13 Things You Should Never Do During the Hungry Ghost Festival That Many People Still Believe Today

Every culture around the world has its own way of honouring the dead. In Malaysia, the Chinese community does so during the Hungry Ghost Festival and the broader observance of Ghost Month, which takes place during the seventh lunar month. This year, Ghost Month will be observed from 12 August to 9 September.

During Ghost Month, it is believed that the gates of the underworld open, allowing the spirits of the deceased to return and visit their loved ones. One of the most recognisable sights during this period is the rows of offerings placed outside homes, businesses, and along roadsides. These offerings serve as a way to honour ancestors and provide for wandering spirits throughout the month.

With many spirits believed to be roaming the earth during this period, there are certain taboos that people traditionally observe. Whether you believe in them or not, here are some of the most common Ghost Month taboos and the reasons behind them.

1. Don't stay out too late

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According to traditional beliefs, many spirits roam freely after dark during Ghost Month. To avoid any unwanted encounters, people are encouraged to head home early whenever possible.

2. Don't step on or kick offering items

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Offerings are meant for the deceased and wandering spirits. Accidentally stepping on or kicking them is considered highly disrespectful and may attract bad luck.

3. Don't hang clothes outside overnight

Some believe that spirits may be attracted to clothing left outside at night and could temporarily "borrow" it. It is also said that negative energy may cling to the garments, which you then carry with you when wearing them.

4. Don't pick up money found on the street

Finding money on the ground may seem like a lucky break, but during Ghost Month, some believe it could be an offering left for spirits or the guardians of the underworld.

5. Don't turn around when you hear someone call your name at night

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If you've watched enough horror movies, you'll probably recognise this one. According to folklore, the voice calling your name might not belong to a living person.

6. Don't whistle at night

Whistling at night is said to attract wandering spirits by drawing attention to your presence.

7. Don't sit in the front row at a Getai performance

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Getai is an open-air live stage performance commonly held during Ghost Month. You may notice that the front-row seats are intentionally left empty, as they are believed to be reserved for spiritual guests. Sitting in these seats is considered disrespectful.

8. Don't open umbrellas indoors

Some believe that spirits may hide inside umbrellas, making it unlucky to open one indoors during Ghost Month.

9. Don't go swimming at night

According to folklore, vengeful spirits may lurk near bodies of water and target unsuspecting swimmers after dark.

10. Don't take photos or videos at night

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It is believed that taking photos or videos at night during Ghost Month may inadvertently capture spirits and, according to some superstitions, even trap them within the device.

11. Don't play spirit-calling games such as the Ouija board

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This one is fairly self-explanatory. Traditional belief holds that attempting to communicate with spirits during Ghost Month could attract unwanted attention from the supernatural.

12. Don't take the last bus or train home

Folklore suggests that the final service of the night may carry invisible passengers. While most people treat this as a superstition, it remains a commonly repeated Ghost Month belief.

13. Don't stand too close to walls at night

According to traditional beliefs, walls accumulate cold yin energy, making them attractive gathering places for wandering spirits.

Whether you believe in these taboos or not, Ghost Month remains a time when many people choose to be a little more cautious and respectful of long-standing traditions. Passed down through generations, these beliefs continue to be observed by many communities today and form an important part of the cultural significance of the Hungry Ghost Festival.

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