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| Meta Title | How to Celebrate Hungry Ghost Festival |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Jump to:
When is the Hungry Ghost Festival in 2024?
What is the meaning behind the Hungry Ghost Festival?
How to celebrate Ghost Month
What to avoid during Ghost Month
As summer winds down and autumn approaches, there are plenty of holidays to look forward to. But long before
Halloween
and
Thanksgiving
celebrations happen, there's the
Hungry Ghost Festival
. The annual festival, which is observed by Chinese communities around the world, bears some similarities to Mexico's
DĂa de los Muertos
, or Day of the Dead.
According to traditional beliefs, the Hungry Ghost Festival is a time when spirits can return from the afterlife and walk among the living for an entire month. Families honor the spirits of their ancestors and show them respect by making offerings to ensure their well-being in the afterlife. During this period, there are also certain activities that people will refrain from in order to avoid attracting negative spiritual energy.
The Hungry Ghost Festival, which has roots in
Buddhism
and Taoism (also spelled Daoism) reflects important cultural values, such as community solidarity and showing respect to family members even after death. This event— which is also known as Zhongyuan Festival in Taoism and Yulanpen Festival in
Buddhism
— takes place during the seventh month of the lunar year.
Keep reading to find out more about when the Hungry Ghost Festival happens in 2024, the history behind the event, and how you can celebrate it this year.
When is the Hungry Ghost Festival in 2024?
According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the entire seventh month of the year is known as "Ghost Month." In 2024, according to the Gregorian calendar, that means Ghost Month will start around
August 4
and end around
September 3
.
The Hungry Ghost Festival, or "Ghost Day," is always celebrated on the 15th night of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. That means, in 2024, the date of Ghost Day is
Sunday, August 18
.
What is the meaning behind the Hungry Ghost Festival?
Ghost Month is an annual event celebrated primarily by Chinese communities in Asian countries including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, and Indonesia. It holds significant cultural and religious importance, and typically falls in July, August or September.
According to traditional beliefs, during this month, the gates of the afterlife are opened and the spirits of ancestors return to walk amongst the living. These wandering spirits are referred to as "hungry ghosts," since they're believed to be restless and in need of appeasement. The festival aims to honor and respect these spirits through various rituals, performances and offerings. "The Ghost Festival popular in Asian traditions is a unique way of answering our questions about death through reconnecting with the dead and their past," says
Dr. Jiang Wu
, an East Asian Studies professor at the University of Arizona.
One significant aspect of the festival is the practice of offering food and material possessions, like money, to the spirits. It is believed that these offerings provide comfort and sustenance to the hungry ghosts, ensuring their well-being and preventing them from causing mischief or misfortune. The festival also sees communities engage in vibrant cultural festivities and rituals dedicated to honoring one's lineage and preserving family traditions. "These rituals and ceremonies are often facilitated by Buddhist monks or Daoist priests to release the 'ghosts' of their ancestors from the suffering in hells and feed them with the symbolic food of compassion," Dr. Wu explains.
How to celebrate Ghost Month
Hungry Ghost Festival celebrations and ceremonies vary from region to region. However, there are some common practices across communities. For example, on Ghost Day, "tablets of the diseased ancestors and relatives must be displayed, and rituals of venerations must be performed," according to Dr. Wu. Likewise, popular ritual operas, such as the
Buddhist legend of Mulian
rescuing his mother from Hell, are often staged.
As night falls, it's also customary to burn paper money commonly known as joss paper, along with other paper offerings for the deceased. "Paper lanterns will also be released in rivers and lakes during the night to guide the spirit of their ancestors to return to home," Dr. Wu explains. "However, the general atmosphere today is not spooky or horrifying. Rather, it has gradually evolved into a celebration of family continuity and community solidarity."
Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, founder of
Miss Panda Chinese
and author of
First Mandarin Sounds
, echoes this sentiment, adding, "In Chinese culture, Ghost Month is a cultural event — it's about paying respect to deceased family members and the deceased with no families. The festival centers around showing respect, instead of being solely perceived as a celebration, as some may think outside of the Chinese community."
