‘Ghost Month’ starts today
Many Asians celebrate the “Ghost Month” Festival starting today, Aug. 3, until the 31st, marking a period believed to be when hungry spirits are allowed to roam the earth.
“Hungry ghosts are those with unfinished business, those who have not gone to heaven, or those who have been forgotten by their families. They must make an effort to make this month a happy month,” said Master Hanz Cua, Feng Shui expert, during an exclusive interview in
Mandaluyong City. Cua regularly appears in the daily morning show “Umagang Kay Ganda” on ABS-CBN.
The ancient practice of the ghost festival is observed every year on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month of the traditional Chinese calendar. For 2016, the peak of the festival will be on Aug. 17 and 18. The ghost month this year will end on Aug. 31.
“People in some Asian countries like China, Singapore, and to the FilipinoChinese in the Philippines, this is the time when they visit departed loves ones in cemeteries. It’s similar to All Souls’ Day here in the Philippines,” said Cua.
Other countries which celebrate the ghost festival are Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
“They light candles or incense as they pray for their loved ones. The families also offer food at the tomb or altar,” he added.
Food and charms for ghosts In order to prevent the negative effects of the ghost month, Cua said that the people should offer food for the hungry ghosts.
“Offer delicious food like chicken, beef, pork, beer, sweet candies, and soft drinks. Offer entertainment and pray for them,” said Cua.
Charms are believed to ward off the ill-effects of the ghost month, Cua said.
“Pag natuwa or naging happy naman sa’yo ang hungry ghost or satisfied sila sa inalay mo, expect wealth and other good things to come in your life (If the charms or food satisfy the ghosts, good things will come),” Cua added.
Ghost Month taboos Cua enumerated some activities to be avoided that will help prevent bad luck during the ghost month: Avoid transferring to another house; do not sing, whistle, or spit anywhere; avoid opening a business and signing contracts; avoid swimming or strolling at night; avoid medical surgery; do not get married.
Other things to be avoided: Do not pick coins found on the street, do not hang clothes outside at night, do not go out after 12 midnight, do not open umbrellas at home, avoid selfies, and if your birthday falls on ghost month, do not celebrate at night.
Some of unforgettable events that happened during ghost month are: 9/11 Twin Towers attack in the US (Sept. 11, 2001), the death of Lady Diana of Wales (Aug. 31, 1997), death of King of Rock ‘N Roll Elvis Presley (Aug. 16, 1977), tragedies in Payatas, Quezon City (July 10, 2000), and Cherry Hills Subdivision in Antipolo (Aug. 3, 1999), typhoon Ondoy (Sept. 23, 2009), hostage crisis in Luneta (Aug. 23, 2010), 7.7 earthquake in the Philippines (July 16, 1990), and floating Pagoda tragedy in Bocaue, Bulacan (July 2, 1993), etc.