOT provide any DATE SELECTIONs services. However, we strongly feel that if you plan to do anything important, it would be advisable to select an auspicious date to do so.
鬼月禁忌
在此让各位网友了解(中元節)称为(鬼月)禁忌
和忌諱,以下可让大家参考和避免冲犯
在農历七月初一开始鬼门关就会打开让陰魂来到阳间亨用人世间丰盛供品和祭品等等
鬼门关打维持一个月的现在开始要注意以下禁忌和忌諱了。
1) 七月时候尽量不要在一棵樹上撒尿，因為這可能會得罪駐留在樹里或停留的好兄弟陰魂。
2) 七月时候尽量不要遊荡到三更半夜会很容易让陰魂跟着你回家。
3) 七月时候不要去踢到或擾亂提供給陰魂亨用供品和祭品，比如香，蠟燭和食物,金銀纸種類等等。
4) 七月时候是不吉利的月份比較不适合情侶在这期間結婚如果是没办法情况下尽量选择吉日。
5) 七月时候会有中國戲曲或舞台在中元節期間娛樂给陰魂观看,通常前排座位是保留给好兄弟鬼魂坐的,因此人是不可坐在上面的。
6) 七月时候不要去海边和河边游泳会很容易溺水让陰魂找替身。
7) 七月尽量不要去醫院看望病人和參加葬禮,等等
8) 七月时候避免在這個月談鬼，因為這样可能比较會得罪好兄弟陰魂。
9) 在七月时候尽量不要穿太多黑色衣服会影响运气没那么好,建议穿黄或红和鲜艳颜色。
10) 七月时候到晚上不要把大門开放一整夜這样很容易把好兄弟鬼魂招進屋子里。
11) 七月时候晚上不要在屋子外打开雨傘,很容易让好兄弟陰魂会附在雨傘里。
12) 七月时候尽量不要在屋子里面撑开雨傘是属于收魂的法器容易让陰魂躲藏在里面。
13) 七月时候應該避免在這段時間進入叢林樹大葉子茂盛被認為是很陰，好兄弟陰魂会在陰森的地方暫避。
14) 七月时候不能殺死任何稀有昆蟲（蛾，蝗蟲，蝴蝶等）会可能是好兄弟阴魂或祖先化身。
15) 七月时候裝修房子或公司這段時間都是属于不吉利的时候。
16) 在七月期间移動在屋子里面的魚缸都是不吉利的。
17) 七月时候期間慶祝生日尽量不要到半夜也是不吉利的。
18) 七月时候不要在晚上把湿衣挂在屋外晒会让陰魂试穿过,人再拿出来穿会影响到运气不好。
19) 七月时候在晚上尽量不要穿高跟鞋会很容易让陰魂上身。
20) 七月时候尽量在吃饭时后不要把筷子插在白饭上面,只有在供奉(好兄弟)时才会把筷子插在白饭。
21) 七月时候尽量不要拍打两肩及头顶,人有三把火就在三个地方拍熄对方的火容易让陰魂找麻烦。
22)七月时候尽量荒郊野外或人烟稀少的地方如有人叫你的名字不要轻易回头或回应。
23)七月时候尽量不要把鞋头的方向对着床头那么容易让陰魂上床和你一起睡。
24)七月时候尽量不要在晚间拍照会容易拍到陰魂然后一起带回家。
25)七月时候尽量不要玩碟仙,銀仙,笔仙等等,会容易发生事情可能陰魂上身的问题。
注意： 以上忌諱和禁忌是让网友们参考有什么写錯敬請諒解，本网站不提供任何選擇吉日服務。但是，本网站強烈認為，如果你打算做什麼重要的事情，请選擇吉日才去做。
Below:- A picture of Tua Pek and Dee Pek, Da Er Bo Ye / 大二爷伯, (First and Second Uncle) paper effigies.
My Time – my.72dragon.com – A web blog where i catalog chinese temples in malaysia.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I would like to ask regarding the chinese ghost month for year 2012. Is 2012 have a leap lunar month? If so what month is it?
Tks & Regards,
Desi
Hi,
There is a leap month in 2012 which will be on the fourth lunar month and it is not the Chinese ghost month. You are probably referring to Qing Ming ( the day where the Chinese visits their ancestral tomb).
Hi,
What should we do we are moving out to a new house on Sept 8,2012?
Hi Chel, Since you are moving to a new house during the chinese ghost month, i’ll suggest you find an auspicious date to do so and probably perform a small ritual based on your belief and religion.
