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Ghost Month cultural traditions and folklore

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2026-08-28 00:34 UTC → 2026-09-06 15:35 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Ghost Month, occurring during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, is a period characterized by various cultural, religious, and folkloric traditions across Asian cultures. In Taiwan, traditions include making offerings such as incense and ghost money to ancestors and wandering spirits through practices like Chungyuan Pu Tu. To avoid attracting spirits, specific taboos are observed, such as avoiding whistling at night, staying out late, or swimming, due to fears of water spirits. Broader traditions link the period to the Zhongyuan Festival, rooted in Taoist beliefs regarding the Three Officials. While farmers use the time to celebrate harvests and families honor ancestors, food is also offered to wandering spirits to maintain spiritual order. Folklore features figures like Zhong Kui, a scholar believed to possess the power to capture malevolent spirits. From a Buddhist perspective, the month is viewed as a time for gratitude and merit-making, suggesting a focus on the Three Jewels to alleviate anxiety associated with the season. Recent cultural activities in Taiwan highlight these traditions alongside other heritage practices. In Taipei, visitors engage in tea tastings at historic locations like Qing Tian Tea House and visit the National Palace Museum. In Keelung, the Keelung Zhongyuan Festival features vibrant parades and rituals such as ‘Pudu’ to honor ancestors and wandering spirits. These festivities include colorful processions and religious ceremonies led by Taoist priests intended to guide spirits back to the afterlife.

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