Ghost Month traditions and taboos in Taiwan

During the seventh month of the lunar calendar, known as Ghost Month, traditional beliefs in Taiwan involve making offerings to ancestors and wandering spirits. This period includes the practice of Chungyuan Pu Tu, where items such as incense and ghost money are provided as offerings.

Various cultural taboos are observed during this time to avoid attracting spirits. These include avoiding staying out late at night, refraining from whistling at night to prevent attracting wandering ghosts, and avoiding swimming due to the belief that water spirits may attempt to pull people under the water.