Ghost Month 2025: Feng Shui Do’s & Don’ts & Remedies to Avoid Bad Luck

What is the Ghost Month & the Hungry Ghost Festival?

The Hungry Ghost Festival, celebrated on the 15th night of the seventh month in the lunar calendar, marks the highlight of the Ghost Month. According to Chinese traditions, the Ghost Month is a time when the gates of the afterlife open, allowing spirits to roam the Earth.

Throughout this month, various rituals and practices are observed to honor the deceased and appease wandering spirits. Adhering to these traditions and customs, especially the things you should avoid, is crucial not just on the festival day but throughout the Chinese Ghost Month. It’s not only a sign of respect but also a way to ensure peace and harmony with the spiritual world.

Ghost Month Start and End Dates in 2025

In 2025, the Ghost Month begins on August 23rd and ends on September 21st. The Hungry Ghost Festival falls on September 6th.

Ghost Month 2025 Feng Shui Do’s and Don’ts

Here’s how to prevent the ghosts from causing mischief during Ghost Month.

1. Observe Clothing and Appearance

During the Hungry Ghost Month, clothing and appearance take on special significance. Here’s what not to wear during Ghost Month:

• Avoid Wearing Black or Red. These colors are thought to attract spirits, and wearing them might bring unwanted attention.
• Women Should Avoid High Heels. The sound of high heels is said to attract spirits. If your feet are elevated, it is also believed that you’re easier to get possessed.
• Avoid Hanging Clothes Outside Overnight. It’s believed that spirits might wear them, leading to unsettling encounters.

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2. Avoid These Behavior and Activities

In Chinese culture, people avoid certain behaviors and activities to ensure harmony with the spiritual realm. Here are some key guidelines to observe.

• Avoid Standing Close to Walls. Spirits are believed to lurk near walls, especially during the night. Keeping a distance is a precautionary measure.
• Do Not Touch or Step Over Roadside Offerings. These offerings are made to appease the spirits. Disturbing them is seen as a sign of disrespect.
• Avoid Looking Under Prayer Altars. Peeking under these sacred spaces is considered highly disrespectful to the spirits and the ancestors being honored.
• Stay Away from Large Bodies of Water. Lakes, rivers, and seas are believed to be places where spirits reside. We advise you to avoid these areas, especially at night.
• Avoid Making Big Decisions. It’s believed that spirits can influence one’s decisions during this month, leading to unfavorable outcomes.
• Do Not Pick Up Coins Found on Streets. Coins or other small objects found on the streets might be offerings or belongings of spirits. Picking them up could bring bad luck.

3. Watch Out Your Timing and Locations

The Ghost Month also brings with it specific guidelines related to timing and locations to ensure safety and respect for the spirits.

• Avoid Staying Out Late. The night is when spirits are most active. It’s advisable to return home early to avoid encounters.
• Do Not Take the Last Bus or Train Ride. Late-night public transports might have spirits as passengers. It’s best to avoid the last rides.
• Postpone weddings or engagements. It is believed that ghosts and spirits might interfere with the couple’s happiness and harmony.
• Avoid Sitting on the Front Row at Getai Performances. The front rows are often reserved for spirits to enjoy the performances during live stages.

4. Be Cautious of Your Home and Environment

Our homes and immediate environments also require certain precautions during the Ghost Festival.

• Do Not Kill Insects Entering Your House. Insects, especially those that appear suddenly, might be spirits in disguise. It’s best to gently guide them out.
• Avoid Looking Out Windows During Offerings. When neighbors or community members make offerings, it’s respectful to give them privacy and not watch from windows or balconies.
• Avoid Placing Wind Chimes Near Your Bed. The sound of wind chimes can attract spirits into your room and may cause nightmares.

5 Feng Shui Remedies for the Ghost Month

During Ghost Month, negative energies are believed to wander more freely, making protection a top priority. Wearing spiritual jewelry is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to guard your energy and invite balance. Here are five Feng Shui remedies you can use to stay safe and spiritually aligned this Ghost Month:

1. Triple Protection Bracelet

Combining Black Obsidian, Tiger’s Eye, and Hematite, this bracelet offers a shield against negativity, boosts confidence, and grounds your energy. It’s ideal for those seeking all-around protection.

👉 Shield your energy with the Triple Protection Bracelet

2. Red String Bracelet

Known in Feng Shui and other traditions as a symbol of protection, luck, and blessings, the red string wards off misfortune and keeps negative forces at bay during inauspicious times.

👉 Stay safe this Ghost Month with the Red String Bracelet

3. Hamsa Hand Bracelet

The Hamsa Hand is a powerful talisman against evil and envy. Wearing it during Ghost Month helps deflect harmful intentions and keeps your personal energy pure.

👉 Deflect negativity with the Hamsa Hand Bracelet

4. Evil Eye Bracelet

A well-known amulet across cultures, the Evil Eye bracelet shields you from jealousy and ill-wishes, safeguarding your peace of mind as unseen energies move around.

👉 Protect your peace with the Evil Eye Bracelet

5. Black Obsidian Bracelet

Called the “stone of truth,” Black Obsidian absorbs negative energy and transforms it into grounding protection. It’s especially helpful when dealing with heightened spiritual disturbances in Ghost Month.

