Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported
The first day of the seventh lunar month, commonly known as Ghost Gate Opening, is a month filled with taboos. Many elders remind everyone to be especially cautious when traveling or engaging in leisure activities during this time. Despite being a month shrouded in mystery, many travelers still make their travel plans, and the important customs of Ghost Month include avoiding beaches and dangerous areas. Below are ten Ghost Month taboos compiled for you — travelers may want to pay extra attention while on the road.
Avoid playing in the water at the beach or by the stream during Ghost Month (Image / stressfulvisual)
1. When traveling, try to avoid swimming or playing in water at beaches or streams to prevent being taken by water ghosts.
2. Avoid whistling when out at night, as it may attract wandering spirits.
3. Don’t randomly pat others on the shoulder while traveling. Folklore says that each person has three spiritual flames — one on the head and one on each shoulder — which keep wandering spirits at bay. Patting someone’s shoulder is like extinguishing their flame, which could attract unwanted spiritual attention.
Avoid going out late at night during Ghost Month (Image / StockSnap)
4. Before checking into a hotel, knock on the door to notify any spirits that might be resting inside.
5. When entering a room, do so sideways to avoid blocking the spirits’ exit.
6. Try to avoid choosing hotels that are deserted or empty, and when booking a room, don’t pick one located at the end of a hallway.
Remember to knock before entering your hotel room to notify the spirits (Image / Pexels)
7. If you see offerings or ritual food, don’t eat it casually — taking food from the spirits may bring bad luck.
8. If you accidentally pass by a funeral or memorial site, avoid speaking carelessly or having disrespectful thoughts, lest you attract the attention of spirits.
Show respect when passing by funeral or ritual sites (Image / Taiwan’s Unique Ghost Tales)
9. Avoid taking photos outdoors late at night. The yin energy is stronger at night, especially in remote or desolate areas, and you might capture images of spirits.
10. If you see stray coins, red envelopes, or similar items on the road, don’t pick them up — doing so may attract spirits to follow you.