Hungry Ghost Festival superstitions in Malaysia
The Hungry Ghost Festival is an intriguing time in Malaysia, when the gates between the living and the dead are said to open, allowing restless spirits to roam among us. But it’s not just that – the festival blends cultural traditions and superstitions that keep us mindful of the spirit world.
To ensure a safe and peaceful month, many locals turn to age-old superstitions designed to keep unwanted encounters at bay. By understanding these practices, you can navigate this unsettling period with confidence, while steering clear of potential spooky surprises.
Let’s explore 15 superstitions observed during the Hungry Ghost Festival to keep you undisturbed, as the yearly festivities fall from 4th August to 2nd September 2024.
1. Don’t kill insects
Image credit: KING 5
During the 7th lunar month, it’s believed that certain insects like moths and butterflies might actually be the spirits of departed loved ones dropping by for a visit.
As such, it’s considered disrespectful to harm them and doing so could bring bad luck. So, if you spot one in your home at this time of year, let it be. It’s likely just a friendly spirit passing through.
2. Avoid late-night social activities
Image adapted from: Sami Abdullah
It’s a common belief that spirits are drawn to the noise and excitement of late-night activities. They may linger around, curious to observe what the commotion is all about.
As the superstition goes, these spirits might just follow you home afterward.
To avoid any unwanted attention, it’s wise to wrap up your social gatherings before sunset. This way, you reduce the chances of attracting any spirits that might be roaming around during this time.
3. Don’t take photos at night
Image credit: Roudy Salameh via Pexels
Nighttime photography can lead to some unsettling surprises, especially during this time when spirits are believed to wander freely among us.
Many have reported their cameras unexpectedly capturing strange orbs, ghostly figures and even unfamiliar faces. There’s a belief that photos and videos can ‘trap’ spirits, making it risky to take pictures in the dark. Uninvited guests might appear in the background, which could bring bad luck your way.
If you notice anything unusual in your shots, it’s best to delete those photos to keep any unwanted spirits at bay.
4. Don’t look under the prayer altar
Image credit: Naomi Hellman
With all the offerings and incense burners set up in tents during the Hungry Ghost Festival, it’s best to keep your curiosity in check. According to Chinese superstition, spirits are having a feast underneath the prayer altar, enjoying the offerings left for them.
As such, disturbing them by peeking under the altar is considered disrespectful and could lead to unwanted attention. So, if you feel the urge to take a peek, remember that some things are better left undisturbed. You wouldn’t want to interrupt a spirit’s dinner, would you?
5. Don’t stab your chopsticks into your rice bowl
Image credit: Wayne Irvine
When enjoying a meal, it’s best to avoid stabbing your chopsticks into your rice bowl. Doing so makes the utensils appear like joss sticks, which are used to pay respect to the dead.
It’s also believed that this act attracts misfortune as you’ll by inadvertently offering your own meal to the spirits. Instead, treat your food with respect and place your chopsticks on the side or horizontally over your bowl. That way, you can enjoy your meal without accidentally inviting any unwanted guests to join you.
6. Avoid getting married
Image credit: BFM News
If you’re thinking about tying the knot during the Ghost Month, you might want to reconsider.
Many spirits leave this world without ever getting a chance to marry, and saying “I do” during this time may seem like you’re flaunting your happiness to unmarried spirits. This could stir up some jealousy among the departed, and you wouldn’t want wandering spirits meddling in your special day. They might just bless your wedding with a side of bad luck.
So, unless you’re ready for some spooky surprises, it’s best to save the wedding bells for another time.
7. Don’t sit in front row during live performances
Image credit: Cultural Keys
If you’re planning to see a live performance on the 7th month, steer clear of the front row. During the Hungry Ghost Festival, events known as “Getai” are held to commemorate the departed, and those front-row seats are reserved for the spirits present. Claiming a spot meant for wandering souls is not just disrespectful, it’s practically an invitation for a ghostly confrontation. Unless you’re eager for a spooky showdown, leave those seats empty and enjoy the show from a safer distance.
