Key Takeaways
- The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as the 7th Month, is considered the most inauspicious month of the year in Buddhist and Taoist beliefs.
- During the Hungry Ghost Month, the gates of hell will open, allowing ancestors and spirits to wander the human world in search of solace.
- People pay respects by making food offerings, praying, and burning joss paper, among other things.
- Many people also follow taboo practices such as avoiding going out at night, picking up money, moving house, or renovating their homes.
- The Hungry Ghost Month in 2026 falls from 13 August to 11 September.
The Hungry Ghost Festival, also commonly known as the 7th Month or Hungry Ghost Month, is one of the most inauspicious times of the year.
In Taoist and Buddhist beliefs, this is when the gates of the underworld open, allowing spirits to roam freely in the human world in search of solace.
While families honour their ancestors through prayers, offerings, and various other rituals, it’s also a time of great taboo. Many people avoid major life events such as weddings, moving house, home renovations, or property purchases, believing that they will attract bad luck.
So, if you’re curious about the festival or what to avoid during this time, this guide will explain what the Hungry Ghost Festival is, how it’s honoured, and some common taboos associated with the occasion.
What Is the Hungry Ghost Festival (7th Month)?
The Hungry Ghost Festival is a traditional Chinese festival that originated in China and is widely observed in countries with significant Chinese communities, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
According to Taoist and Buddhist beliefs, the Hungry Ghost Month falls on the seventh lunar month. This is when the gates of the underworld are opened, allowing spirits (including wandering souls and ancestors) to return to the human world.
As the name suggests, these spirits are believed to be “hungry” and are in need of offerings. To honour their ancestors and appease these wandering spirits, families prepare food offerings and burn joss paper as well as paper replicas of homes, cars, clothing, and other living necessities for the dead. It’s believed that these will be transferred to the spirit realm for the deceased to use.
In many countries, it’s also customary to hold getai performances and Chinese opera shows as entertainment for both the living and the spirits.
Because the festival falls on the seventh lunar month, many people simply refer to it as the Hungry Ghost Month.
When Does the 7th Month (Hungry Ghost Month) Start and End in 2026?
The 7th Month begins on 13 August 2026 and ends on 11 September 2026.
The key dates are:
- 13 August 2026: start of the Hungry Ghost Month, where the gates of the underworld open.
- 27 August 2026: main day of the Hungry Ghost Festival. Households and temples prepare offerings and prayers, and getai performances and Chinese opera shows are held.
- 11 September 2026: the end of the Ghost Month; it’s believed that the gates of the underworld close and the spirits return to where they belong.
How Do People Celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival?
Although customs differ among regions, the common practices include:
- Ancestor worship: families prepare meals, pray, burn incense, or visit temples to pay their respects to their ancestors.
- Public performances: getai concerts and Chinese opera shows are performed to entertain spirits. It’s also common practice to leave the front row seats empty, as these are specially reserved for visiting spirits.
- Burning of joss paper and other paper effigies: these include houses, cars, TVs, servants, and smartphones that are meant to provide ancestors with comforts in the afterlife.
- Special ceremonies: monks and priests perform rituals and prayers to ease the suffering of wandering spirits, so they don’t disturb the living.
Similar Festivals Around Asia
Although Hungry Ghost Month is most commonly associated with Chinese communities, similar festivals exist elsewhere:
- Japan celebrates Obon, where families welcome ancestral spirits through lantern festivals and dances.
- Vietnam observes Vu Lan, which focuses on filial piety and remembering deceased parents and ancestors.
While traditions differ, these festivals all share the common theme of honouring loved ones who have passed away.
Things That Are Considered Taboo During the Hungry Ghost Festival
In Chinese folklore, Taoist traditions, and local superstitions, it’s believed that performing the following attracts bad luck and should be avoided:
❌ Avoid moving into a new house or property viewings at night during the 7th month, as it’s believed that wandering spirits may follow you home.
❌ Avoid home renovation as the loud drilling, hammering, and construction work may disturb wandering spirits and bring misfortune.
