Are you ready for 'Ghost Month'

MANILA -- In an interview with Tempo, feng shui practitioner Hanz Cua gave tips on what to do during "Ghost Month," which this year starts on July 27 and lasts until August 24.

Cua was quoted as saying, "Wear lots of red, avoid black (which attracts ghosts), and dont whistle. And dont forget to offer chicken, rice, sweets, cigarettes, and beer for the hungry spirits or lost souls that will roam around."

He added, "During Ghost Month, the Gates of Hell (or the underworld) are sprung open and the hungry ghosts or lost souls will roam around to visit their families or find victims among the living." Cua suggested the steps to making the so-called hungry ghosts happy:

1. Offer them things (usually food) that made them happy when they were still alive. The offering should be done at least once a week for one month.

2. Light two small red candles and say a prayer as you offer. Usually, the ritual takes hours. If the candles are still burning, that would mean the ghosts are still eating.

3. You should also burn "hell's money" or paper money that will serve as incense. This should not be confused with real money. "Hell's money" can be bought in Chinese stores.

4. When the candle and paper money rites are finished, you can eat the food.

Cu explained: "If you make the lost souls happy, they will bring you wealth. The more paper money (not to be confused with the actual money) you burn, the more wealth you will receive. Prayers are also very important."

Cua also said that "activities that should be strictly avoided during the Ghost Month include getting married, starting a new business, buying a new home, transferring to a new house, swimming, outdoor camping, traveling to far places, and undergoing surgery."

In countries such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam, Ghost Month offerings are placed out in the street. In the Philippines, the offerings are usually placed by the window.

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Are you ready for 'Ghost Month'