Consider the following meaningful ways to pay homage to your family and ancestors during the Hungry Ghost Festival:
1. Fold joss paper ingots
simonlong
//
Getty Images
In addition to burning paper money, it’s common practice to fold joss paper sheets into the shape of gold ingots, a.k.a. gold bars, which were used as currency in ancient China. It's a fun and easy craft for the whole family — just buy some
joss paper sheets
and check out a
joss paper ingot folding tutorial
online to get started.
2. Make floating lanterns
Ivan
//
Getty Images
It's a tradition to float paper lanterns down a river as a way to lead spirits home during the Hungry Ghost Festival. To make your own, you'll need string, coated paper plates, and tissue paper, as well as a
paper lantern tutorial
to show you how it's done.
3. Create butterfly puppets
Orientfootage
//
Getty Images
According to legend, insects like butterflies, moths, and grasshoppers are believed to be the spirits of ancestors returning for a visit. Pay tribute to these gentle creatures by having your kids create
butterfly puppets
using craft paper and Popsicle sticks.
4. Hang orange decorations.
Constantine Johnny
//
Getty Images
In Chinese culture, oranges symbolize good luck and wealth and they're often part of the offerings during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Spruce up your home for the holiday by hanging DIY
citrus fruit decorations
made from paper and yarn.
5. Cook up some sticky rice dumplings.
Long Tram
//
Getty Images
Teochew png kueh
, savory dumplings filled with stir-fried rice, peanuts, garlic, shallots, and more, are often associated with Hungry Ghost festivities. Traditionally dyed in an auspicious pink hue, these dumplings symbolize good fortune and can be presented as offerings to ancestors.
6. Attend community celebrations and performances.
PHILIP FONG
//
Getty Images
Communities will typically stage operas and other types of performances throughout Ghost Month. Just make sure to leave the front row empty, as that row is typically reserved for spirits.
7. Enjoy a family dinner together.
Robertus Pudyanto
//
Getty Images
Like many traditional Chinese holidays, the Hungry Ghost festivities may include a family dinner. However, unlike other holidays, the focus is less on the symbolism of the food and more about feeding ancestors. Simply enjoying a family meal is a great way to pay tribute (just make sure you set an extra place or two at the table for the departed).
8. Perform an appeasement ceremony.
SOPA Images
//
Getty Images
It's tradition to set up a makeshift altar outdoors in order to display offerings for passing ghosts. In addition to joss paper, joss sticks, and incense, offerings can include uncooked rice, peanuts, candies, raw noodles, fruit, and even bags of salt and sugar. Small cups of tea and rice wine are also appreciated.
What to avoid during Ghost Month
While the holiday revolves around many customs designed to display filial piety, there are also activities and practices that are considered taboo, as a way to show respect to the spirits and avoid attracting negative energy. Traditionally, some of the most common Hungry Ghost Festival taboos include:
Swimming in rivers or going near bodies of water
Holding weddings or other large parties that involve loud music
Taking photographs or recording videos at night
Moving into or buying a new home
Disturbing or stepping on offerings
Hanging clothes outside at night
Watching scary movies
While some take these Ghost Month don'ts to heart, "the young generation in Chinese society no longer takes it seriously," according to Hsiung-Blodgett. Similarly, adherence may vary among different regions. If you are in doubt or wish to observe local customs, it's best to consult with local communities or seek guidance from those familiar with the traditions of the specific region.
Corinne Sullivan
is an Editor at
Cosmopolitan
, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel
Indecent
. Follow her on
Instagram
for cute pics of her pup and bébé. |
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1. [Lifestyle](https://www.womansday.com/life/)
2. [Faith and Religion](https://www.womansday.com/faith/)
3. [8 Ways to Celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival in 2024](https://www.womansday.com/life/a40379279/hungry-ghost-festival-celebrations/)
# 8 Ways to Celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival in 2024
From ghost-feeding ceremonies to folding joss paper ingots, discover the vibrant traditions of this annual East Asian religious holiday.
