'Ghost Month' 2017 begins: Some do's and don'ts

Asians observe the "Ghost Month" starting today, August 22, which could be threatened with earthquakes, landslides or even war based on Chinese astrology.

"The month of August falls under the Earth element this year. So it's possible that we will experience earthquakes or landslides during the Ghost Month," said feng shui master Hanz Cua, during an exclusive interview in Mandaluyong City.

Cua said that the annual ancient practice is observed on the 15th day of the 7th lunar calendar. This year, the "Ghost Month" will wind up on September 19. Its peak will be on Sept. 5. "People this month are also cranky or ill-tempered. War is possible in other nations."

* Hell's Gate

It is believed that during Ghost Month, the hell's officer opens the gate of inferno and allows the hungry ghosts to roam the earth and seek entertainment.

Because these ghosts want to increase in number, it is believed that they sow terror through accidents which could lead to deaths.

"Hungry ghosts are spirits who have unfinished businesses. They have not gone to heaven and they roam on Earth," said Cua, who is regularly seen on the morning program "Umagang Kay Ganda" on ABS-CBN.

Asked if if these events were mere coincidence or misfortune, Cua said: "Whatever the case, it only reminds us that we should always remember our departed loved ones. Just say prayers for them."

Some of the unforgettable events in history happened during ghost month include the 9/11 Twin Towers attack in the United States (Sept. 11, 2001), the death of Lady Diana of Wales (Aug. 31, 1997), death of King of Rock 'N Roll Elvis Presley (Aug. 16, 1977), tragedies in Payatas, Quezon City (July 10, 2000), and Cherry Hills Subdivision in Antipolo (Aug. 3, 1999), hostage crisis in Luneta (Aug. 23, 2010), 7.7 earthquake in the Philippines (July 16, 1990), floating Pagoda tragedy in Bocaue, Bulacan (July 2, 1993), and typhoon Ondoy (Sept. 23, 2009).

* Rituals

"During Ghost Month, let's offer food for these spirits. Let's give them pork, chicken, rice, beer and red candles.

"We should place these offerings near the window or door so that these hungry ghosts will not enter our home anymore," said Cua.

Other practices include:

1) Wear red so that the hungry spirits will not approach you.

2) Place a cup of rock salt or garlic near your doors and windows.

3) Play mantra songs for the spirits which you can be downloaded on Google apps. "Make some noise so that the hungry spirits will not stay in your home. Play it for few hours."

4) Burn paper money which can be bought in Chinese stores so that these ghosts will be happy.

5) Don't open new business because it will not be successful or start with a new work.

6) Avoid travelling to far places. "If you cannot avoid it, bring a piece of red cloth or a sachet of rock salt to avoid misfortunes."

7) Avoid courting so that you will not be rejected or avoid saying yes to a suitor. Avoid going to motels.

8) Avoid major surgery, wedding, moving in to new house, renovations, and buying new car or appliances. "But it you start construction before the Ghost Month, then it is allowed."

9) Avoid whistling which attracts ghosts or hanging clothes on clotheslines. "These hungry ghosts have no clothes so chances are they might take these clothes. Use a dryer instead."

10) Avoid spreading rumors, transactions, risky sports or contact sports. - ROBERT REQUINTINA