8. Position your slippers away from the bed
Image credit: Samkov via Pexels
As you get ready to settle in for the night, be mindful of where you place your slippers. Positioning them towards the bed is like rolling out the welcome mat for spirits looking to join you for a late-night chat. If you’d rather avoid some ghostly company, make sure you keep the toes of your slippers positioned away from the bed. After all, your dreams should be yours alone – no need for any extra side characters.
9. Don’t hang your clothes to dry at night
Image credit: In The Wash
Leaving clothes out on the balcony at night may invite some unwanted guests, such as ghosts that may want to borrow your favourite shirt. It’s believed that if a ghost wears those clothes, it could bring misfortune to the next person who puts them on.
So unless you want to end up with a haunted wardrobe, stick to washing and drying your clothes during the day. This way, you can keep the spirits away and enjoy your outfits without any eerie consequences.
10. Hold off on major financial decisions
When it comes to your wallet, it’s wise to exercise caution during this period. The Ghost Month is often seen as a time of uncertainty, and making financial decisions now may lead to unfavourable outcomes. Instead, take a step back to evaluate your options. It’s better to wait until the month has passed before making any major decisions. After all, no one wants to be haunted by buyer’s remorse.
11. Don’t wear red clothes
Image credit: Value Champion
While red is considered the luckiest colour in Chinese culture, it’s best to give it a pass during Ghost Month. Wearing red is said to attract spirits, making you a prime target for any wandering soul looking for company. Rather than inviting ghostly attention, choose other colours that won’t put you on the spirits’ radar. You want to stand out for all the right reasons, not become the centre of a ghostly fashion show.
12. Avoid swimming
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Parents often warn their children to steer clear of swimming during the 7th month. The reason? Vengeful spirits are believed to lurk in the water, waiting for the chance to drag unsuspecting swimmers underwater to their place. Unless you want to find yourself in a spooky game of Marco Polo, it’s best to keep your swimsuits tucked away until the season is over.
13. Take down wind chimes
Image credit: Chris10077 via Youtube
If you have wind chimes hanging around your home, consider taking them down during Ghost Month. The sounds of these chimes might be mistaken by spirits as an invitation to enter your space. It’s believed that spirits are drawn to windchimes because their tinkling resembles the ringing of a soul. So, if you’re not looking to host an impromptu ghost party, it’s best to keep your home quiet and spirit-free by storing these chimes away until the month is over.
14. Don’t turn your head if someone taps your shoulder
Image credit: Inner Self
Ever feel a tap on your shoulder and wonder who it could be? When it happens, resist the urge to turn your head when you are 100% certain that no one else is with you in the room. It’s believed that spirits seeking your attention will give you a gentle nudge to get you to look.
According to Chinese superstition, we all carry a flame on each shoulder, symbolising the balance of yin and yang. Turning your head could extinguish one of those flames, making you vulnerable to possession by a ghost. If you can, try to ignore the tap. But if you absolutely must turn around, make sure to swivel your whole body instead. This way, you keep both flames burning bright and stay out of the spirits’ reach.
15. Don’t pick stray items up from the floor
Spotting a shiny coin or a mysterious item on the street may tempt you to pick it up, but think twice before you do. During Ghost Month, those stray items could belong to a spirit or even be a lure designed to possess whoever touches them. Leaving those items on the ground is the best course of action. After all, you never know when a seemingly innocent coin might come with a ghostly backstory – you certainly don’t want to be the star of a horror tale.
Steering clear from spirits during the Hungry Ghost Festival
As the Hungry Ghost Festival unfolds, steering clear of spirits has become a priority for those who want to enjoy a peaceful month. By keeping these superstitions in mind, you can minimise the chances of attracting unwanted ghostly attention while respecting the traditions that honour the departed.
Other articles you might be interested in:
- 10 Common Chinese Superstitions In Malaysia To Know So You Can Have An Ong-some Start To The New Year
- 12 Chinese Zodiac Sign Predictions For 2024, Including Tips For Health, Wealth & Love
- 10 Mythical Creatures From Malaysian Folklore & Legends That Will Intrigue You
Cover image (for illustration purposes only) adapted from: Cultural Keys, Value Champion and 123 Inspiration