The Hungry Ghost Festival: Origins, Dos & Don’ts, Taboos & More

Dating back over 2,000 years, we’re digging into the origins of the Hungry Ghost Festival, and the dos and don’ts you should be wary of…

The Hungry Ghost Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated in many communities around the world. In Hong Kong, it’s an especially exciting time to take part in one of the city’s oldest traditions. If you’ve been spotting joss paper burning, opera performances and food offerings, Hong Kong folks are paying homage to their deceased ancestors. If you and your family want to get involved and do your part for some good luck, make sure to leave some offerings of oranges and tea on your sidewalk for those hungry ghosts and read on for the festival’s origins, taboos and more.

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The Origins Of The Hungry Ghost Festival

In the seventh month of the lunar calendar (Ghost Month), the Chinese believe hungry ghosts and wandering spirits roam the earth, particularly on the 15th day (Ghost Day). Linked to ancestor worship, citizens have been known to burn fake money and elaborate paper versions of material goods, such as cellphones and even purses, so the departed can use them in the afterlife. On the eve of Ghost Day, many families will get together and prepare a large feast for the hungry ghosts, in order to be left in peace. Some may also go to the temple and bring offerings, often their ancestors’ favourite foods.

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When Is The Hungry Ghost Festival 2025 & Things To Do In Hong Kong

Ghost Month runs from Saturday, 23 August to Sunday, 21 September this year, with the main Ghost Day on Saturday, 6th September 2025. Worshippers can be seen holding rituals and ceremonies to pay tribute to spirits – be respectful when observing worshippers.

You can also take the kids to see the Yu Lan Cultural Festival 2025 at the Moreton Terrace Temporary Playground from Friday, September 12 to  Sunday, 14 September 2025 – previously held across the street at Victoria Park.

Read More: Sassy Mama’s Guide To Festivities Around The Globe

Hungry Ghost Festival Dos & Don’ts

There are a handful of taboos and beliefs about the Hungry Ghost Festival, and to stay on the safe side, below are things to avoid during this ghostly month!

• Don’t swim in open waters (the beach day will have to wait!)
• If you have an all-black wardrobe, switch things up! Black and red are believed to attract spirits!
• Avoid whistling or singing at night — the noise might disturb the spirits or attract roaming spiritis
• Don’t make major life decisions like starting a new job, moving to a new house or get married during this month, as it’s believed to be an inauspicious time

• Don’t dry your laundry outside overnight
• Steer away from the last bus or train home, the empty seats are believed to be occupied by spirits!
• Avoid taking photos at night or in the mirror (we’ve watched enough horror movies for this!)
• Don’t sleep facing the mirror or anything reflective
• Tapping or looking over  your shoulder — we all have invisible flames on each shoulder that protect us
• Don’t let the little ones pick up money off the streets! (The money may be meant as an offering to underworld guards!)

In this Ghost Month, why don’t you prove to your friends that you’re not one of the Ghost People (gweilo) and are now well and truly a Hongkonger at heart?!

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