Given how multi-cultural the Philippines is, certain traditions and beliefs from other cultures have made their way into the wider mainstream discourse. Case in point: Ghost Month. Even if you didn’t grow up in a Chinese household, chances are you’ve heard of Ghost Month from friends, family, or the news. But what exactly is Ghost Month and why are there a bevy of rules and superstitions associated with it? Below, we break down what you should know about Ghost Month and how to properly navigate it.
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What Exactly Is Ghost Month
Ghost Month, or Ghost Month Festival, is a time of the year when practicing Buddhists, traditionally in East and Southeast Asia, enter a month-long period of mourning, remembering, and honoring the dead through acts and offerings such as food like fruits and prayer in temples. During this period, spirits of the deceased descend upon the earth to wander the mortal world, so this is when their presence is at its most powerful.
It is observed during the 7th month of the lunar calendar, though there is no exact date for when exactly Ghost Month begins and ends, as it changes every year. In 2026, Ghost Month began on August 13 and lasts until September 11, with the period’s peak, Hungry Ghost Festival, on August 27. In a way, Ghost Month is similar in essence to other traditions and festivals from other cultures in honoring the dead, with Buddhism having its own set of widely believed and practiced rules during this time that have evolved over the centuries.
What You’re Generally Advised to Do and Not Do
As spirits move through the world, Ghost Month is often seen as a time when humans are encouraged to pause and be more mindful of their actions given the increase in yin energy, which is seen as passive in nature. Given that, certain activities are encouraged while others are discouraged so as to be respectful of the otherworldly visitors.
There isn’t one universal list of do’s and don’ts to follow, but one of the more common examples is to avoid long travel or delay it until after Ghost Month is over. Loud noises are said to attract spirits, so it’s generally advised to avoid major parties, celebrations, and entertainment gatherings during this time, or at least keep the festivities to a minimum. Renovations also fall under this, as noise and construction may draw unwanted attention.
Spirits are said to be attracted to water, so swimming, especially at night, is seen as a no. You may also notice that people don’t stay out late during Ghost Month to avoid being in the dark for too long.
Notably, Ghost Month is a time when business decisions are paused as big deals and major purchases take a backseat to being more reserved with money and wealth. From signing contracts, buying property, opening a new business, starting a new job, and more, many see those activities as bad luck to do during Ghost Month, as they won’t attract success and financial gains. Basically, think twice before making major decisions in the next four weeks, and if you can hold off on these moves until after Ghost Month, do so.
At the end of the day, though, Ghost Month is not about a strict set of rules to follow. It is, at its core, about honoring the dead and fallen loved ones, which is something anyone can do. Whether that be through food offerings or a simple yet sincere prayer, it doesn’t hurt to take the time to respect those who are no longer here. And like with anything you see online, it’s best to practice critical thinking if you come across a post of things to do and not do during Ghost Month.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to observe the festival’s traditions, but at the very least, you may want to consider using the moment as a period of reflection on those who are no longer here and being intentional with how you live your life.
Featured Image: UNSPLASH (via Website)
Frequently Asked Questions
Ghost Month is a period observed in Buddhist tradition — primarily across East and Southeast Asia — when spirits of the deceased are believed to descend upon the earth. It falls during the 7th month of the lunar calendar. In 2026, Ghost Month runs from August 13 to September 11, with its peak — Hungry Ghost Festival — on August 27.
During Ghost Month, commonly advised activities to avoid include long-distance travel, major parties and entertainment gatherings, renovation or construction work, swimming especially at night, and staying out late. Business-related activities are also discouraged — including signing contracts, buying property, opening a new business, and starting a new job — as they are believed to bring bad luck rather than financial success.
According to Ghost Month tradition, major business decisions and financial commitments — including buying property, signing contracts, opening a business, and starting new employment — are considered bad luck during this period. The belief is that such decisions made during Ghost Month will not attract success or financial gains, and are best postponed until after September 11, 2026.
Spirits are traditionally believed to be attracted to water during Ghost Month, making swimming — particularly at night — considered risky. The practice of avoiding water-based activities during this period is one of the more widely observed Ghost Month superstitions across Chinese and Chinese-Filipino communities.
Hungry Ghost Festival is the peak of Ghost Month, observed on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month — when spirits are believed to be at their most active. In 2026, Hungry Ghost Festival falls on August 27. It is typically marked by food offerings, incense burning, and prayers to honor and appease wandering spirits.
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