This year's Chinese Ghost Festival, spiritual enthusiasts must not miss the secret of "dried squid" an offering believed to boost career luck and secure promotions, along with tips on how to choose it correctly according to traditional beliefs.
The Chinese Ghost Festival is one of the important festivals where Thai people of Chinese descent show gratitude to their ancestors by preparing offerings. Each item carries auspicious meanings, and one essential dried item widely favored is "dried squid." Especially among working adults who believe this is an offering symbolizing "promotion."
The selection of offerings in Chinese tradition often relies on homophones and symbolic meanings. Dried squid (especially large elbow squid) is considered a premium offering symbolizing abundance. Moreover, the squid’s appearance, with many tentacles, represents gathering wealth, fortune, and opportunities into one’s life.
From the perspective of spiritual beliefs, dried squid is linked to progress and advancement in one’s career as follows:
To make the ancestral offering perfect, choosing the right dried squid is important. Here’s how to select it:
Natural Color Select squid with a light yellowish translucent color—not too pale or too dark yellow (a dark color may indicate old squid).
Observe White Residue White residue on the squid’s body is salt crystals from seawater (called squid bloom), which is normal, but it should not appear as thick powdery dust that might be mold.
Completeness of the Squid Choose whole squids with all tentacles intact to convey complete auspicious meaning.
Smell It should have a pleasant dried seafood aroma without any rancid or ammonia odors.
Before placing dried squid on the offering tray, clean and arrange it neatly. Some families grill it slightly to bring out fragrance before offering, as a mark of utmost respect to ancestors.
The Use of "Dried Squid" in the Chinese Ghost Festival is not only about continuing ancestral food traditions but also carries a message of encouragement and strategy for descendants' work life. Nevertheless, success and promotion come from dedication and sincere effort alongside auspicious beliefs.