Ghost Month begins on the first day of the seventh lunar month and lasts for thirty days. The most important day is the fifteenth day, often called the Hungry Ghost Festival. Families prepare rituals and offerings to honour ancestors and calm wandering spirits. Many believe this month strengthens the connection between the living and the spiritual world.
Origins and Cultural Significance
Taoist Beliefs
Taoist teachings describe the seventh month as the time when the gates of the underworld open. Spirits are free to roam, visiting loved ones or seeking food and offerings. Taoist rituals focus on balance between worlds, protection, and gratitude to ancestors.
Buddhist Influence
Buddhist stories tell of Maudgalyayana saving his mother from the realm of hungry ghosts through prayers and offerings. This tale inspires many of the ceremonies people perform during Ghost Month to help spirits find peace.
Key Traditions
Offerings
Families place food, fruits, tea, and incense on outdoor tables or altars. They believe these offerings feed spirits and show respect to ancestors.
Burning Joss Paper
People burn joss paper or “spirit money” as a symbolic way to send wealth and goods to the afterlife. Some also burn paper houses, clothes, or cars for their loved ones.
Street Performances
Communities organise Getai shows with music and dance to entertain both spirits and humans. The first row of seats is kept empty for unseen guests.
Common Taboos
During Ghost Month, many avoid risky or spiritually sensitive activities. Common taboos include:
- Staying out late at night
- Swimming in open water
- Moving into a new house or starting big projects
- Picking up lost objects on the street
People follow these customs to stay safe and avoid angering spirits.
Modern Adaptations
In 2025, traditions evolve with technology and environmental awareness:
- Digital offerings: Apps and websites allow families to send virtual joss paper without burning physical items.
- Online ceremonies: Temples stream rituals, making them accessible to distant relatives.
- Eco-friendly practices: Many communities limit burning to reduce smoke and pollution.
Ghost Month Around the World
Countries like China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam celebrate Ghost Month with unique customs. Some focus on temple ceremonies, while others organise street parades, floating lanterns, or community feasts.
Why Ghost Month Matters
Ghost Month reminds people to honour their ancestors and care for the unseen spirits around them. It strengthens family bonds, teaches gratitude, and helps maintain harmony between the living and the spiritual world.
Conclusion
Ghost Month blends tradition, belief, and community connection. Families continue these practices to show respect for ancestors and to keep balance between worlds. Whether through traditional rituals or modern adaptations, the meaning of Ghost Month remains strong in 2025.
