Things To Avoid Doing When Travelling During Hungry Ghost Month

There are many taboos associated with the Hungry Ghost Month. 

During this period — it falls between Aug 23 to Sep 21 this year — many Chinese believe that the Gates of Hell are open, with spirits crossing over into the realm of living searching for food and entertainment.

Those who are extra superstitious avoid actions such as whistling and clipping their nails at night, lest they attract these visiting spirits. Some also abstain from certain foods, including tofu and pears. 

For those travelling in the coming weeks, here's a list of things you may want to avoid while on vacation... if believing in superstitions is your thing. 

1. Don't go swimming 

Yes, it might be a waste to pass up on a dip in that fancy hotel pool, but it's advised that you completely refrain from swimming, especially after sunset.

According to old Chinese superstitions, the spirits of those who have drowned tend to hang around bodies of water, including swimming pools, seas, and lakes. Some believe that these vengeful 'water spirits' will drown the living in order to find someone to take its place. 

2. Don't sleep facing a mirror

Ever been told by your grandma to cover that mirror that faces your bed when you sleep at night? They may have good reason for saying that, especially during the Hungry Ghost Month. 

Mirrors are believed to be "portals" to the netherworld, and by sleeping opposite one, you're letting spirits watch you rest. If you're into feng shui, mirrors are said to reflect negative energy, disrupt rest, and even cause awful nightmares.

3. Don't stay in rooms at the end of the hallway

Some people believe that the last room on each end of the floor are hotspots for ghosts. One, because corners tend to be less well-lit, and two, there is significantly less traffic in those spots. Many Chinese believe that these rooms, which are also called corner rooms, should be avoided as the spirits have the entire space to themselves without being disturbed by humans. 

4. Don't take photos, selfies, or videos in dark, deserted places

This is pretty straightforward — it is believed that you might accidentally capture something you don't want to on film, or worse, offend the spirits in the area.

We've watched too many movies where spirits are caught on cam, Shutter and Paranormal Activity come to mind, and we all know how those stories end. 

5. Don't leave a bed untouched

Say you've managed to snag a hotel room with two beds, but if you're the only guest,  you might want to place some of your belongings on the extra bed, or just mess it up some. 

Many believe an unused, neatly made bed is an invitation for spirits to come and chill with you in the room. 

6. Don't forget to knock before entering a hotel room 

If you've grown up in a fairly traditional Chinese household, it's probably not the first time you're hearing of this.

It's believed that you should politely let your arrival be known, before announcing your presence and your intention to stay for a few days so the spirits that occupy the room are, well, kept in the loop. Some choose to knock on the door thrice while others ring the doorbell before entering.

Photos: cottonbro studio, Diana ✨, Markus Winkler/ Pexels