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According to folk beliefs, the lunar seventh month is the domain of spirits and demons, particularly the fifteenth day, known as the 'atonement day for wandering spirits' - the day when King Yama opens the gates of the Underworld to allow wandering souls to return to the mortal realm. On this day, to ensure peace, people must avoid the following.
Origin of the Ghost Month (today's lunar calendar)
The Ghost Month originates from a legend in China, where King Yama opened the gates of the Underworld for wandering spirits and hungry ghosts to return to the mortal world. According to folk customs, on this day, the Chinese offer rice porridge, rice, and salt to appease the spirits, preventing them from causing trouble in daily life.
In Vietnam, the ritual of offering during the Ghost Month has become a traditional spiritual belief for everyone. Vietnamese people believe that each person has a soul, which persists even after death. Those who live virtuously will be reincarnated, while those who commit evil deeds will be condemned to hell for punishment.
Vietnamese believe that the Ghost Month is the realm of spirits and demons, bringing no luck. Hence, people usually avoid important events like weddings, house construction, or shopping...
Rituals on the Day of Atonement for the Departed
Because the Ghost Month is associated with the departed, souls are highly revered by the Vietnamese. Apart from the usual worship rituals, our folk traditions pass down what to do and what not to do on the Day of Atonement to seek luck and peace for our families.
Here are the taboos and dos during the Ghost Month:
- Avoid hanging wind chimes above the bed as the sound may attract attention from spirits, making them intrude and disrupt the household.
- During the Ghost Month, refrain from going out at late night, especially after 10 PM, as this is when spirits are most active.
'A single hair can repel three demons,' those with hairy limbs will intimidate spirits, keeping them at bay. Therefore, people refrain from plucking their leg hair during these days.
If it's not an auspicious day, absolutely avoid burning fake gold, as it will attract unwanted attention from demons.
Do not eat sacrificial offerings recklessly because they belong to demons; eating without seeking permission will anger them.
Avoid hanging clothes at night because demons, upon seeing them, will 'enter' and leave behind demonic energy.
When going out at night, refrain from calling each other's names; otherwise, demons will follow.
Limit nighttime swims; if demons see you, they will harm you.
Do not tease or frighten others; startling them will cause their souls to wander, making them vulnerable to demonic intrusion.
Avoid playing hide and seek, or gathering around banyan trees, as they harbor strong spiritual energy.
Corners are where demons lurk, so it's best to avoid congregating in such places.
If you see money scattered on the ground while walking, refrain from picking it up, as it could be offerings meant to bribe demonic entities. Bringing it home may bring disaster upon your family.
When walking on deserted paths, if you feel someone is following you, refrain from looking back over your shoulder.
When going to bed, avoid pointing your slippers towards the door, as it may signal to demons that someone is lying in bed, inviting them to disturb your sleep.
When eating, do not stick your chopsticks upright in the rice bowl, as it resembles a gesture of offering to the deceased.
Avoid taking photos at night, as wandering spirits might appear in your snapshots!
Limit the killing of animals.
Avoid family conflicts, stay away from confrontations.
Things to do during the Ghost Month for luck and tranquility:
Perform offerings on the 2nd or the 6th day of the 7th lunar month to express reverence.
Visit temples, pay respects to Buddha, and visit the graves of the deceased.
Follow a vegetarian diet to ward off misfortune.
Perform acts of charity, assist those in need.
Maintain harmony and cheerfulness within the family, speak and act with kindness and elegance.
The customs and taboos of the Ghost Month are part of the spiritual beliefs of the Vietnamese people, beyond the explanation of science. Nonetheless, 'respect the sacred and observe the taboo,' people should still prioritize following them to encounter luck and tranquility. Moreover, Vietnamese people believe that the ritual of offering during the Ghost Month is also a humane act showing reverence of the living towards the ancestors, the deceased.
Utilize the auspicious day checker app to select the best days of the month and auspicious hours of the day for important tasks.