By [Corinne Sullivan](https://www.womansday.com/author/222761/corinne-sullivan/ "Corinne Sullivan")
Updated: Aug 13, 2024
Yiu Yu Hoi//Getty Images
Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
## Jump to:
- [When is the Hungry Ghost Festival in 2024?](https://www.womansday.com/life/a40379279/hungry-ghost-festival-celebrations/#when-is-the-hungry-ghost-festival-in-2024)
- [What is the meaning behind the Hungry Ghost Festival?](https://www.womansday.com/life/a40379279/hungry-ghost-festival-celebrations/#what-is-the-meaning-behind-the-hungry-ghost-festival)
- [How to celebrate Ghost Month](https://www.womansday.com/life/a40379279/hungry-ghost-festival-celebrations/#how-to-celebrate-ghost-month)
- [What to avoid during Ghost Month](https://www.womansday.com/life/a40379279/hungry-ghost-festival-celebrations/#what-to-avoid-during-ghost-month)
As summer winds down and autumn approaches, there are plenty of holidays to look forward to. But long before [Halloween](https://www.womansday.com/life/g1908/cheap-and-easy-ways-to-celebrate-halloween/) and [Thanksgiving](https://www.womansday.com/life/g23705728/best-thanksgiving-prayer/) celebrations happen, there's the **Hungry Ghost Festival**. The annual festival, which is observed by Chinese communities around the world, bears some similarities to Mexico's [DĂa de los Muertos](https://www.womansday.com/life/a33545700/dia-de-los-muertos-traditions/), or Day of the Dead.
According to traditional beliefs, the Hungry Ghost Festival is a time when spirits can return from the afterlife and walk among the living for an entire month. Families honor the spirits of their ancestors and show them respect by making offerings to ensure their well-being in the afterlife. During this period, there are also certain activities that people will refrain from in order to avoid attracting negative spiritual energy.
The Hungry Ghost Festival, which has roots in [Buddhism](https://www.womansday.com/life/a40059488/what-is-asalha-puja-meaning/) and Taoism (also spelled Daoism) reflects important cultural values, such as community solidarity and showing respect to family members even after death. This event— which is also known as Zhongyuan Festival in Taoism and Yulanpen Festival in [Buddhism](https://www.womansday.com/life/a39501588/buddha-quotes/) — takes place during the seventh month of the lunar year.
Keep reading to find out more about when the Hungry Ghost Festival happens in 2024, the history behind the event, and how you can celebrate it this year.
## When is the Hungry Ghost Festival in 2024?
According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the entire seventh month of the year is known as "Ghost Month." In 2024, according to the Gregorian calendar, that means Ghost Month will start around **August 4** and end around **September 3**.
The Hungry Ghost Festival, or "Ghost Day," is always celebrated on the 15th night of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. That means, in 2024, the date of Ghost Day is **Sunday, August 18**.
## What is the meaning behind the Hungry Ghost Festival?
Ghost Month is an annual event celebrated primarily by Chinese communities in Asian countries including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, and Indonesia. It holds significant cultural and religious importance, and typically falls in July, August or September.
According to traditional beliefs, during this month, the gates of the afterlife are opened and the spirits of ancestors return to walk amongst the living. These wandering spirits are referred to as "hungry ghosts," since they're believed to be restless and in need of appeasement. The festival aims to honor and respect these spirits through various rituals, performances and offerings. "The Ghost Festival popular in Asian traditions is a unique way of answering our questions about death through reconnecting with the dead and their past," says [Dr. Jiang Wu](https://eas.arizona.edu/people/jiangwu), an East Asian Studies professor at the University of Arizona.
