What not to do...

During ghost month, there are a few things one should not do, to ensure a safe and 'encounter-free' period:

- minimise travel at night, as ghosts usually are most active in the dark of the night. Those who travel in the mountain areas should beware of ' hitch-hikers'... stories are abound of drivers who drive alone at night, but feel as if their car/bus is carrying much more than can be seen with the naked eye....
- try to avoid swimming in the sea, especially around places were many have drowned. Be aware of 'drowned ghosts' who may drag you down as a 'substitute'...
- if not necessary, don't mention the word 'ghost'. Good replacements are the 'good brothers' 好兄弟 (in a society based on sexual equality , I use the term 'good brothers AND sisters' 好兄弟姊妹). Especially at night, it is not recommended to shout 'ghost', for fear of attracting their attention...
- try not to feel too down and depressed. Ghosts look for those with weak qi4 (energies, aura) to enter their bodies and posess them...
- don't open umbrellas at night, as they are like 'satelites' which can capture unholy spirits...
- don't use a mirror outside at night...you may see something you won't like...
- don't hang clothes to dry after sunset, as bad spirits may 'contaminate' the clothes and enter the person wearing them
- when 'nature calls', and you are stuck somewhere without public coveniences, also say 'excuse me' before 'going'...to urinate or defacate on a lone ghost or hidden grave is a grave and deadly offence...
-when sleeping in an unfamiliar place, such as hotel or room you've never been, also excuse yourself for disturbing the 'inhabitants' before entering the room...

DO get yourself blessed by visiting a temple, and offering some sacrifices like foods, drinks and/or paper money.
DO wear an emulet with a god/deity on it, or something that has been blessed in a temple/shrine.
DO be careful, and don't do anything that is bad or attracts bad karma.