TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The last day of Ghost Month falls on Monday (Sept. 2), with good brothers (好兄弟) to return to the underworld before the gates of hell close for one year beginning at 11 p.m.

Throughout Ghost Month, people worship good brothers through offerings of food and drink thought to appease wandering spirits. According to folk custom, the best time to make offerings is between 1-5 p.m. to prevent good brothers from feasting too late in the day and being unable to return to the underworld.

There are 10 taboos the public should avoid on the final day of Ghost Month to avoid luring spirits to linger, per CT Want.

1. Magnets. Do not place magnets in your home the night before the gates of hell close, as they will absorb spiritual energy, potentially preventing good brothers from leaving.

2. Food offerings for Zhonguan Pudu (普度) worship must be consumed. If not, good brothers may be drawn to your home for another feast and may not want to leave.

3. Do not listen to Buddhist scriptures. Good brothers may feel offended as you are appealing to a higher power. This could also cause you to have nightmares.

4. Do not apply floral fragrances. If floral scents are too strong on the final day of Ghost Month, good brothers could be attracted to your home.

5. Put away dolls. Good brothers could be tempted to inhabit and possess dolls instead of returning to the underworld.

6. Do not light candles at night. Good brothers could be attracted to the faint light of candles.

7. Do not say goodbye. Avoid saying goodbye to friends and relatives on the final day of Ghost Month. Good brothers may overhear these words and may wish to visit you.

8. Do not complain to your ancestors. Avoid appealing to ancestors about family matters, lest your ancestors return to the underworld and convey your resentment, which may affect your family's fortune.

9. Do not attempt to resolve your karmic creditors. Actions such as reciting sutras may attract good brothers, who may seek you out the next time the gates of hell open.

10. Avoid giving birth on the final day of Ghost Month. If one gives birth on the final day, a special prayer should be made to the Namo Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.