Folklore preserves many taboos during the seventh lunar month, also known as the Ghost Month, including the custom of avoiding going out at night. Why is this taboo practiced?
The seventh lunar month is known as the Ghost Month, a concept that has been passed down through many years and has many theories; so what is the Ghost Month, and what is its origin?
The term "Month of Wandering Souls" is a folk term referring to the period of the year when spirits are allowed to return to the mortal world; so, what month in the Gregorian calendar is the Month of Wandering Souls in 2024?
On the evening of August 26th, at Kim Son Lac Hong Pagoda (Hoa Binh province), many people pinned fresh roses to their chests, moved to tears as they recalled the gratitude owed to their parents during the Vu Lan filial piety ceremony.
Besides religious ceremonies and offerings, folk traditions also recount what should be done during the seventh lunar month to pray for peace and happiness.
The beautifully arranged feasts, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, that women proudly showcased at the beginning of the Ghost Month demonstrate the dedication of those who prepared the offerings, drawing admiration from netizens.
Many people call the seventh lunar month the "month of wandering souls," especially those involved in business; do you know why the seventh lunar month is called the "month of wandering souls"?
The 1st day of the 7th lunar month is special because it is the first day of the Vu Lan festival, the month of atonement for the deceased; please refer to the prayer for the 1st day of the 7th lunar month to perform the ritual in the most appropriate way.
Ancient people believed that the Ghost Month was a time when ghosts and spirits were allowed to return to the mortal world and could cause trouble or bring misfortune to people.
During the seventh lunar month – the month of Vu Lan, a time for showing filial piety – besides the daily scriptures, what other scriptures should Buddhists recite?
Instead of living peacefully and accumulating merit during the seventh lunar month, many people are haunted by the idea that this is the month of wandering spirits.
The first day of the seventh lunar month is special because it marks the beginning of the Vu Lan festival, a time for showing filial piety, and is also a period that many people consider taboo, often referred to as the "month of wandering souls".
Folklore still considers the seventh lunar month to be unlucky, and people avoid undertaking major tasks during this time, but for Buddhists, it is the most auspicious month of the year.
Folklore calls the seventh lunar month the "month of wandering souls" because it is believed to bring bad luck, but for Buddhists, it is the most auspicious month of the year.
The Vu Lan Festival, a day for showing filial piety, is not only for Buddhists; it is also a season of gratitude and filial devotion for all children towards their parents who gave birth to and raised them.
From the belief that "it's better to be safe than sorry," many people become overly cautious during the seventh lunar month, with absurd and even comical dietary restrictions.
Besides religious ceremonies and offerings, Vietnamese folklore also includes traditions about what people should and shouldn't do during the seventh lunar month to bring peace and happiness.
The concept of the Ghost Month is believed to originate from Taoism, with the belief that from the 2nd day of the 7th lunar month, the King of Hell begins to open the Gate of Hell, allowing hungry ghosts to return to the mortal world.
Plain rice porridge and dog meat are dishes that people traditionally believe should not be eaten during the seventh lunar month, often referred to as the month of wandering spirits.
Many people avoid signing contracts and undertaking important tasks during the seventh lunar month because they believe it brings bad luck. But is this month really unlucky?
Sharing humorous comments about ghosts and spirits being quarantined due to COVID-19 during the Ghost Month, many people expressed the view that elaborate offerings and baseless taboos should be avoided.
According to popular belief, the seventh lunar month is the month of wandering spirits, often bringing misfortune, bad luck, and ill fortune. But is the seventh lunar month really that frightening?
The seventh lunar month is known as the "month of wandering souls," the "month of hungry ghosts," etc., so many people often spread superstitions about the month of wandering souls to avoid being disturbed by "ghosts" during this month.
According to folk beliefs, the seventh lunar month of the year is considered the month of wandering spirits, and during this month, people often advise each other to refrain from undertaking major tasks to avoid bad omens.