One significant aspect of the festival is the practice of offering food and material possessions, like money, to the spirits. It is believed that these offerings provide comfort and sustenance to the hungry ghosts, ensuring their well-being and preventing them from causing mischief or misfortune. The festival also sees communities engage in vibrant cultural festivities and rituals dedicated to honoring one's lineage and preserving family traditions. "These rituals and ceremonies are often facilitated by Buddhist monks or Daoist priests to release the 'ghosts' of their ancestors from the suffering in hells and feed them with the symbolic food of compassion," Dr. Wu explains.
## How to celebrate Ghost Month
Hungry Ghost Festival celebrations and ceremonies vary from region to region. However, there are some common practices across communities. For example, on Ghost Day, "tablets of the diseased ancestors and relatives must be displayed, and rituals of venerations must be performed," according to Dr. Wu. Likewise, popular ritual operas, such as the [Buddhist legend of Mulian](https://www.jstor.org/stable/26533686) rescuing his mother from Hell, are often staged.
As night falls, it's also customary to burn paper money commonly known as joss paper, along with other paper offerings for the deceased. "Paper lanterns will also be released in rivers and lakes during the night to guide the spirit of their ancestors to return to home," Dr. Wu explains. "However, the general atmosphere today is not spooky or horrifying. Rather, it has gradually evolved into a celebration of family continuity and community solidarity."
Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, founder of [Miss Panda Chinese](https://www.misspandachinese.com/) and author of *[First Mandarin Sounds](https://www.amazon.com/First-Mandarin-Sounds-Awesome-Chinese/dp/1734749652?tag=womansday_auto-append-20)*, echoes this sentiment, adding, "In Chinese culture, Ghost Month is a cultural event — it's about paying respect to deceased family members and the deceased with no families. The festival centers around showing respect, instead of being solely perceived as a celebration, as some may think outside of the Chinese community."
Consider the following meaningful ways to pay homage to your family and ancestors during the Hungry Ghost Festival:
## 1\. Fold joss paper ingots
simonlong//Getty Images
In addition to burning paper money, it’s common practice to fold joss paper sheets into the shape of gold ingots, a.k.a. gold bars, which were used as currency in ancient China. It's a fun and easy craft for the whole family — just buy some [joss paper sheets](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F1QBWVP?tag=womansday_auto-append-20) and check out a [joss paper ingot folding tutorial](https://www.chineseamericanfamily.com/how-to-fold-joss-paper-ingots/) online to get started.
## 2\. Make floating lanterns
Ivan//Getty Images
It's a tradition to float paper lanterns down a river as a way to lead spirits home during the Hungry Ghost Festival. To make your own, you'll need string, coated paper plates, and tissue paper, as well as a [paper lantern tutorial](https://www.chineseamericanfamily.com/how-to-make-a-floating-lotus-flower-paper-lantern/) to show you how it's done.
## 3\. Create butterfly puppets
Orientfootage//Getty Images
According to legend, insects like butterflies, moths, and grasshoppers are believed to be the spirits of ancestors returning for a visit. Pay tribute to these gentle creatures by having your kids create [butterfly puppets](https://www.madewithhappy.com/butterfly-craft-for-kids/) using craft paper and Popsicle sticks.
## 4\. Hang orange decorations.
Constantine Johnny//Getty Images
In Chinese culture, oranges symbolize good luck and wealth and they're often part of the offerings during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Spruce up your home for the holiday by hanging DIY [citrus fruit decorations](https://buggyandbuddy.com/hanging-citrus-fruit-craft-based-book-orange-january/) made from paper and yarn.
## 5\. Cook up some sticky rice dumplings.
Long Tram//Getty Images
[Teochew png kueh](https://www.wokandkin.com/teochew-png-kueh/), savory dumplings filled with stir-fried rice, peanuts, garlic, shallots, and more, are often associated with Hungry Ghost festivities. Traditionally dyed in an auspicious pink hue, these dumplings symbolize good fortune and can be presented as offerings to ancestors.
