What Cant Be Done During Ghost Month? Comparing 5 Traditional Taboos in Thai and Chinese Cultures Not to Be Disrespected

Opening the belief Ghost Month Comparing 5 ancient taboos in Thai and Chinese cultures: Which is stricter and more eerie? Exploring the origins of these beliefs that young people should know for peace of mind and respect.

Opening the belief: the "Ghost Month"

When the calendar reaches the 7th month according to Chinese tradition, or the Chinese Ghost Festival, and the 10th month according to Thai tradition during the Sat Thai Festival, both cultures share the belief that this is "Ghost Month" a time when the gates of hell open to allow spirits to return to the human world. This inherited belief has created norms and taboos to help people live cautiously.

5 Ghost Month Taboos: Thailand VS China

1. Making noise at night

• Chinese belief Whistling or singing at night is forbidden as it is believed to call wandering spirits.
• Thai belief Responding to someone calling your name late at night is prohibited unless certain who is calling, as it may invite spirits into the home.

2. Eating precautions

• Chinese belief Do not stick chopsticks upright in the rice bowl, as it resembles incense sticks used to honor the dead; spirits may think they are being called to eat.
• Thai belief Do not tap the rice bowl during meals, as it is considered an invitation to hungry wandering spirits to join the meal.

3. Washing and drying clothes at night

• Chinese and Thai beliefs Both cultures believe that cold spirits may hide or try on clothes left out overnight.

4. Swimming in natural water bodies

• Chinese belief Swimming during Ghost Month is strictly forbidden, as water spirits are believed to pull legs to find a substitute soul to take away.
• Thai belief Ancient warnings advise against swimming in canals at night due to dangers and malevolent spirits.

5. Picking up items dropped on the ground

• Chinese belief Do not pick up coins or items from the street, as they may be ghost money or offerings.
• Thai belief Do not bring unfamiliar items into the home, as they may be enchanted or carry spirits.

Though Chinese taboos appear stricter and clearly tied to the festival period, Thai taboos are more eerie and integrated into daily life. Folklorists say these taboos are "wise strategies" from ancestors aiming to warn people to be cautious of accidents in times before electric lighting.