Do you feel it? There's something a little spooooooky in the air. It may have to do with the (Chinese folk legend) fact that it's now officially Ghost Month, the time in which the gates of heaven and hell open, allowing ghosts and spirits to visit the mortal world. Ghost Month (鬼月 guǐ yuè) falls on the seventh lunar month each year, which in 2022 lasts from Jul 29 to Aug 26.
During this time, many Chinese people will use the opportunity to worship and pray to their deceased ancestors and relatives, while remaining acutely aware of not breaking certain taboos so as to avoid pissing off the spirits and, in turn, bring themselves endless bad luck.
Unfortunately, for the uninitiated, taboos during this time can be downright weird so it would probably behoove us to brush up on what not to do, lest you want to become the plaything of a malevolent spirit for the rest of your days. With that in mind, here are ten definite no-nos of Ghost Month:
Don't hang wind chimes in your bedroom
Did you know ghosts are easily beckoned by the sound of wind chimes? Why exactly you'd have jingly-jangly wind chimes in your quiet, restful bedroom in the first place is another question entirely.
Don't hang your wet clothes out to dry outside after dark
Ghosts are also really attracted to the shape of hanging clothes apparently, given that they have a penchant for trying them on or even borrowing them from you (hey, ghosts need clothes too). It's just like how your sister is always "borrowing" things from your closet and never bringing them back (I know where you live, Clara!).
Don't pluck, wax, or shave your legs
One of the kookier Chinese proverbs states "one leg hair can defend three ghosts" (we know as much as you do about this one), so it's recommended that you grow nice, thick leg hair so the ghosts don't dare to approach.
Don’t call people’s names out at night
Word on the street is that if you call out a person's name at night, a ghost might hear it, remember it, and then try to steal that person's spirit (and that's on top of stealing their clothes). So try to keep your ecstatic screaming to a minimum in the bedroom. Also, if you happen to hear your name being called out, whatever you do don't look back over your shoulder or respond if you don't recognize the voice. You've been warned.
Don't lean against the wall
Ghosts like to rest against walls because they enjoy the cold, comforting feeling it provides. That makes wall leaning a no-go for the rest of us though given that if you lean against a ghost leaning on a wall, you too might get haunted.
Don't pick up any money, coins, or red envelopes you find on the road
Just as with other ancestor-related holidays, people will burn money as offerings during Ghost Festival (more on that here) but that's not the only Chinese custom related to money during this time. You must also resist the urge to pick up any coins, paper money, or hongbao that you may happen upon in the road because according to superstition, this money could be a dowry for a "posthumous marriage" (冥婚 míng hūn), and if there's one thing that riles ghosts up more than being dead, it's a messy posthumous divorce.
Don't put your arms around or pat someone’s shoulder
According to Chinese folk legend, there are three torches or "fires of life" that burn on the human body, two of which rest on your shoulders, while the third is on the top of the head. When you put your arm around or pat someone’s shoulder, you’re temporarily putting out their fire of life. While normally this is okay, during Ghost Month, it will make the receiver of a good pat down appear much more vulnerable to any passing ghosts, who may (you guessed it) then try to steal their spirit.
Don’t whistle at night
People believe whistling at night will draw the ghosts’ attention and make them follow you home.
Don’t take pictures at night
If you take pictures at night during Ghost Month, you might end up capturing more than you bargained for. While snapping an elusive specter might make you famous among the ghost hunter community, it is likely to really piss off the photo-bombing phantom involved. Likewise, don’t play around with flashlights because you're likely to disturb the ghosts. Anyone else starting to get tired of their s**t?
And finally... don't leave your slippers pointing toward your bed
Because a ghost might follow the direction of the shoes, figure out where you are sleeping, and join you for a nap!
READ: The Contentious History of Chaonei 81 Mansion
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