The “ghost day” falls on Sept. 2.
Another lesser-known origin of Ghost Month is the legend about the Dragon King, which took place during the Tang Dynasty The Dragon King was said to be angry at a famous fortune teller named Liang Feng, who claimed that no one could prove his predictions wrong. The Dragon King tried to sabotage Liang Feng, but his plan was exposed and he was sentenced to death. He sought the help of Emperor Tang Taizong, but the latter’s promise to help was never fulfilled.
In some Asian countries including in the Philippines, many Chinese observe this month by offering rice, meat, fruits, incense sticks and candles to the dead while others burn paper money and put up entertainment to satisfy the spirits and wandering souls. Some say that making the ghosts happy can bring good fortune.
During this month, many Chinese avoid important endeavors and big decisions such as business transactions and marriages as it is believed that the ghosts would put up stumbling blocks. Other believers refrain from cutting their hair, shaving, hanging clothes outside the house at nighttime, visiting the hospital or attending funerals. Going out at night, swimming and leaning on walls are also considered taboos.
Keeping away from risks is probably the general attitude during the Ghost Month but having items such as an amulet of Chung Kwei, the deity dubbed as the ghost catcher in Chinese mythology, an elliptical coin and a figurine of Kwan Kung, known to protect homes from thieves and evil spirits can help ward off negative energy.