Ghost Month is coming!

The seventh month of the lunar calendar marks what’s known as “Ghost Month” in Taiwan. During this month, the gates of the underworld open and spirits are released with the freedom to visit their family, loved ones, or just roam around. The 15th of the month is known as “Ghost Day” when the Zhong Yuan Pudu Festival (中元普渡), or the Hungry Ghost Festival, is held at night. Though traditionally Taoist, the festival also has Buddhist roots.

As a sign of respect, you should never refer to spirits as ghosts (gweǐ: 鬼), instead they are referred to as good brothers (hǎo xiōng dì: 好兄弟.)

Since Ghost Month marks the month when ghosts can roam amongst the living, this month is often avoided for any weddings or childbirths, in fear that it may be inauspicious. While Western societies often view spirits as malicious, in Buddhist Taoist culture, they are but passed away spirits that have not reincarnated yet. Any deceased, good or bad, will become a spirit.

Since this is a tribute to all the spirits in the area, temples will typically hold large gatherings allowing everyone to place their tributes on tables. Then, a Taoist or Buddhist priest (depending on the temple) will chant a mantra and invite the spirits to feast.

While there are many festivals that pay respects to different deities and spirits, the Ghost Festival is special in that it also pays respect to spirits without any family. When a person passes away, it is up to the remaining family to pay their respects and provide food to the deceased. When this doesn’t happen, the spirits are considered homeless and their throats will shrink to the size of a needle. Any food that they attempt to eat will catch on fire in their mouths. However, during the Ghost Month, Buddhist Gods will extinguish the fire and expand their throats, allowing them to feast.

House Lanterns are typically used for each household to guide any spirits of diseased family members to reincarnation. The family name will often be found on the lanterns.

Check the link below for a more comprehensive list of Do’s and Don’ts in Ghost month. https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/4984069 

Published by: Head Office (a version of this article originally appeared in the SEST Teachers' Newsletter Summer 2024)