Whispering Shadows: Navigating the Hungry Ghost Festival with Grace

A respectful Hungry Ghost Festival guide to nagivating rituals, taboos, and traditions, ideal for those who may not be superstitious but choose to be cautious.

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Even if superstition isn’t a guiding philosophy, the Hungry Ghost Festival invites a sense of care and consideration. In 2025, the festival begins on 23 August, marking the first day of the 7th lunar month, and ends on 21 September, when it is believed the Gates of Hell close and spirits return to the underworld.

It is believed that the 15th night of the festival, also known as Ghost Day (6 September), is when spirits are most active.

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What to Do (Simple, Respectful Gestures)

• Light incense or candles at home or temples to honor ancestors and wandering spirits.

• Offer food or joss paper items, such as papier-mâché goods, outside the home or at local altars to show respect.

• Attend Getai performances, the lively concerts traditionally held during the festival. The front row is customarily left empty as a symbolic gesture for unseen guests.

What Not to Do (Practical Caution, No Fuss)

These easy-to-avoid actions help maintain harmony during the festival:

• Avoid staying out late or being alone at night, as spirits are believed to be most active after dark.

• Refrain from singing, whistling, or being loud after dark to avoid drawing attention from the unseen.

• Do not disturb or step over offerings. If it happens, apologize and replace the item respectfully.

• Skip night photography, especially with flash, as this may attract or capture more than intended.

• Avoid swimming or being near water at night, as it is believed that water is where restless spirits linger, and that these spirits may cause mishaps or seek to drag someone under.

• Stay away from leaning on walls or standing in dark corners, as these are associated with negative yin energy.

• Avoid group selfies in threes, as it is believed the middle person is more exposed to spirit contact.

• Limit wearing all black or bright red, colors that may draw attention from spirits.

• Try not to board the last bus or train at night, due to a common superstition which says it might carry passengers from another realm.

• Avoid pointing slippers toward the bed at night. This small habit is said to invite spirits into one’s space.

A Thoughtful Note on Tradition and Waste

Burning joss paper and symbolic items is a time-honored part of the festival. Still, small thoughtful actions can help preserve both tradition and the environment.

Consider offering only what feels meaningful, avoiding synthetic materials (such as plastic), and joining in communal offerings where possible. These small choices allow rituals to remain heartfelt while gently reducing unnecessary waste.