Ghost Festival starts Aug. 11
Asians will begin to observe the Hungry Ghost Festival starting Aug. 11 until Sept. 9 and a popular fengshui master warns against a possible strong earthquake within the festival month.
"This 2018, the Ghost Month is intense because it's the year of the Young Earth Dog. It's a double young earth which signifies a possible strong earthquake," fengshui Master
Hanz Cuatold Manila Bulletin.
Cuapredicts the strong earthquake might strike in the northern part of the earth or northern part of the Philippines.
"Why north? This year, the Three Killings and the Five Yellow affliction are located in the north. These two worst stars could be found in the north this year," adds Cua.
The Double Earth, he says, signifies stagnation during the Ghost Month. "So it's possible that more projects will be delayed."
"Young Earth is also slow moving. So the transactions are slow moving. Strong rains and floods are also possible during the Ghost Month. The Young Earth will have a double effect," Cua explains. "The negative energy is so strong because of the hungry ghosts."
Cua said the ancient practice is observed on the 15th day of the 7th lunar calendar. This year, the peak of the annual festival will be on Aug. 25. It is believed that on this day, the hell officer has allowed all the hungry ghosts to roam earth and seek entertainment.
These are some of the unforgettable events in history that happened during the Ghost Month: 9/11 Twin Towers attack in the United States (Sept. 11, 2001), the death of Princess 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), hostage crisis in Luneta (Aug. 23, 2010), 7.7 earthquake in the Philippines (July 16, 1990), floating Pagoda tragedy in Bocaue, Bulacan (July 2, 1993), and typhoon Ondoy (Sept. 23, 2009).
Rituals During Ghost Month, avoid wearing Yin colors such as those with dark shades and white. Instead, wear Yang colors or those with bright shades.
Avoid major constructions, says Cua. "If you have started construction activities before Aug. 11, then you may continue throughout the Ghost Month. It is not allowed to start such activities during the Hungry Ghost Festival. The hungry ghosts hate noises."
Other activities to be avoided during the Ghost Month include transferring to a new home, resigning or joining a new company, whistling, getting married, buying a new vehicle, signing contracts or agreements, and major surgery unless it is immediate, among others.
In some Asian countries, people put up theater shows to offer entertainment to the hungry ghosts. "They will perform in front of empty chairs and these empty chairs are allotted for the hungry ghosts."
Pray for departed loved ones, Cua adds. On Aug. 25, the peak of the Ghost Month, people may offer food like pork, chicken, beer, rice, soft drinks, liquor; and even cigarettes starting 9 a.m. "As soon as the flame of the lighted candle is out, then you can eat the food you offered. Don't forget to change plates."