Ghost Month 2019: Do's & Dont's (If you believe)

Just a few more days until July ends and we're pretty sure you've heard some people say "ghost month na naman" --- No. We are not talking about the recent Gerald-Ghosting-Bea issue.

Just so we are clear.  We are pertaining to the famous Ghost Month season which happens every August. This year, from August 1 - August 29.

Ghost Month --- another one of those traditions that came from China and most Filipino business men believe.  It is believed that during this period we are to refrain from making drastic decisions, getting into relationships and putting a halt to any kind of business dealings.  

Why? Basically, history says that it's the month where (Chinese) people are supposed to be doing sacrifice and offerings to the (evil) ghosts that roam earth so they wouldn't meddle with the lives of the living and eventually continue on to the other side.  Nowadays though, for obvious reasons, no ancient sacrifices are performed.  Frugality however is now encouraged, thus the belief of not getting into any business dealings during the season.

The Do's & Don'ts

1. Avoid starting anything new.  The belief is that you might offend a ghost if you start something new.  Say you put up a business, it may be finished and ready to operate however, ROI may not happen as planned as ghosts you may have offended will curse your business.
2. Don't undergo any surgery.  Healing process would be slower than normal.
3. Make Offerings.  What many don't know is that Ghost Month actually came from a "Ghost Festival" that was meant to make the ghosts happy, not harm the living and bless them.   Make offerings as you would during All Souls Day.
   
4. Avoid wearing black or any other dark color. Spirits are attracted to dark colors.  Wear bright colors to balance of the dark energy. 
   
5. Children and elderly should not stay out late. They are more vulnerable to susceptible to spirits following them back.
6. Avoind going on long trips.  August may not be the best time for you to take a vacation.  During this month, accidents are more likely to happen.
   
7. Do not plan big events.  It's best not to plan anything momentous like a wedding during this season as it might attract bad luck.
   

If you are a believer, the list of what to do and not to do are probably endless.  We could go on and on from the simplest things to the most outrageous ones, but I believe the ghost month teaches us a lesson that should not only be practiced during this time, but in our everyday life --- Any decision making in life could be a make it or break it situation. Think before you act.