Ghost Month: Where did it come from, and should you really be afraid?

Despite the name, Ghost Month is not the same as Halloween.

According to Kuya Kim, Ghost Month is a traditional cultural and spiritual observance rooted in the Chinese lunar calendar and has long been observed by some Chinese communities.

Per Chinese beliefs, spirits are said to return to the world of the living during this period. In some Buddhist traditions, people offer fruits while praying as part of practices believed to help ease the suffering of the deceased.

Why is it called ‘Ghost Month’?

Ghost Month is traditionally observed during the seventh month of the lunar calendar. Its peak falls on the 15th day, known as Ghost Day.

There are also explanations about how the term “Ghost Month” came about.

According to some accounts, “Precious Month” was supposedly the original term. The Mandarin Chinese words for “Precious Month” and “Ghost Month” are said to sound similar, although they differ in tone.

Over time, “Ghost Month” became the more widely recognized term.

In 2026, Ghost Month began on August 13 and will end on September 10.

Its timing this year has also drawn attention because it coincides with what is known as the eclipse season. However, Ghost Month and eclipses have no direct connection.

Ghost Month is part of a Chinese cultural and spiritual tradition, while an eclipse is an astronomical event that occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align.

So while their timing happens to overlap this year, it does not mean there is a doubled negative or unlucky effect.

Why do some people avoid certain activities during Ghost Month?

For those who follow the tradition, Ghost Month is considered a period when people should be more cautious about major decisions.

According to some feng shui experts, activities commonly avoided during this period include:

• starting a new business
• moving into a new home
• getting married
• signing important contracts
• making major purchases or investments
• staying out late or engaging in noisy activities at night
• certain types of travel

These beliefs, however, vary among individuals and families and depend on the traditions they follow.

Should you really be afraid?

There is no need to be afraid or automatically put plans on hold simply because it is Ghost Month.

For those who observe the tradition, it can serve as a reminder to be more careful and mindful, particularly when making major decisions.

It is also important to be discerning about information shared online, as not every piece of advice or practice associated with Ghost Month is necessarily part of the tradition or something everyone needs to follow.

At its heart, Ghost Month is also a time for those who observe it to pay respect to and remember the deceased. —JCB, GMA News