Here's some dos and don'ts during Hungry Ghost Festival
Published on: Tuesday, August 06, 2024
By: Jessie Lee
Devotees preparing offerings (left) and paper money ready to be burnt during the Hunger Ghost Festival in Labuan. (File pic)
Kota Kinabalu: The Hungry Ghost Festival which is believed to span from August 4 to September 2, 2024 is a period filled with deep-rooted traditions and taboos.
Observed by many in the Chinese community, it is believed that during this time, the spirits of the deceased return to the mortal world.
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TikTok user @richardrashidliaw shared some important guidelines to follow during this month to ensure peace and avoid bad luck.
In the first part of his video, he highlighted several key pieces of advice.
“Avoid going outdoors during night time,” he said, noting that spirits are believed to be most active after dark and venturing out could lead to unwanted encounters.
“Avoid taking photos when you are outdoors at night,” he said, as it might inadvertently capture spirits.
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“Swimming in the sea is considered particularly risky,” he said.
“Don’t scold children outside the house at night,” said the TikTok user, as it is believed this could attract spirits or lead to illness and other misfortunes.
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Part two of his video provides additional precautions for the Ghost Festival starting at 11pm on August 3.
“Don’t pick up shiny objects like coins or rings found outside at night,” he said, noting that these items are thought to attract spirits.
“When you see people burning offerings, please do not take (anything) or disturb before the fire is extinguished.
“When you hear people calling your name outside at night, please don’t turn your head or answer it,” he said in the video.
He said roundabouts and crossroads are places to avoid loitering at night, as they are believed to be gathering spots for the spirits.
“Do not loiter around roundabouts or crossroads, that’s where ‘they’ like to hang out,” he said.
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