Hungry Ghost Festival: What Not to Do at Home During the 7th Month

Err on the side of caution.

The Hungry Ghost Festival is just around the corner – and this is the time where even the ordinary things you do at home can feel more ominous, especially after dark.

Whether you believe them or not, these home taboos are rooted in long-held beliefs about preventing unwanted ‘visitors’. And even if you usually dismiss them, the 7th month may not be the best time to test your luck.

1. Hanging laundry at night

Sometimes, even after hanging the entire day, your laundry is still damp when evening rolls around – so the obvious solution is to leave it out overnight.

But it’s best not to do this during the 7th Month, because the garments’ silhouette resembles the shape of a human body, which attracts wandering spirits like moths to a flame.

And people believe these spirits could ‘try on’ the clothes and either leave negative energy behind or… inhabit your body when you eventually put them on.

2. Leaving doors or windows open at night

Keeping your doors or windows open sure is tempting to keep the house cool and airy, but you may want to avoid doing this at night throughout the 7th month.

The reason? It’s believed that leaving these entry points open after dark may make it easier for wandering spirits to enter. And as spirits are said to be active at night, an open door or window will likely be seen as an invitation (even if it wasn’t your intention).

3. Hanging wind chimes at home

As calming as wind chimes can be, their tinkling sound is said to attract wandering spirits and lead them towards your home.

This especially applies to wind chimes placed near windows and doors, which are seen as the ‘entrances’ to your home. So, perhaps it’s worth taking it down for a while – at least, until the Hungry Ghost Festival is over.

4. Opening umbrellas indoors

Downpours can happen anytime. But before you decide to leave it open overnight to dry, try not to do so for too long – because according to 7th month superstition, it’s said to offer wandering spirits shelter and potentially draw them into your home.

If your umbrella is soaked, consider wiping off as much water as you can before closing. Otherwise, if needed, let it air for a brief moment (not overnight!) and then close it once it’s dry enough.

5. Placing mirrors directly opposite each other

Mirror mazes can seem potentially fun and silly, but recreating one at home may not be the best idea, especially if you or your family are superstitious.

According to beliefs, the endless reflections created by mirrors that face each other are said to form a ‘portal’ or passageway for spirits to enter your home. And during the 7th month, when wandering spirits are roaming around, you might want to keep this one door closed.

6. Whistling, singing, or playing music at night

We get it; your home can get too quiet and spooky at night, and you may want to hum a little tune or play something from your Spotify playlist to add some background noise.

But this is something you don’t want to be doing the 7th month, as doing so is said to be seen as an invitation for spirits to join in the fun. So, it’s best to refrain from whistling and singing at night, and perhaps keep your music to your headphones/earphones.

7. Leave food uncovered

During the 7th month, spirits are said to roam the mortal world in search of food and offerings. After all, it’s called the Hungry Ghost Festival for a reason.

For that reason, you shouldn’t leave food (like leftovers) uncovered at home, lest its smell or appearance attract some unintended guests. So, once you’re done eating, it’s best to pack them up ASAP.

8. Poke your chopsticks vertically into your food

Chopsticks standing upright in a bowl of food is almost identical to incense sticks placed in food offerings for the deceased – which is why this is a huge no-no, even outside the 7th month.

If you need to put your chopsticks down, don’t be lazy – rest them across the bowl, or on a nearby chopstick holder instead.

9. Going for a late-night swim

Love squeezing in a few laps at your condo pool before bed? It’s best not to do so during the 7th month.

The long-held belief: spirits of those who drowned are said to linger around bodies of water and may attempt to pull unsuspecting swimmers under. So, if you want to err on the side of caution, it’s time to avoid leisurely night swims for the time being.

10. Killing insects in or around your home

You may not like the moth fluttering around your home like an unwanted guest, but during the 7th month, they may not just be a random insect.

According to beliefs, deceased loved ones may take on the form of insects when visiting the living. As such, killing one is seen as very disrespectful or unlucky. If possible, try your best to capture it or gently shoo it outside instead.