## 6\. Attend community celebrations and performances.
PHILIP FONG//Getty Images
Communities will typically stage operas and other types of performances throughout Ghost Month. Just make sure to leave the front row empty, as that row is typically reserved for spirits.
## 7\. Enjoy a family dinner together.
Robertus Pudyanto//Getty Images
Like many traditional Chinese holidays, the Hungry Ghost festivities may include a family dinner. However, unlike other holidays, the focus is less on the symbolism of the food and more about feeding ancestors. Simply enjoying a family meal is a great way to pay tribute (just make sure you set an extra place or two at the table for the departed).
## 8\. Perform an appeasement ceremony.
SOPA Images//Getty Images
It's tradition to set up a makeshift altar outdoors in order to display offerings for passing ghosts. In addition to joss paper, joss sticks, and incense, offerings can include uncooked rice, peanuts, candies, raw noodles, fruit, and even bags of salt and sugar. Small cups of tea and rice wine are also appreciated.
## What to avoid during Ghost Month
While the holiday revolves around many customs designed to display filial piety, there are also activities and practices that are considered taboo, as a way to show respect to the spirits and avoid attracting negative energy. Traditionally, some of the most common Hungry Ghost Festival taboos include:
- Swimming in rivers or going near bodies of water
- Holding weddings or other large parties that involve loud music
- Taking photographs or recording videos at night
- Moving into or buying a new home
- Disturbing or stepping on offerings
- Hanging clothes outside at night
- Watching scary movies
While some take these Ghost Month don'ts to heart, "the young generation in Chinese society no longer takes it seriously," according to Hsiung-Blodgett. Similarly, adherence may vary among different regions. If you are in doubt or wish to observe local customs, it's best to consult with local communities or seek guidance from those familiar with the traditions of the specific region.
[Corinne Sullivan](https://www.womansday.com/author/222761/corinne-sullivan/)
Editor
[Corinne Sullivan](https://www.corinnesullivanbooks.com/) is an Editor at *Cosmopolitan*, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your \$\$\$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel [*Indecent*](https://www.amazon.com/Indecent-Novel-Corinne-Sullivan/dp/1250147085/). Follow her on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/corinnzo/?hl=en) for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
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| Readable Markdown | ## Jump to:
- [When is the Hungry Ghost Festival in 2024?](https://www.womansday.com/life/a40379279/hungry-ghost-festival-celebrations/#when-is-the-hungry-ghost-festival-in-2024)
- [What is the meaning behind the Hungry Ghost Festival?](https://www.womansday.com/life/a40379279/hungry-ghost-festival-celebrations/#what-is-the-meaning-behind-the-hungry-ghost-festival)
- [How to celebrate Ghost Month](https://www.womansday.com/life/a40379279/hungry-ghost-festival-celebrations/#how-to-celebrate-ghost-month)
- [What to avoid during Ghost Month](https://www.womansday.com/life/a40379279/hungry-ghost-festival-celebrations/#what-to-avoid-during-ghost-month)
As summer winds down and autumn approaches, there are plenty of holidays to look forward to. But long before [Halloween](https://www.womansday.com/life/g1908/cheap-and-easy-ways-to-celebrate-halloween/) and [Thanksgiving](https://www.womansday.com/life/g23705728/best-thanksgiving-prayer/) celebrations happen, there's the **Hungry Ghost Festival**. The annual festival, which is observed by Chinese communities around the world, bears some similarities to Mexico's
[DĂa de los Muertos](https://www.womansday.com/life/a33545700/dia-de-los-muertos-traditions/)
, or Day of the Dead.
According to traditional beliefs, the Hungry Ghost Festival is a time when spirits can return from the afterlife and walk among the living for an entire month. Families honor the spirits of their ancestors and show them respect by making offerings to ensure their well-being in the afterlife. During this period, there are also certain activities that people will refrain from in order to avoid attracting negative spiritual energy.
