The Hungry Ghost Festival is one of the most intriguing and spiritually rich traditions observed in many Asian cultures. Also known as Zhong Yuan Jie (中元节), the festival falls during the 7th lunar month, which marks the time when the gates of the spirit world are believed to open, allowing restless spirits to wander among the living. For many Chinese families in Singapore, it’s a time to remember ancestors and make offerings for wandering spirits.
There are also plenty of customs that have been passed down through generations, from leaving the front row empty at getai shows to avoiding food placed at offering tables. To stay on the safe side, many people follow these traditions and rituals to show respect and avoid bad luck. If you’re wondering what not to do during the 7th month, or just want to brush up on the essential dos and don’ts during the Hungry Ghost Festival, you’re in the right place. This guideline can help you stay respectful, safe, and spiritually aware throughout the Ghost Month
In 2026, the seventh lunar month (also known as Ghost Month) runs from 13 August to 10 September 2026. The Hungry Ghost Festival falls on Thursday, 27 August, which corresponds to the 15th day of the 7th lunar month.
While some families make offerings throughout the month, larger community events and rituals are often held around the middle of the month. If you spot colourful getai stages popping up in your neighbourhood, or see offerings and joss paper being burned at designated spots, it’s your cue that the Hungry Ghost Festival has arrived.
At its heart, the Hungry Ghost Festival is about honouring ancestors and showing kindness to spirits believed to have no family members to care for them. Hungry Ghost Festival superstitions and customs vary from household to household, so there is no one “right” way to observe the occasion.
It’s believed that ghosts roam the streets after sunset. That’s why one of the most popular Hungry Ghost Festival superstitions is avoiding nighttime activities. But if you HAVE to stay out late, make sure to invite a friend for company. Ghosts are said to prey more on unsuspecting victims travelling alone at night.
There is a belief that the person in the centre of a group of three is more exposed to wandering spirits, especially when walking in a line or posing for photos. They may receive the ‘sight’ or feel a sudden cold chill running down their spine. So, for a little extra peace of mind, try to hang out in pairs or in even numbers during this time of the year.
Need to dry your brolly after the rain? It’s best to leave it open outdoors to dry and close it before entering the house. It’s believed that wandering ghosts may ‘seek shelter’ in umbrellas that have been used outside, and bringing one indoors while open could mean bringing them home with you! So, as part of your do’s and don’ts during Hungry Ghost Festival: avoid opening your umbrella indoors.
A belief in Chinese culture is that everyone has a ‘spiritual protective flame’ on each shoulder. However, the flames are extinguished whenever you turn your head around, which could cause your yin and yang energy to go haywire and make you more vulnerable to the supernatural. To counter this, if someone calls your name or you need to look behind you, try turning your entire body instead. So try that out instead as you keep the Hungry Ghost Festival do’s and don’ts this 2026 in mind.
Friendly tip: Keep those shoulder taps to a minimum, and take note of what else you should avoid doing during the 7th Month!
You should definitely wear a red and white outfit for National Day but stow it at the back of the cupboard when the 7th month comes around. The hungry ghosts are said to be attracted to the colour red! So, unless you want to be a prime target for mischievous ghosts, wearing red clothes should definitely be part of your list of things not to do during the Hungry Ghost Festival.
Although this is not necessarily something that may directly incur the wrath of otherworldly friends, many Chinese families believe that the 7th Month Ghost Festival is a no-no for weddings. It’s generally seen as an unlucky period for happy celebrations of any kind. That includes other big decisions as well, including buying a new house, signing a business contract and so on, following longstanding Hungry Ghost Festival superstitions.
Getai shows are organised around various neighbourhoods in Singapore during the Hungry Ghost Festival. It’s a concert meant to entertain wandering ghosts so they don’t get up to any mischief. That said, the front row is usually reserved for ghosts, which is why they’re always kept empty. Try not to forget this from your list of Hungry Ghost Festival do’s and don’ts, or you might end up taking someone’s seat!
Swimming and engaging in any water sports are often avoided during the Hungry Ghost Festival. If you must, try to go in the daytime. There is a belief that ghosts linger in the water and may try to drown you for a chance at reincarnation. For this reason, water activities are often included in what not to do during the 7th month.
Here’s one reason to let your forehead breathe during Ghost Month. Chinese beliefs say that strong life energy radiates from your forehead. That’s why leaving it exposed can ward off unwanted spirits! So if you’ve gotten bangs recently, this is your sign to pin them back or stick to a side-swept style.
Ghosts don’t have to attend Getai performances if you start singing on the way home. That’s right. You may attract wandering ghosts by singing while you’re alone, especially at night! This particular rule also includes whistling and talking to yourself. Who knows? Some special individuals might start taking a keen interest in your voice.
Pro tip: If the music bug hits you, just plug in a set of earphones and take a silent stroll.
Despite being the best time to tell horror stories and scare your friends, telling ghost stories or other supernatural-related stories may attract the attention of our otherworldly friends. You never know who could be listening in! You wouldn’t want a mysterious tap on your shoulder coming from out of nowhere. So keep this Hungry Ghost Festival do’s and don’ts in mind before you start sharing spooky tales.