👉 Ground your energy with the Black Obsidian Bracelet

These Feng Shui remedies serve as constant reminders of your intention to stay protected. By wearing them, you carry a shield of energy that repels misfortune and keeps your spirit steady throughout the Ghost Month.

How is the Hungry Ghost Festival celebrated?

The Hungry Ghost Festival is observed through a variety of rituals and customs designed to honor wandering spirits and ensure peace between the living and the spiritual world. Common traditional practices include the following:

Burning of Joss Paper.
Families burn joss paper—often shaped like money, houses, or everyday items—as offerings to the spirits. This act is believed to provide the deceased with comfort and resources in the afterlife.

Food Offerings.
Prepared dishes are placed on altars or outside homes as offerings to wandering souls. These food offerings are meant to appease spirits and show respect to ancestors.

Incense Burning.
Incense sticks are lit at home altars and temples as a sign of reverence. The rising smoke is believed to guide spirits and create a connection between the physical and spiritual realms.

Street Performances.
Traditional Getai performances—featuring singing, dancing, and theatrical acts—are commonly held. These performances are intended to entertain the spirits, with the front rows often left empty as a sign of respect.

Releasing of Lanterns.
Lanterns may be released into rivers, lakes, or the sky to symbolize guiding spirits back to the afterlife and bringing closure to the festival period.

Prayers and Chants.
Special prayers and chants are conducted at temples or community gatherings to honor ancestors, seek protection, and invite blessings for the living.

Through these rituals, communities collectively express respect for the spiritual world while promoting balance, remembrance, and harmony between the living and the departed.

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How to Attract Luck During the Hungry Ghost Month

The Hungry Ghost Month, while traditionally a time of caution and reverence, also offers opportunities to attract positive energies and luck. Here are some ways to ensure good fortune during this period:

• Wear Protective Charms: One of the most common practices is wearing protective charms or amulets. These charms, often blessed by monks or spiritual leaders, serve as a shield against negative energies. They can be worn as necklaces, bracelets, or even kept in pockets.
• Light Red Candles: Red is considered a powerful color in many Asian cultures. Lighting red candles at home can ward off bad spirits and invite positive vibes.
• Offer Fresh Flowers: Placing fresh flowers at your home altar or entrance can attract good spirits and positive energy. White and yellow flowers are particularly favored.
• Play Uplifting Music: Soft, uplifting music can create a positive atmosphere, keeping away any negative energies that might be lurking.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Keeping your home clean and clutter-free is believed to repel negative spirits and attract good fortune.
• Practice Kindness: Acts of kindness, charity, and generosity, especially during this month, can attract positive karma and luck.

By incorporating these practices, you can not only navigate the Hungry Ghost Month safely but also attract luck and positive energies into your life.

Conclusion

The Hungry Ghost Festival is more than just a cultural event; it’s a time-honored tradition that bridges the living with the spiritual realm. Following the customs and guidelines associated with this festival is vital, not just out of respect for the spirits but also to maintain harmony in our daily lives.

By understanding and respecting these traditions, we not only honor our ancestors and the wandering spirits but also ensure a peaceful coexistence with the unseen world. It’s a beautiful testament to the depth and richness of cultural heritage that continues to guide and shape our lives today.

FAQs about Ghost Month

What is Ghost Month?

Ghost Month, observed in many East Asian cultures, is a period when it is traditionally believed that the spirits of the deceased return to the world of the living. It takes place during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, usually falling in July or August on the Gregorian calendar. During this time, families observe rituals and customs to honor ancestors and appease wandering spirits.

How does Ghost Month affect business operations?

During Ghost Month, some businesses may experience slower activity, as it is considered inauspicious to start new ventures, sign contracts, or make major financial decisions. However, certain industries—such as food, incense, candles, and paper offerings—often see increased demand due to traditional rituals and offerings.

Can I launch a new product or service during Ghost Month?

Traditionally, launching new products or services during Ghost Month is discouraged, as it is believed to bring unfavorable energy. If a launch is unavoidable, businesses may proceed with caution by adopting culturally respectful strategies, such as soft launches or promotions centered around themes of remembrance and family.

Is it a good time to invest during Ghost Month?

From a traditional perspective, Ghost Month is not considered an ideal time for major investments or important financial decisions. It is believed that the period carries uncertainty. If possible, many prefer to wait until Ghost Month concludes. This year, Ghost Month ends on September 2.

How can I attract good fortune during Ghost Month?

Attracting good fortune during Ghost Month involves respecting established customs. Common practices include burning incense, offering food to ancestors, and avoiding activities believed to invite bad luck, such as whistling at night or knocking on doors at unusual hours. Red decorations are also commonly used, as red is believed to ward off negative energy.

Are there any specific sectors that benefit from Ghost Month?

Yes, certain sectors often benefit during Ghost Month. These include the food industry, as families prepare offerings for ancestor worship; retail businesses selling incense, candles, and paper offerings; and companies involved in organizing Ghost Month events or ceremonies. Aligning products or services with these traditions can create unique opportunities.

What should I avoid doing during Ghost Month to ensure my business thrives?

To maintain stability during Ghost Month, it is generally advised to avoid launching new ventures or making major operational changes. Instead, businesses can focus on maintaining existing operations and offering products or services that respectfully align with cultural traditions. A culturally sensitive approach can help businesses navigate this period smoothly.