We moved last 07 Aug 2012. Thank you : )
Hi,
Can I start renovation by doing a token of knocking on walls and floor at selected auspicious time one day before the start of Seventh Month?
This is not consider renovating during ghost month right even though I will be continuing with the renovation in that month.
Please advise. Thanks.
Hi Genna, Since you have selected an auspicious date to start the renovation before the seventh month, I guess it shouldn’t be a problem to continue with it.
Hello.
I would like to ask if it’s inauspicious to purchase a condo unit within the ghost month? and if it is, what could be the possible cure?
many thanks
Hi Mave, It would be okay to purchase the property within the ghost month. It would only be inauspicious if you are planning to move in during this time.
can i instal new airconditioner and also built in cupboards in my house during the ghost seventh month?
Hi Joanne, To my knowledge, there should’t be any problem doing minor things that you mention above. But i would suggest you select an auspicious date to do so.
is it ok to propose between September 13, 14, 15 of this year 2012?
Hi Jojo, The ghost month would not be an issue if you plan to propose a marriage but if you are planning to tie the knot during this time, i would suggest you get an auspicious date to do so.
Hi,
Would it be okay to move to a new house on September 15?
What if we move furniture in from September 8 but didnt sleep there until the 15th?
Hi Valerie,
September 15 is the last day of the Chinese Ghost Month. I guess it should’t be a problem to move in the furniture’s but I would advise you select an auspicious date to start living in.
planning for a house repair, painting and rearranging our house fixtures next week. guest are coming by sept. 16. would it be advisable to do so ?
hi Ralwin,
It is known to be inauspicious to begin any renovation works that require wall breaking and roof removal during this period. if you really have to do so, do select an auspicious date.
is it ok to do abortion this month…i am less then a month pregnancy..
Hi, I am not sure and i don’t encourage it.
do chinese local in the philippines believe in refraining fr activities during ghost month?
Hi Lea,
i am not too sure about that. Probably filipino’s who visit this page could could help answer it. Cheers.
Is it inauspicious to move office during ghost mnth? Will it just affect the business or will it also affect the people such as employees? Thanks.
Hi Leeain,
To my understanding, it is indeed inauspicious to move the office during this period and I would not be sure if it would affect the business and it’s employee’s. I would suggest you select an auspicious date for the move in along with necessary cleansing.
Would it be okay to move in to a new house on September 16, right after the ghost month ? As I heard from feng shui believers it is auspicious to move in during the new moon. Please advise, if we can move in on Sept. 16? Thanks.
Hi Andy,
I guess it should be Ok. Do check with the almanac if it is an auspicious date to move in. Afterall you gonna be living in this new house for a while.
Is it ok to start new business on september 17, after the ghost month? I will open a travel and tour agency. Thank you.
Hi,
I guess it should not be a problem but i do suggest you check with the chinese almanac for an auspicious date for your opening.
What would happened if i were to ofend any of the spirits on the last day of 7th month while i was celebrating a friend birthday.And we also played at the void deck where people would offer their offering.So will anything happened or IF something happen what should i do?
Alvin,
The answer your questions is very wide. If indeed you have offended some spirits, many things could happen. Among them are encountering, accidents, strings of bad luck, sickness, etc. If you find somethings unusual/strange happening to yourself, my advice is for you to visit your local priest/temple for further clarification. They should be able to fix the issue based on your symptoms.
if we have encountered so many unusual / strange thing happening to me and it is very clear that it has something to do with the spirits, how can we deal with them to stop them from further disturbance?
Hi Mindy,
It would be good if you could explain more on how you come about with the conclusion that spirits were involved and could you please elaborate on what strange and unusual happenings happened.
hmm, maybe like being posses by two spirits which claimed tt one is bad and one is good. and also they both talked to me before. some unusual stuff would be tt the person being posses did not knew wat she was doing despite me witnessing it happening.
Hi Mindy,
Based on your reply, its a bit confusing but i’ll try. Firstly, How old is your friend been possess? How often does it happen? How did the spirits communicate with you and in what language? What does the spirits want? It would be common not been able to recall on what had happen if she/he is possess. There are many ways to deal with this issue but i would suggest you visit a place of worship for blessing just in case it brings bad luck to the person witnessing it.
my friend is 13. it happens very often. they communicate with me through watsapp. they went into my friend’s body to msg me. n its in english. one spirit wants revenge cuz me n my friend stepped on money n she is furious. the other is helping us. Yes, and best of all, she has no energy at all. i did went back to the place to say sorry. we said it twice. one was when we stepped another is we went after the incident. it has been like 3 months this is happening. we tried many ways to solve this. so i was thinking ur can have some help?
