Ghost Month officially began Thursday as the seventh lunar month opened in Taiwan, bringing traditional taboos, numerology guidance, and cultural practices aimed at avoiding negative energy from the underworld. According to reports from UDN and Taiwan Travel Blog, the holiday involves ancient folk beliefs where the gates of the underworld open to let spirits enter the mortal realm.
Understanding Ghost Month Origins and Timeline
The annual festival traces its historical roots to ancient India based on the Yulanpen or Ullambana Sutra, according to Taiwan Travel Blog. During the seventh lunar month, Buddhists and Taoists believe that spirits without descendants or souls in hell wander the earth. The 15th day of the month marks the Zhongyuan Festival, also known as Pudu, when ceremonies are held to relieve the suffering of wandering ghosts. Families prepare offerings of food, incense, and paper ghost money to appease the spirits and protect their households from misfortune.
Emotional Balance and Behavioral Taboos
Numerology expert Tang Chen-wei advised the public to avoid extreme sadness or anger during Ghost Month, per UDN. Tang explained that strong emotions increase yin energy and make people more vulnerable during this seasonal shift from yang to yin. Additionally, Tang recommended staying away from isolated locations and abandoned buildings after dark to prevent disturbing spirits. Moving house or starting renovations should only happen during daylight hours on auspicious dates from the traditional farmer’s almanac, with renovations wrapping up before 5 p.m., according to Tang.
Clothing Choices and Wardrobe Restrictions
Folk custom expert Yang Teng-kei shared specific wardrobe warnings for the seventh lunar month, noting that individuals born in the Year of the Rat, Ox, Rabbit, and Horse face particular vulnerability this year, per UDN. Yang stated that people should avoid solid black, white, or red clothing. All-black attire attracts spirits, all-white clothing signals mourning, and solid red reminds spirits of bloodshed. Yang also advised against wearing distressed or ripped clothing, wedding dresses, and ghost costumes, which might cause wandering spirits to mistake mortals for ghosts or draw unwanted supernatural attention.
Protecting Spiritual Flames and Avoiding Water Hazards
Traditional belief holds that humans possess three protective spiritual flames on the head and shoulders, according to Yang. Yang warned against revealing the shoulders in areas with heavy yin energy—such as cemeteries, hospitals, columbariums, slaughterhouses, and abandoned buildings—because it weakens this spiritual protection. Expanding on outdoor hazards, Taiwan Travel Blog noted that locals avoid swimming and open water during Ghost Month to prevent water ghosts from pulling swimmers under. Taiwan Travel Blog also cautioned against placing chopsticks upright in bowls, as the arrangement resembles incense meant for deceased ancestors and can attract hungry spirits.
Pro Tip: While folk customs guide daily caution during the seventh lunar month, UDN noted that the practices reflect traditional beliefs rather than strict rules, encouraging families to balance respect for ancestors with practical common sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ghost Month take place?
Ghost Month falls on the seventh month of the lunar calendar. Upcoming dates include August 17 to September 15, 2026, and August 2 to August 30, 2027, according to Taiwan Travel Blog.
Why do people avoid swimming during Ghost Month?
According to Taiwan Travel Blog, traditional folklore warns that water ghosts might pull swimmers under to replace them in the underworld.
What colors should people avoid wearing?
Folk custom expert Yang Teng-kei advised avoiding solid black, white, and red clothing to prevent attracting negative spiritual energy, per UDN.
What is the Zhongyuan Festival?
The Zhongyuan Festival falls on the 15th day of Ghost Month, when Taoist and Buddhist priests hold ceremonies to relieve the suffering of wandering spirits, per Taiwan Travel Blog.
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