![Ghost Month Ghost Month is a traditional Vietnamese spiritual practice to appease the spirits of the deceased](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/mEo34mJM-ghost-month-1.jpg)
Ghost Month is a traditional Vietnamese spiritual practice to appease the spirits of the deceased (Source: Collected)
Ghost Month holds great cultural importance in Asian societies. Celebrated during the seventh lunar month, it is a time when ancestral spirits and wandering souls are believed to return to the living realm. Join us on a Vietnam travel to explore the meaning, rituals, do’s and don’ts, and fascinating history behind Ghost Month.
1. Things to know about Ghost Month
1.1. When is Ghost Month? Where is it celebrated?
Celebrated during the seventh lunar month, Ghost Month stems from ancient beliefs and traditions, holding immense cultural significance. This captivating annual observance is revered in countries across Asia, including Vietnam, China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan.
![Ghost Month Ghost Month is traditionally celebrated in many Asian countries during the seventh month of the lunar calendar each year](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/ghost-month-2.jpg)
Ghost Month is traditionally celebrated in many Asian countries during the seventh month of the lunar calendar each year (Source: Collected)
1.2. How important is Ghost Month in Asian culture?
Across different countries, the significance of Ghost Month may vary, yet it consistently embodies profound beliefs and customs associated with ancestral veneration, along with the interaction between the mortal world and the spirit realm.
This occasion is believed to be the opening of the spirit world’s gates, enabling departed ancestors and wandering spirits to revisit the living realm. During Ghost Month, people engage in ancestral reverence, ritual practices, and paying homage to wandering spirits. Each country has unique customs, resulting in a captivating and vibrant celebration deeply intertwined with Asian culture.
![Ghost Month Ghost Month is dedicated to honoring ancestors and paying respects to wandering spirits](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/ghost-month-3.jpg)
Ghost Month is dedicated to honoring ancestors and paying respects to wandering spirits (Source: Collected)
>>> Explore the enchanting traditions and beliefs of Ghost Month on your Asia travel journey!
2. A glance at the celebrations throughout Ghost Month
2.1. The first day of Ghost Month
During the first day of Ghost Month, people engage in the tradition of burning symbolic money paper outside their homes, businesses, or in open spaces like roadsides and fields. Temples also serve as common locations for this practice. The purpose is to provide the spirits with the essential monetary resources they may need during this special month.
Alongside burning paper, people light incense and offer food to honor and appease the hungry and restless ghosts. The belief is that by making these offerings, they can avoid any potential harm or curses from the spirits. Red painted paper lanterns are prominently displayed in both residential and commercial areas, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Ceremonies, including street, market, and temple ceremonies, are held where people come together to celebrate this festive occasion.
![Ghost Month Burning money paper is a common practice on the first day of Ghost Month](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/ghost-month-4.jpg)
Burning money paper is a common practice on the first day of Ghost Month (Source: Collected)
2.2. Hungry Ghost Festival (the 15th day)
During the Hungry Ghost Festival, a significant traditional holiday, families gather for a special dinner. To honor passing spirits, simple foods like roast meats or vegetarian dishes are prepared. After dinner, an outdoor ceremony takes place, where makeshift altars are set up at the curbside, away from homes.
Offerings such as joss paper, uncooked rice, peanuts, raw noodles, unpeeled fruit, uncut meats, tea, and rice wine are presented. Burning joss paper and incense completes the ritual, and some may choose to release paper lanterns into the water as a symbolic gesture, either during or at the end of Ghost Month.
![Ghost Month On the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, people often prepare elaborate feasts and offerings](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/ghost-month-5.jpg)
On the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, people often prepare elaborate feasts and offerings (Source: Collected)
2.3. The last day of Ghost Month
The last day of the Hungry Ghost Month is a significant occasion marked by a special festival. On this day, the gates of the underworld are believed to be closed once again. People celebrate and observe this day in various ways.
Many choose to burn money and clothing paper as offerings for the ghosts to use in their afterlife. Ancestral pictures and tablets may be returned to their rightful places on shelves or hung back on walls.
In the evening, people release lanterns on rivers as a symbolic gesture. These lanterns, made from colorful wood and paper, bear the names of ancestors. It is believed that the ghosts follow the lanterns as they drift away, allowing for a peaceful conclusion to Ghost Month.
![Ghost Month Releasing lanterns is a popular activity during Ghost Month](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/ghost-month-6.jpg)
Releasing lanterns is a popular activity during Ghost Month (Source: Collected)
>>> Explore the vibrant traditions of Ghost Month among other Vietnam holidays!
3. What not to do during Ghost Month?
Ghost Month in Vietnam is regarded as a highly sensitive and superstitious period, as it is believed that malevolent spirits are active during this time. Due to this belief, it is considered inauspicious to make important decisions or engage in certain activities during this time. Here are some activities that are generally suggested to be avoided:
- Avoid drying clothes at night, as it is believed that spirits may possess them.
- Refrain from calling out other people’s names when going out at night, as it is believed that spirits may remember their names and follow them.
- Avoid swimming during Ghost Month, as it is believed that spirits may cause disturbances in the water.
- Refrain from playing pranks that may frighten others, as it can make them vulnerable to spirit possession.
- Do not pick up money scattered on the road, as it may be an offering for spirits, which can bring misfortune if taken.
- Avoid turning around in secluded places, as it is believed that spirits may be present and turning around may invite their attention.
- Do not place chopsticks upright in a rice bowl, as they resemble incense for the deceased and may attract spirits.
- Avoid being alone during this time, as it is believed that being alone may make one more susceptible to harassment by spirits.
- Refrain from taking pictures at night, as it is believed that wandering spirits may be captured in the photographs, bringing negative energy or disturbances.
These beliefs and practices are deeply rooted in Vietnamese folklore and superstitions during the Ghost Month duration.
![Ghost Month There are many things to take note of during Ghost Month](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/ghost-month-7.jpg)
There are many things to take note of during Ghost Month (Source: Collected)
>>> Embark on a memorable journey with our Southeast Asia travel guide!
Traveling is a wonderful way to explore the cultures of Asian countries. For a remarkable journey, we highly recommend visiting Vietnam and exploring its captivating destinations such as Phu Quoc, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hanoi, etc.
While you are in Vietnam, don’t forget to enjoy many thrilling experiences at the entertainment complexes of VinWonders:
- VinWonders Phu Quoc: Vietnam’s largest theme park, situated in Phu Quoc United Center, featuring an impressive array of games and attractions that rival the best in Asia.
- VinWonders Nha Trang: A park of records located on the picturesque Hon Tre Island, guaranteeing an extraordinary journey filled with fun and discovery.
- VinWonders Nam Hoi An invites you to engage and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s architecture, culture, and traditional art, as well as those from other cultures.
- Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE, nestled within Hanoi’s Vincom Mega Mall Times City, offer a perfect blend of entertainment and education, catering to families and young visitors alike.
![Ghost Month VinWonders is a paradise of entertainment, offering a wide array of thrilling experiences and endless fun](https://static.vinwonders.com/production/ghost-month-9.jpg)
VinWonders is a paradise of entertainment, offering a wide array of thrilling experiences and endless fun
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Ghost Month is a significant and intriguing observance deeply rooted in Asian culture. It serves as a time to honor ancestors, pay respects to wandering spirits, and engage in customs and traditions that bridge the mortal world and the spirit realm. Ghost Month holds great cultural importance and offers a unique insight into the spiritual beliefs of various Asian countries, including Vietnam.
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