Do's & Dont's during the Hungry Ghost Festival
Charles and Raymond Goh of the Asia Paranormal Investigators dispense some advice on what to do-or not-during the Hungry Ghost Festival.
• Do not go near any bodies of water during this period. Water ghosts or shui gui, ghosts of people who died by drowning, are believed to haunt them.
• Don't stay out too late at night, and avoid cemeteries, dark places and alleys (just like mom always said).
• Don't commit bad or evil deeds, or swear, as the ghosts may take revenge.
They can see everything you do. Everything.
• Be respectful of the offerings around you, by not stepping on the incense.
• Most importantly, it is advised that you go home early on the last day of the Hungry Ghost Festival, as some ghosts may not want to return to hell and will look for substitute bodies to replace their tormented souls in hell, so they can reincarnate. We say anything that gets us out of the office early is worth believing in.