Not only Vietnam, but other Asian countries such as China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia... also have many unique customs during the Ghost Month.
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| The 15th day of the 7th lunar month is the most important day of the Ghost Month in China. The Chinese believe that on this day, the gates of hell open, and all the ghosts ascend to the mortal world to seek food and frolic under the full moon. Throughout the Ghost Month, just like in Vietnam, Chinese people prepare offerings of food and burn paper money, clothing, and other items for their ancestors and other wandering spirits. Through these actions, the Chinese seek to maintain ancestral blessings, pray for their ancestors' protection, and appease other spirits. (Image: China Daily) |
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| Going to see outdoor plays is also an indispensable activity in China during the Ghost Month. These plays, which glorify deities, are believed to bring joy to the spirits. Nowadays, they are performed in skyscrapers in major cities like Beijing. One might easily imagine wandering ghosts in ancient villages, but rarely would one imagine this image in a brightly lit metropolis. (Photo: China Daily) |
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| On the last day of the Ghost Month, the Chinese release lanterns into rivers to guide spirits back to the underworld. During Ghost Month, the Chinese avoid going out at night for fear of being followed by ghosts, refrain from swimming for fear of being drowned, and avoid singing or whistling for fear of ghosts responding to their calls. (Photo: BBC) |
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| Obon is a Buddhist festival in Japan that takes place over three days in August each year. It is believed that during this time, the spirits of ancestors return to the earthly realm to visit their relatives. On the first day, people visit the graves of their loved ones and decorate them with fruits, cakes, and lanterns. On the second day, they prepare an altar at home. At the top of the altar, they place memorials to their ancestors and offer vegetarian food. Animals made from cucumbers or eggplants are placed on the altar, symbolizing the means by which the spirits are welcomed.Photo: savvytokyo. |
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| On the final day, the Japanese wear their summer kimonos (yukata) and participate in the Obon dance (bon odori) in a circle. Photo: sohdaiko. |
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| The Obon fire offering ceremony involves lighting five bonfires on five mountains surrounding Kyoto for about an hour. This sacred fire offering aims to send the souls of the deceased back to the earthly realm after their visit. Additionally, Japanese people can enjoy fireworks displays during this festival. (Photo: sushiknife) |
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| The Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore also falls in the seventh lunar month. Here, people light incense to worship their ancestors and burn paper offerings for the spirits. In addition, they avoid moving house or office, believing that doing so will anger the spirits residing there. They also avoid killing insects or wearing red clothing, believing that evil spirits will follow them. (Photo: Singapore Tourism Board) |
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| Singaporeans flock to see theatrical performances held in open-air theaters. The front rows are reserved for ghosts. Nowadays, these outdoor performances also feature singers. Photo: travel-and-photography.blogspot. |
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| Malaysia also has customs during the Ghost Month similar to those of the Chinese, such as releasing lanterns to send off spirits, offering gifts, and burning paper money. Malaysians often leave offerings along the roadside, believing that wandering spirits may take these items along the way. Photo: theborneopost. |
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| Buddhist devotees also visit temples in Malaysia to pray for the deceased and burn effigies of guardian deities at the end of the month-long festival. Photo: Saeed Khan / AFP / Getty. |
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| A monk tosses coins for worshippers to pray for good luck during the Devil's Day festival in Malaysia. Photo: Reuters. |
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| Thailand has a ghost festival, also known as Phi Ta Khon, held over three days in June each year in Dan Sai district, Loei province. It commemorates the return of the Buddha, Prince Vessandorn, after he left his village to embark on a long journey. According to local belief, the excessive celebrations awakened the spirits. Festival participants often dress up as ghosts and wear masks. Many young people dance and perform fighting scenes against the spirits, embodied in masks made from coconut tree trunks. The vibrant Phi Ta Khon festival attracts a large number of tourists each year. (Photo: Bangkok Post) |
According to Zing