If you live in a very pantang (superstitious) household, you’ll know better than to stick your chopsticks in your food. That’s because they resemble joss sticks used to worship the dead, making the food look like an offering for wandering spirits during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Although it may seem really convenient to just stick your chopsticks in your bowl while chewing your food, it’s best to rest them across the bowl instead. Or else you might wind up eating someone’s food by accident!
If you have wind chimes at home, consider putting them away while the Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore is in full swing. The high-pitched sounds of the wind chimes are said to attract the attention of wandering ghosts. Unless you want some ‘special attention’, it’s best to put up other types of home decor to keep in line with the do’s and don’ts during Hungry Ghost Festival.
There is a Chinese belief that certain insects represent the spirit of our departed loved ones. That said, killing them during Ghost Month might chase the spirit away or even hurt them. If you find any unusual insects or moths, leave them alone. You can also try to catch them for a safe release. It’s a good way to appease the spirit that may be present and avoid breaking a Hungry Ghost Festival taboo.
Tempted to pick up something you spot on the street? Try not to do that during the 7th lunar month. According to belief, it could belong to a wandering spirit, who may not appreciate you taking it. Coins are said to be particularly risky, as malevolent spirits may use them as bait in an effort to possess your body. Eeks! You don’t want to fall for their tricks!
Standing under trees, especially at night, is one of the most widely believed things to avoid during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Tales about ghosts residing in treetops hold some weight, unfortunately. Plus, trees have also been known to attract yin energy, which in turn makes you more vulnerable. So, if you find yourself waiting under one for your Grab or Gojek, take a few steps away if you can. It may also be a good time to postpone any evening hikes or camping plans in the woods. They can probably wait until the 7th lunar month is over.
Joss sticks and food offerings are common sights during the Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore. You may come across them tucked into the corner of walking paths around your neighbourhood. Keep an eye on where you are walking, especially when passing sidewalks lined with offerings. Try not to touch or step on them, as this may be seen as disrespectful to the spirits. If you accidentally do so, remember this in your list of Hungry Ghost Festival do’s and don’ts, say a quick apology and continue on your way.
As mentioned, as part of the Hungry Ghost Festival do’s and don’ts, it’s recommended not to stay out too late at night. But if you happen to still be out after dark and randomly decide to take a selfie, keep this reminder in mind. You may accidentally include someone else who didn’t want to have their picture taken. Or worse, capture someone in your photos who you didn’t even see physically. Yikes.
Need a trim? If you are wondering what not to do during the 7th month, one of them is your haircut. According to my Ah Ma’s generation, there’s more at stake during this time. They believe that every strand of hair acts like a mini protector, helping to ward off wandering spirits. That’s because your hair is actually your yang energy, which is a form of positive energy that works like your built-in spiritual defence system. That said, removing your hair after dark when yin energy is stronger weakens your yang and thus reduces your protection. That includes shaving and plucking too, so schedule your grooming earlier in the day during this time of the year.
Walls and corners are said to be popular hangout spots for spirits during Ghost Month and especially during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Apparently, walls and corners have a certain yin (negative) energy that spirits are drawn to. So, avoid standing too close to them when you can and stick to open, well-lit areas instead.
Lost track of time while hanging out with your best buds? It’s best you share a cab with your pals. The last buses and trains tend to be emptier, and some believe you may end up travelling with a few unseen “passengers”. Stock up on TADA vouchers, Grab vouchers, Gojek vouchers or RYDE vouchers to save some cab money and avoid bumping into any of them.
In general, as one of the Hungry Ghost Festival superstitions, you should try to hold off making any big decisions during this time of year. Other than weddings, this rule goes for any sort of renovations too, especially if it’s a huge construction project. You know how it is when you can’t sleep in on a weekend thanks to “renos”. Similarly, renovation noise could disturb spirits. So if you end up going ahead with renovation works, you may run into certain bumps in the road, or worse.
But of course, some repairs cannot wait. If that’s the case, make sure you schedule those early in the day so they can be wrapped up before the sun sets.
An empty house may attract unwanted residents, especially at this time of year. That’s why some families prefer to wait until after the seventh lunar month before moving in. Still, there is a way around it if you cannot delay your plans. Arrange with your contractors to prioritise renovations for certain rooms, particularly your bedroom. Then, move in before the 7th Month so the Man, Heaven and Earth Qi can connect. This is said to bring good fortune to the household too! For more helpful advice, check out these moving house feng shui rituals.
While tensions may run high from time to time, it’s wise to keep things calm during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Heated arguments, shouting, or public confrontations are believed to attract negative energy, and perhaps even the attention of wandering spirits who thrive on emotional unrest. Whether at home, at work, or on the road, try to stay composed and avoid unnecessary conflict this month.
One simple yet effective way to maintain a positive space during the 7th lunar month is to keep your home well-lit. Spirits are thought to be drawn to dark corners, so brightening your environment can help deter them. Use ambient lighting, open your curtains during the day, and make your space feel warm and welcoming (to the living, that is). A well-lit home promotes a sense of safety and balance for your loved ones.
Whether or not you follow every Ghost Month belief, a little awareness goes a long way. Take note of these do’s and don’ts during the Hungry Ghost Festival and you’ll be spared the spirits’ disturbances. For more guidance, read our guide on how to pray during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Thinking about what to wear this month? Here are some old-money outfit ideas and style tips for oversized shirts that you can consider!
This article was updated on 5 August 2026. Additional research done by Francine DC.
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