Why 'Ghost Month' is considered unlucky

MANILA A feng shui practitioner shed light on the reason Chinese people generally avoid holding major events during the Ghost Month, which usually falls on the month of August.

Speaking to radio DZMM on Monday, Dr. Anthony Fugoso said the Ghost Month is believed to be the time when souls are released from the gates of hell and into the human realm.

According to Fugoso, the souls are given one month to roam the earth and be fed by human beings through food and other offerings.

He said that somewhere along the way, the souls may bring bad luck to couples, families, homes and business ventures out of envy.

Ang mga Chinese stories sinasabi na yang Ghost Month na tinatawag, ito ang ika-7 buwan sa lunar calendar. Binubuksan daw ang sinasabing gates of hell, parang hinahayaang lumabas ang mga kaluluwa para makabisita sa kanilang mga [kamag-anak], Fugoso explained.

[Kaya ang mga tao] Nag-aalay ng mga pagkain o kahit tubig kasi sinasabing hungry o thirsty sila. Pinapayagan silang bumalik para kumain sa pamamagitan ng mga pagbigay ng mga kamag-anak o mga offering ng pagkain, he added. O kaya minsan, nakikita niyo sa mga Chinese, nagsusunog sila ng papel o bahay na papel para pagbalik nila (kaluluwa), meron silang baon mula sa mundo.

While he admitted that there is no clear evidence to prove the bad luck associated with Ghost Month, Fugoso said the Chinese find it better to be on the safe side and avoid any important activities such as getting married, undergoing surgery, moving to a new home, launching a new business or traveling long distances.

The feng shui practitioner also encouraged Filipinos to do the same unless the activity or event is urgent.

Kung may pagkakataon ka na kaya mong iwasan ay huwag mo nang gawin [sa Agosto] Pwede namang i-delay. Kung di emergency ang inyong operasyon, pwede mong i-delay next month. Or pwede ka namang humanap ng ibang buwan para ikasal, he said.

Still, Fugoso said not all people experience misfortune during the Ghost Month, citing his uncle and aunt who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary this August.

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Why 'Ghost Month' is considered unlucky