1 of my friend is possess and other was being told by the spirit that she would die becuz they stepped on offerrings.Another 2 of my friends also get involved becuz they scolded the spirit,is there anyway to help???
Hi Wendy,
Could you please explain further in detail. Usually in these occurrence, the immediate family members would bring the person being possess to a priest/temple to solve the issue.
hi IS that really still ppl belives in that ?
Hi, These are cultural believe and yes, certain people do believe in this. Cheers
Hi,
This might be slightly off topic. I plan on taking an important exam in the month of July (6th lunar month). I heard that this month is also inauspicious like the 7th lunar month and to be avoided, is that true? If so, will it bring bad luck in taking the exam in that month? Thank you.
Hi,
I am not too sure if the lunar 6hth month is good for exams. But generally speaking, in any month of a year, there will be individuals who will be auspicious and there will be others who are less auspicious. You would have to consult an expert in that field to know if it is auspicious for YOU to have the exam in that particular month.
Regards,
What is the ghost month of 2013 ?
Hi Howard, The lunar 7th month in 2013 begins on 7th August 2013 and end on 4th September 2013.
Hello,
I moved to a new country and started a new job during ghost month in 2012. I am having difficulties in the job and have been constantly sick since then. Is there anything I can do to improve my situation or should I try starting over in another job and place? Thank you.
Regards,
Tracey
Hi Tracey, In my opinion, your problem would most probably cause by your working enviroment or maybe a Feng Shui related issue. You would need to consult a feng shui person near your area to get clarification.
Is it ok to move house during 7th month? As in what is considered as moving in? Starting to stay? What about delivery of furniture during 7th month?
Hi, Moving in = the day you begin to reside in the new premise. Consult a feng shui person for futher infomation.
Hi, is it ok to start a new job during the 7th month?
Hi, Yes. I should be Ok to start a job on the 7th month. These should’t be a hindrance to your new opportunity. Cheers
can i start the construction of our house between august 1 and 6? just before the ghost month?
Hi, Do consult an expert for an auspicious date to start ground breaking. If the ground breaking is done before the ghost month, i guess all should be good.
Hi, like to ask u, if I ask my carpenter to do the bedroom first for us. And we move in on 6th August, while the living n kitchen contiune doing is it OK??
Hi,
Based on what i can understand… you wanna move in on august 6 before the ghost month. it would be advisable to consult a professional on date selection.
Hi, do i have to do a moving house ritual on a auspicious date 5th aug (but i am not officially moving in, pretending to) then i can slowly move in some of my fixtures and near to end aug will be my furnitures? Thanks.
Can you also advise me the moving house ritual procedures that i have to follow through?
Hi,
I guess you are referring to the ritual to usher good luck into your NEW house. There are many methods that i’ve heard of but i am not too sure of the proper procedure. If you have consulted an expert for the auspicious date, he/she should be able to help.
Hi, I started my house renovation 2 month ago and the contractor cannot finish before the hungry ghost month which falls on 7 August 2013, will it be okay if we continue during this hungry ghost month? And my house do not have bedroom windows yet is stil under construction, will that make the ghost to enter easily? kindly advice.. Thanks admin
Hi,
From my understanding, it should be alright to continue the renovation since it started before the ghost month but if you plan of moving in on this particular month..i suggest you find an auspicious date.
Hi, i am in marketing and has the pressure of closing some sales every month. is there any way to sort of counter the ghost month? what should i do so that there is a continuous flow of signed contracts and avoid / prevent the negative energy from coming in? thanks
Hi,
We are renovating our house next month and might start moving some of our things into the new house. Unfortunately, we can’t move the schedule anymore. Is there any way to counter the bad things that might happen?
I’m not too sure of any definite way of doing so.
My gf is pregnant and she is getting married in 8th month, but before this she’s taking weddig photoshoot during the 7th month. Her wedding dinner is on 8月31
Is it good or bad?
Hi Admin,
I rented a room at seremban as my university is nearby. My gf and I is officially moving in @ 17 Aug 2013 and we will be doing some minor drilling and moving in some furniture. Furthermore we will be painting our room at 11 August 2013. Is there any advice I can repel any unnecessary thingies?
I’m not too sure of any definite way of doing so.