TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ghost Festival (鬼節 or 中元節) in Taiwan is on Sunday (Aug. 18), a time when many Taiwanese give offerings and pray to their ancestors, gods, and ghosts.
The Ghost Festival falls halfway through Ghost Month, on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunisolar calendar, which this year is Aug. 18. Devout Taoists and Buddhists believe that during this time of year, the gates of hell are opened for a full month so that hungry ghosts can roam the world of the living in search of food, money, entertainment, and possibly souls.
Offerings typically given on this day include rice wine, fruit, chicken, pork, fish, snacks, incense, and joss paper. Gold joss paper is burned for the gods, while silver joss paper is burned for spirits.
The terms “Good Brothers” and "Good Sisters" as opposed to "ghosts" are considered preferable when referring to lost souls — to avoid offending them. These apparitions are not worshiped in the same way as ancestors and vary in nature from pitiful to dangerous.
Folk custom expert and the founding chair of the Taichung Numerology Education Association Yang Teng-kei (楊登嵙) listed seven taboos that people should be cautious of this day, per China Times: He advised that special attention should be paid to one's behavior and speech, especially when passing by funeral or worship sites, as failing to do so might attract the attention of Good Brothers.
2. Do not get married
Some Good Brothers died before they had a chance to get married. Tying the knot on this day is seen as showing off to them, which could invite jealousy.
2. Do not start a business
Yang said that opening a business during the Ghost Festival is not an auspicious beginning, as it often ends in failure due to poor operations.
3. Do not pick up random items
Yang advises against picking up wallets, red envelopes, money, or other objects found on the ground, as doing so could attract a "ghost bride" or Good Brothers to follow you.
4. Do not hold a funeral
Yang advises against holding a funeral on this date. If it is necessary to conduct a funeral, avoid burning spirit money.
The main reason is the concern that Good Brothers might interrupt the proceedings halfway, so the step of burning spirit money should be postponed until after the seventh lunar month.
5. Do not speak carelessly
Yang emphasizes that when passing by funerals or ritual sites, one should be mindful of one’s words and behavior. Avoid speaking recklessly or having a frivolous attitude, and do not harbor any disrespectful thoughts.
Be cautious to avoid attracting the attention of Good Brothers.
6. Do not play supernatural games
Do not engage in supernatural games like “money fairies” or ouija boards. Yang warns, "Be careful not to get caught up and bring serious trouble upon yourself."
7. Do not step on joss paper
If one sees joss paper scattered on the ground during the Ghost Festival, avoid stepping on it. Also, do not burn joss paper indiscriminately, as it may attract Good Brothers.