The Hungry Ghost Festival, which has roots in [Buddhism](https://www.womansday.com/life/a40059488/what-is-asalha-puja-meaning/) and Taoism (also spelled Daoism) reflects important cultural values, such as community solidarity and showing respect to family members even after death. This event— which is also known as Zhongyuan Festival in Taoism and Yulanpen Festival in
[Buddhism](https://www.womansday.com/life/a39501588/buddha-quotes/)
— takes place during the seventh month of the lunar year.
Keep reading to find out more about when the Hungry Ghost Festival happens in 2024, the history behind the event, and how you can celebrate it this year.
## When is the Hungry Ghost Festival in 2024?
According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the entire seventh month of the year is known as "Ghost Month." In 2024, according to the Gregorian calendar, that means Ghost Month will start around **August 4** and end around **September 3**.
The Hungry Ghost Festival, or "Ghost Day," is always celebrated on the 15th night of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. That means, in 2024, the date of Ghost Day is **Sunday, August 18**.
## What is the meaning behind the Hungry Ghost Festival?
Ghost Month is an annual event celebrated primarily by Chinese communities in Asian countries including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, and Indonesia. It holds significant cultural and religious importance, and typically falls in July, August or September.
According to traditional beliefs, during this month, the gates of the afterlife are opened and the spirits of ancestors return to walk amongst the living. These wandering spirits are referred to as "hungry ghosts," since they're believed to be restless and in need of appeasement. The festival aims to honor and respect these spirits through various rituals, performances and offerings. "The Ghost Festival popular in Asian traditions is a unique way of answering our questions about death through reconnecting with the dead and their past," says [Dr. Jiang Wu](https://eas.arizona.edu/people/jiangwu), an East Asian Studies professor at the University of Arizona.
One significant aspect of the festival is the practice of offering food and material possessions, like money, to the spirits. It is believed that these offerings provide comfort and sustenance to the hungry ghosts, ensuring their well-being and preventing them from causing mischief or misfortune. The festival also sees communities engage in vibrant cultural festivities and rituals dedicated to honoring one's lineage and preserving family traditions. "These rituals and ceremonies are often facilitated by Buddhist monks or Daoist priests to release the 'ghosts' of their ancestors from the suffering in hells and feed them with the symbolic food of compassion," Dr. Wu explains.
## How to celebrate Ghost Month
Hungry Ghost Festival celebrations and ceremonies vary from region to region. However, there are some common practices across communities. For example, on Ghost Day, "tablets of the diseased ancestors and relatives must be displayed, and rituals of venerations must be performed," according to Dr. Wu. Likewise, popular ritual operas, such as the [Buddhist legend of Mulian](https://www.jstor.org/stable/26533686) rescuing his mother from Hell, are often staged.
As night falls, it's also customary to burn paper money commonly known as joss paper, along with other paper offerings for the deceased. "Paper lanterns will also be released in rivers and lakes during the night to guide the spirit of their ancestors to return to home," Dr. Wu explains. "However, the general atmosphere today is not spooky or horrifying. Rather, it has gradually evolved into a celebration of family continuity and community solidarity."
Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett, founder of [Miss Panda Chinese](https://www.misspandachinese.com/) and author of *[First Mandarin Sounds](https://www.amazon.com/First-Mandarin-Sounds-Awesome-Chinese/dp/1734749652?tag=womansday_auto-append-20)*, echoes this sentiment, adding, "In Chinese culture, Ghost Month is a cultural event — it's about paying respect to deceased family members and the deceased with no families. The festival centers around showing respect, instead of being solely perceived as a celebration, as some may think outside of the Chinese community."
Consider the following meaningful ways to pay homage to your family and ancestors during the Hungry Ghost Festival:
## 1\. Fold joss paper ingots
simonlong//Getty Images
In addition to burning paper money, it’s common practice to fold joss paper sheets into the shape of gold ingots, a.k.a. gold bars, which were used as currency in ancient China. It's a fun and easy craft for the whole family — just buy some [joss paper sheets](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F1QBWVP?tag=womansday_auto-append-20) and check out a [joss paper ingot folding tutorial](https://www.chineseamericanfamily.com/how-to-fold-joss-paper-ingots/) online to get started.
