August as Ghost Month: A Chinese-Filipino view

By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata /  Philippines News Agency

Why do some people say August is “Ghost Month”? How come Ghost Month falls on August, and not October or November, when Halloween and All Souls’ Day are celebrated, respectively? A lot of Filipinos, myself included, sometimes ask these questions.

I asked a Chinese-Filipino friend to enlighten me on this matter: Gen- son Gan, a public-relations account manager at Full Circle Communications Inc., gave me an overview of what Ghost Month is about.

”For us (Chinese-Filipinos), it is the month when we’re very careful, because it’s the time when hungry ghosts visit and wander around spontaneously,” Gan explained.

Ghost Month is observed during the seventh lunar month. Gan said the date is based on the Lunar calen- dar, which is different from the Gregorian calendar. That’s why Ghost Month usually falls either in July or August. For this year, Ghost is from August 14 to September 12.

There are certain beliefs that people adhere to in every occasion, like wearing clothes with polka dots and having 12 kinds of round-shaped fruits every New Year’s Eve. But during Ghost Month, what do the Chinese do?

Their parents and grandparents taught them to place food and incense (joss sticks) on doorsteps, so that the ghosts would not enter the house.

To appease these ghosts, the Chinese also burn fake money outside the house.

”We’re extra careful when traveling. If possible, we try to avoid long travels, whether local or abroad,” Gan said. The Chinese believe they’re at risk of falling victim to accidents and misfortunes during this time. Furthermore, they don’t stay outside late at night to avoid accidents.

In terms of business and money, Gan shared these major beliefs.

The Chinese don’t buy houses, cars or make any big purchase. It’s also a no-no to sign business deals or open a new business during Ghost Month. They believe there’s a huge chance for failure during this period.

Transferring to a new office is also discouraged. They’re also not allowed to construct new buildings or renovate their house.

“However, if it (construction or renovation) started before Ghost Month, I think it’s fine to continue it,” he said.

Does every Chinese believe in Ghost Month? No.

I talked to a Chinese businessman recently and he was totally clueless about Ghost Month. He even asked me if it’s an event. I also asked a Chinese-Filipino doctor his thoughts about the subject, but his wife told me he doesn’t believe in Ghost Month, and added that he’s more “Pinoy” now.

Do the practices or beliefs vary if one is not a pure Chinese? Gan thinks there’s no difference, since Chinese culture has made a great impact on them, even during earlier times. He said there are many Filipinos who have adopt traditional Chinese practices.

Gan’s mother is pure Chinese, while his father is half-Chinese. He considers his parents, grandparents and other relatives as having a huge influence on his beliefs.

Should everyone believe in Ghost Month, or is it exclusive only to the Chinese community?

It’s really up to the person, Gan said, emphasizing that there’s noth- ing to lose and it doesn’t hurt if one would follow the do’s and don’t’s during Ghost Month.

In China, the Hungry Ghost Festival is one of several festivals celebrated by its citizens, where the ghosts of their ancestors, including mischievous and unhappy ones, are believed to wander starting on the first day of the seventh lunar month. They would supposedly wander for days looking for some entertainment or mischief and getting hungry on the last day of Ghost Month.