Taiwan prepares for start of Ghost Month

台灣準備迎鬼月

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The seventh lunar month, referred to in Taiwanese culture as "Ghost Month," occurs later than usual this year, with the official opening of the "Gates of Hell" at 11 p.m. on Friday.

Every three years, a leap month is added to synchronize the lunar calendar with the solar year. The lunar year is based on the moon's cycles, approximately 11 days shorter than a solar year, which is based on the Earth's orbit around the sun.

Due to the delayed start of Ghost Month this year, some believe ghosts, referred to as “good brothers,” will be hungrier or more active. However, numerologist Ko Bo-cheng (柯柏成) said leap months are a frequent occurrence and part of the normal calendar cycle, according to the Commercial Times.

Ko reminded people to pay special attention to taboos typically observed during Ghost Month, which ends on Sept. 21.

1. Do not open a business.

Opening a business during Ghost Month could mean a bad start for a company, which will be prone to difficulties and failure.

2. Do not make "Ya" (牙) offerings on the second and sixteenth day of each lunar month.

Shopkeepers and businesses traditionally place offerings outside their shops on the second and sixteenth day of each lunar month for the Earth God. These Ya offerings are done to comfort the gods and generals who guard the area.

However, during Ghost Month, spirits may compete with the gods and generals for this food, potentially leading to conflict and bringing bad luck. Therefore, this observance should be temporarily suspended, with a public offering held on one day.

3. Do not change traditional "Pu Du" (普渡) worship practices.

If you have practiced "Pu Du" or celebrations and offerings held mid-Ghost Month in previous years, you should continue this practice every year.

Young business owners who do not celebrate can skip it, but older businesses are encouraged to continue the practice. The worst-case scenario is performing worship one year and not following through the next year, which could offend good brothers.

4. Avoid water activities.

Folk belief holds that during Ghost Month, water ghosts are active near rivers and the seashore, increasing the risk of drowning. Therefore, avoid swimming or playing in the water.

5. Do not move into a new residence or business.

Yin energy is particularly high. Moving may disturb good brothers, leading to difficulties in the move or bad luck for the new home.

6. Do not hold weddings.

Weddings are not held as they may bring bad luck to the newlyweds.