## 2\. Make floating lanterns
Ivan//Getty Images
It's a tradition to float paper lanterns down a river as a way to lead spirits home during the Hungry Ghost Festival. To make your own, you'll need string, coated paper plates, and tissue paper, as well as a [paper lantern tutorial](https://www.chineseamericanfamily.com/how-to-make-a-floating-lotus-flower-paper-lantern/) to show you how it's done.
## 3\. Create butterfly puppets
Orientfootage//Getty Images
According to legend, insects like butterflies, moths, and grasshoppers are believed to be the spirits of ancestors returning for a visit. Pay tribute to these gentle creatures by having your kids create [butterfly puppets](https://www.madewithhappy.com/butterfly-craft-for-kids/) using craft paper and Popsicle sticks.
## 4\. Hang orange decorations.
Constantine Johnny//Getty Images
In Chinese culture, oranges symbolize good luck and wealth and they're often part of the offerings during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Spruce up your home for the holiday by hanging DIY [citrus fruit decorations](https://buggyandbuddy.com/hanging-citrus-fruit-craft-based-book-orange-january/) made from paper and yarn.
## 5\. Cook up some sticky rice dumplings.
Long Tram//Getty Images
[Teochew png kueh](https://www.wokandkin.com/teochew-png-kueh/), savory dumplings filled with stir-fried rice, peanuts, garlic, shallots, and more, are often associated with Hungry Ghost festivities. Traditionally dyed in an auspicious pink hue, these dumplings symbolize good fortune and can be presented as offerings to ancestors.
## 6\. Attend community celebrations and performances.
PHILIP FONG//Getty Images
Communities will typically stage operas and other types of performances throughout Ghost Month. Just make sure to leave the front row empty, as that row is typically reserved for spirits.
## 7\. Enjoy a family dinner together.
Robertus Pudyanto//Getty Images
Like many traditional Chinese holidays, the Hungry Ghost festivities may include a family dinner. However, unlike other holidays, the focus is less on the symbolism of the food and more about feeding ancestors. Simply enjoying a family meal is a great way to pay tribute (just make sure you set an extra place or two at the table for the departed).
## 8\. Perform an appeasement ceremony.
SOPA Images//Getty Images
It's tradition to set up a makeshift altar outdoors in order to display offerings for passing ghosts. In addition to joss paper, joss sticks, and incense, offerings can include uncooked rice, peanuts, candies, raw noodles, fruit, and even bags of salt and sugar. Small cups of tea and rice wine are also appreciated.
## What to avoid during Ghost Month
While the holiday revolves around many customs designed to display filial piety, there are also activities and practices that are considered taboo, as a way to show respect to the spirits and avoid attracting negative energy. Traditionally, some of the most common Hungry Ghost Festival taboos include:
- Swimming in rivers or going near bodies of water
- Holding weddings or other large parties that involve loud music
- Taking photographs or recording videos at night
- Moving into or buying a new home
- Disturbing or stepping on offerings
- Hanging clothes outside at night
- Watching scary movies
While some take these Ghost Month don'ts to heart, "the young generation in Chinese society no longer takes it seriously," according to Hsiung-Blodgett. Similarly, adherence may vary among different regions. If you are in doubt or wish to observe local customs, it's best to consult with local communities or seek guidance from those familiar with the traditions of the specific region.
[Corinne Sullivan](https://www.corinnesullivanbooks.com/) is an Editor at *Cosmopolitan*, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your \$\$\$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel [*Indecent*](https://www.amazon.com/Indecent-Novel-Corinne-Sullivan/dp/1250147085/). Follow her on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/corinnzo/?hl=en) for cute pics of her pup and bébé. |
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