❌ Avoid stepping on roadside offerings; if done accidentally, quietly apologise and walk away
❌ Avoid staying out late (especially young children and pregnant mothers).
❌ Avoid whistling at night as it’s said to attract ghosts.
❌ Avoid swimming, as it’s said that wandering spirits may be lurking in the water during the Hungry Ghost Month.
❌ Don’t respond if you hear someone calling your name late at night.
❌ Don’t pick up objects from the ground, including coins, money, or jewellery, as these may sometimes be offerings left for spirits.
Does the Hungry Ghost Festival Affect Singapore’s Property Market?
Many people believe that the Hungry Ghost Festival is an inauspicious time to buy property, sign sale and purchase agreements, move into a new home, or do renovation works. As a result, some home buyers deliberately postpone their property plans until after the Hungry Ghost Month is over.
Developers have also historically adjusted the timing of certain launches to avoid the 7th month period.
However, market data shows that the actual impact on Singapore’s property market is minimal. According to Stacked Homes, while transaction volumes are lower, their analysis found that houses sold during the Hungry Ghost months have delivered stronger capital gains than those sold outside the 7th month.
If you’re a buyer who’s not influenced by these traditional beliefs, the Hungry Ghost Festival may present a few advantages, such as greater room for negotiation with sellers who are willing to negotiate. You may also get better incentives from developers or property agents who offer promotions or discounts to encourage sales.
The Last Offering Before We Ghost Out
The Hungry Ghost Festival remains an important cultural and religious observance for many Chinese families in Singapore. It serves as a time to honour ancestors and remember loved ones.
On the other hand, it also comes with taboos: people avoid weddings, moving home, or buying a property to avoid attracting bad luck.
So while some continue to observe the various taboos surrounding Hungry Ghost Month, others regard them as cultural customs rather than strict rules.
Other Common FAQs About Hungry Ghost Month
Is Hungry Ghost Month real?
The Hungry Ghost Festival (or Hungry Ghost Month) is a traditional Chinese festival widely observed by many Taoists and Buddhists. It falls in the seventh month of the lunar calendar, and it’s believed that the gates of the underworld will open to allow spirits to temporarily roam the human realm.
It’s also a month of filial piety and honouring deceased ancestors, and the living will make offerings to appease their ancestors or “feed” wandering spirits.
Why is the Hungry Ghost Month called the 7th month?
It’s commonly referred to as the seventh month because it takes place during the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar.
Can I move house during the Hungry Ghost Month?
Moving house during the Hungry Ghost Month is considered inauspicious, as it is widely believed to bring bad luck and attract spirits. However, many homeowners may still choose to move during this period for practical reasons, such as tight renovation schedules.
That said, if observing these traditions gives you a better peace of mind, consider consulting a feng shui master to select an auspicious moving date or seek a spiritual leader to bless your home. You should also avoid moving at night.
Can I renovate my home during the Hungry Ghost Month?
While traditional beliefs suggest that the sound of hacking and drilling during renovation can distress spirits, it ultimately comes down to personal belief.
In fact, renovating your home during this period can actually be an advantage. Since some homeowners avoid renovating during this period, contractors often have more availability, which can lead to faster project completion!
Can I buy a house during the Hungry Ghost Month?
Yes, you can buy a house during the seventh month. Though it’s considered taboo by traditional beliefs, non-superstitious buyers may use this time to their advantage to negotiate better deals, secure promotions from developers, or view properties with fewer crowds.
Can I get married during Hungry Ghost Month?
Yes, you can get married during the Hungry Ghost Month as there are no legal or religious restrictions. However, most Chinese couples tend to avoid it because they believe it may bring bad luck.
Interestingly, because fewer couples schedule their weddings during this period, there is greater availability of wedding venues and vendors, and wedding packages may also be lower.
If you and your significant other are not particularly superstitious, getting married during the Hungry Ghost Month can be a practical way to save money while securing your ideal vendors or venue.
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