Ghost Month

The seventh month of the lunar calendar is traditionally the Month of Ghosts.
It is believed that the Gates of Hell open on the first day, and ghosts (also referred to as 好兄弟, or the 'good brothers') of all shapes and sizes are able to leave hell and enter the world of the living. For one month, they are able to roam the earth freely, do as they wish, and go as they will. Because the festival falls at the middle of the year, it is also called Mid-summer Festival 中元祭.

The city of Keelung 基隆 (or 雞籠, 'Bird Cage'), one hour north of Taipei, is THE place to be for the Ghost Festival. Keelung Ghost Festival http://my.so-net.net.tw/kl88/. Festivities begin at midnight, at the "Old VenerableTemple 老大公廟, where a symbolic metal gate (龕門 Kain-man, lower level gate; or Gate of Hell) is opened with a key by the ceremonial master. Lanterns around each and every temple around Taiwan are lit at night. With the little beams of light in the dark, hungry and lonely ghosts are able to find their ways to places of congregation and find shelter. Around ports and harbours, 'water lanterns' are releashed to guide drowned souls to dry land, and to safety.

And because of this, people have historically been wary of this month. Birth rates dramatically decline, as couples try to avoid giving birth in this 'bad' month. People try to avoid making long trip if not necessary. Wedding planners slash their prizes by more than half, in order to attract business, since traditionally getting married in the seventh month is a bad omen. Elaborate worship festivals are organised on the first, fifteenth and last day of the month. Every temple big and small, and every household would lay table-fuls of dishes, fruits, snacks, drinks, spirits and rice in front of their doors. Incense sticks and cigarettes and paper money are burnt. Even papers models of houses, Mercedes Benzs, branded clothes, credit cards, and everything one can think of that is necessary in everyday life are burnt. All these ceremonies are performed in the hope that once the ghosts have eaten, smoked, drunken, played, and been given money (paper money) they will leave the household in peace. Whether this is true or not, one thing is sure: this month is always good for business!

The mentioning of ghosts is able to scare anyone, even thouse who do not believe. Watch TV late at night, and various channels are filled with programmes about the supernatural and 'unexplained'. Video recordings, voice tapes, unexplained phenomenon, and actual sightings of ghosts... just watching those programmes will really send shivers up your spines. Especially near places where many deadly accidents have occured sightings and encounters often take place. Buddhist and doaist masters were on the scene to verify the stories, and give further explaination.

When China Airlines mysteriously disintegrated in mid-air a few years ago off the coast of Penghu archipelago, relatives received voice messages from loved ones seven days after the disaster. It is believed that the dead usually return seven days after death to bid farewell to loved ones. The messages were broadcast live on TV, and consisted of weak weeping voices begging for mercy. In one recording, the deceased repeatedly said how cold it was, and in the background watery sounds could be heard... Or, about ten years ago, a night cruise on the Sun-Moon Lake resort during the Ghost Month turned into a tragedy as the boat capsized. In total around 60 lives were lost. Despite the natural beauty, the lake is a 'favourite' spot to commit suicide, and as a result many 'innocent souls' are said to be roaming beneath the water. Here, it is said that when ones dies innocently, the ghost will stay at the scene and try to find another soul to 'take its place'. The so-called 'substitute ghost' 替代鬼. Before the boat actually overturned, the captain felt violent shaking, even though the night was clear and no tremors were recorded. One eyewitness on shore who had the ability to see 'the other world' reportedly saw dozens upon dozens of hands lift the boat from underneath.....

Believe it or not, up to you...but as they say here,

平時不做虧心是
半夜不怕鬼敲門
If (you) normally do not do things that makes the heart feel guilt,
(you) Are not afraid of the ghost knocking on the door at midnight.