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Ghost Month

Karen Flores

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175577222576220230814-ghost-month.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>A Chinese Indonesian throws joss money in honor of his ancestors during Ghost Month in Indonesia in this August 2022 photo. Dedi Sinuhaji, EPA-EFE/File</div>You&#x27;re probably heard about Ghost Month, which is considered an inauspicious time in Chinese culture and in many Asian countries, including the Philippines.The dates vary each year, but it generally falls on the seventh month of the lunar calendar. It is believed that during this period, which is also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, the gates of the underworld open and spirits are free to roam the mortal realm -- like a one-month parole of sorts. These wandering souls are often considered to be restless and even malevolent, so people shy away from making big decisions during Ghost Month. Instead, they use this time to appease their spectral visitors.<div>Days to remember</div>There are three important days to remember during Ghost Month, which is mainly a Buddhist and Taoist tradition. There&#x27;s the first day, where people make offerings to honor their deceased ancestors. The 15th day of the festival is considered the peak. During this time, believers prepare a large feast for the spirits to attract good luck in return.The last day of Ghost Month, meanwhile, is when the spirits are guided by prayers and rituals as they leave the world of the living. <div>How to keep &#x27;hungry ghosts&#x27; happy</div><div></div>To avoid bad luck during Ghost Month, believers of this tradition do all that they can to satisfy the &quot;hungry&quot; spirits. They <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/8/5/are-you-scared-of-the-ghost-month-1452">offer food</a> such as uncooked rice, unpeeled fruits, uncut meats, peanuts, candies, raw noodles, and even beer, soda, and cigarettes. These are placed on the streets or at outdoor altars.People also burn incense, which is believed to be a way of communicating with the wandering souls; and joss paper or hell money, which supposedly provides the deceased with financial resources in the afterlife. Offerings can vary across families as they also honor their ancestors with whatever they used to enjoy while they were alive, such as their favorite food or their personal items. Some even put up entertainment such as live performances, with empty chairs reserved for the visiting spirits. <div>What to avoid</div>Feng shui experts have discouraged people from <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/08/16/16/5-financial-tips-for-the-ghost-month">making major decisions during Ghost Month</a> as these might make the spirits jealous, causing them to bring misfortune.These include starting a business, getting married, making big investments and purchases such as a car, moving to a new home, and signing contracts, among others. People also postpone renovations and construction work during Ghost Month as they believe these can disturb the spirits. Swimming and other water activities, as well as <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/video/life/08/11/22/no-loud-parties-no-weddings-know-the-dos-and-donts-during-ghost-month">nighttime outings</a>, are also avoided as the &quot;hungry&quot; souls are more active under these conditions.  Other don&#x27;ts include picking up money or items found on the ground as these might be offerings to the spirits; and talking too much or making a lot of noise, especially in cemeteries and burial grounds.

Did you know Ghost Month 2025 falls from August 23 to September 21, with its peak on September 6? Learn about its traditions, key dates, dos and don’ts, and cultural significance ahead of time. 👻

Did you know Ghost Month 2025 falls from August 23 to September 21, with its peak on September 6? Learn about its traditions, key dates, dos and don’ts, and cultural significance ahead of time. 👻

What is Ghost Month? Here's all you need to know

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What is Ghost Month? Here's all you need to know

Karen Flores Layno,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 22, 2025 09:00 AM PHT

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Updated August 22, 2025 09:20 AM PHT

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