Hungry Ghost Month 2025 Do's and Don'ts

August 23, 2025

What is Hungry Ghost Month

In many Asian cultures, people observe Ghost Month, a time of heightened spiritual activity. It blends Buddhist and Taoist traditions, folklore, and ancestor worship.

The underworld’s gates open during Ghost Month, allowing spirits to roam among the living. To appease these lost souls, people practice mindfulness, avoid negativity, and honor ancestors, especially during the peak of the period.

Hungry Ghost Month 2025 Key Dates:

• 23 August 2025 (Saturday): The start of Ghost Month 2025. It marks the 1st day of the 7th lunar month, when the Gates of the Underworld are believed to open.

• 06 September 2025 (Saturday): The peak period of Ghost Month 2025. The 15th day is known as Ghost Day, and it is considered the most spiritually active period.

• 21 September 2025 (Sunday): The end of Ghost Month 2025. The 29th day is when the gates are said to close and the spirits return to the underworld.

Hungry Ghost Month Guide

Ghost Month doesn't have to be complicated or scary. We created a quick guide to help you embrace traditions, show respect, and what to avoid so you can stay safe during this time.

Whether you’re a believer or simply curious, understanding the do’s and don'ts can help you navigate Ghost Month smoothly and show respect for people who practice these traditions and the departed souls of their ancestors and loved ones.

What to Do During Ghost Month

1. Offer food, prayers, and joss paper.

Honor ancestors by setting up an altar with food, incense or candles, and joss paper. Your offerings show respect and provide for them in the afterlife. Offering food nourishes souls, and burning joss paper is “money” they can use in the spirit world.

Lighting incense or candles purifies spaces, inviting good energy. Apart from burning joss paper, you can also write a letter to a deceased loved one. These small, sincere gestures are meaningful and honor your loved ones.

2. Show compassion and generosity.

Donate to charities like Gawad Kalinga and Caritas Manila, offer food to those in need, or engage in acts of kindness. By doing good deeds, you will generate positive energy, benefiting you and counteracting negativity associated with restless souls. It’s also a great way to share your blessings with others.

3. Illuminate your surroundings.

Keep your home, business, and work spaces well-lit. You can use warm lighting, add more lamps, or light up incense and candles. Light symbolizes positive energy and safety, and it is believed to ward off wandering spirits. You might also want to carry a flashlight after dark, especially if you’re outside your home.

4. Carry amulets for protection and strength.

Wear or carry amulets to ward off bad energy and have extra peace of mind. We recommend the crystals below for protection and strength to give you comfort and a sense of security, not just in August but all year round.

5. Cleanse your home and personal spaces.

Clean your home thoroughly, including corners and windows. You can start by decluttering unwanted and unused things. This will clear out negative energy and welcome good vibes. You can also cleanse your spaces using sage, palo santo, incense smoke, and crystals like Selenite.

6. Nurture your well-being.

Remember to take good care of your physical and mental health. Meditate, spend time in nature, and pray for peace and balance. They can help you feel more grounded and upbeat.

You should also speak kindly and avoid negative talk to create a harmonious atmosphere, discouraging lost souls from getting close to you. Your positivity will act as a shield, safeguarding you during this period.

What to Avoid During Ghost Month

1. Making major life decisions

Ghost Month is believed to be unfavorable to big changes. Hold off on major life decisions like starting businesses, getting married, buying a house, or moving somewhere new. You should also avoid making big investments and signing contracts.

Instead, you can save money, pay off debts, and stick to your budget. Focus on existing projects, conduct maintenance, and pay attention to what you already have.

2. Going on swims or late-night outings

Spirits during Ghost Month are believed to be more active at night and near bodies of water. This is why you should avoid swimming and late-night outings, especially in unfamiliar places. Stick to daytime activities and well-lit areas to feel safe and at ease.

3. Being loud or noisy

Avoid shouting, whistling, and loud noises to avoid attracting entities. This includes keeping the volume down on your devices. Be mindful of your surroundings and enjoy the quiet.

4. Wearing red or black clothing

Red and black clothing are avoided during Ghost Month. Red is associated with celebrations, and it might unintentionally attract spirits looking for a party. Black is the color of mourning, which can signal that you're vulnerable or grieving, drawing restless souls close to you.

5. Neglecting your health

Your health is your strongest shield during Ghost Month. Avoid excessive stress and fatigue, which can make you more susceptible to negative energy. Prioritize sleep, eat healthy meals, and take breaks when needed. Don’t forget to exercise, even gentle ones like yoga.

6. Taking or picking up ghost month offerings

You might see Ghost Month offerings like incense or food on the street. Don't pick them up! Taking them is considered disrespectful. It can also disrupt the harmony between the living and the spirit world, inviting bad luck.

You should also avoid stepping on offerings, mocking rituals, and disrespecting people who practice these traditions.

Respect Goes a Long Way

Hungry Ghost Month or Hungry Ghost Festival traditions should be respected to honor the belief that the spiritual and human worlds become closer. Respectful observance of these customs is believed to protect against bad luck and misfortune from restless spirits, while also fostering spiritual connection and maintaining cultural harmony.

After Ghost Month, people resume normal activities, and daily routines return to normal. But even after this period ends, we should continue carrying the lessons of respect, reflection, and harmony that these traditions teach us to bring balance and harmony in our everyday lives.