It’s thought-about the scariest interval of the yr. Nope, we’re not speaking about Halloween or All Souls’ Day.
We’re one week into Ghost Month and whereas it isn’t typically thought-about a serious occasion right here within the Philippines, many Filipinos couldn’t assist however be cautious simply the identical. Who isn’t nervous of the implications in case we upset misplaced, wandering spirits that we would encounter throughout this era? (Though, truthfully, being ghosted is likely to be extra worrying for some.)
In accordance with Chinese language custom, Ghost Month is the interval when souls are given a “one-month parole” to roam among the many dwelling. A significant Taoist and Buddhist celebration, it falls on the seventh month of the lunar calendar (that’s from July 29 till Aug. 29 this yr). Its peak is on the fifteenth day (that’s on Aug. 12) when all of the ghosts have lastly made their manner out.
Apart from China, different nations that observe Ghost Month Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan and India. What makes Ghost Month totally different from different festivals that honor the useless is that it additionally pays respect to homeless spirits, or those that are with out household.
Higher secure than sorry, because the English proverb says. Listed below are some simple tips about find out how to placate our “good brothers” and “good sisters”—a greater, extra respectful option to name them, as an alternative of “ghosts”—whereas drawing constructive power and attracting good luck to our dwelling areas.

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Lamps
It’s stated that spirits are likely to lie in wait in gloomy and infrequently used corners of a house. Mild brings constructive power to an area. Feng shui consultants advocate retaining dwelling areas, together with hallways and corners, brightly lit so that you could be counter the adverse power that hungry ghosts carry.
If a nook or a hallway has no lighting fixture put in, right here’s your likelihood to place these ornamental flooring or desk lamps you proudly purchased out of your flea market journeys to good use. See to it although that you simply’re utilizing power environment friendly LED bulbs. There’s nothing extra constructive than selecting to be earth-friendly and economical.

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Salt
Sprinkle some rock salt in your doorstep, window sills and corners of the home, particularly hidden ones. Salt is believed to counter dangerous power so a splash of salt in these locations in your house is alleged to dispel negativity.

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Joyful colours
With regards to choosing colours in your curtains, sheets and pillowcases, go for vivid, cheerful. Yellows, oranges, pinks and pastel colours encourage constructive power and provides areas an uplifting temper.
Keep away from black, white and crimson in the intervening time—black as a result of it’s typically a ghost’s favourite colour, white as a result of it’s historically worn at funerals, and crimson as a result of it’s stated to fire up sturdy feelings in spirits.

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Incense
The important thing, in line with feng shui consultants, is to appease wandering souls and hungry ghosts in order that they gained’t trigger us any bother which can end in dangerous luck. Make choices of incense sticks by lighting these up as spirits are believed to feed on its candy scent, making them really feel that we’re not antagonizing them.

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Maintain your areas clear
It’s typically stated {that a} clear place makes a cheerful area. Maintain your house tidy to permit chi or constructive power to freely circulation by means of it thus defending us, its occupants. Litter, grime and mud are thought-about adverse components so these hinder constructive power to do its job.
Feng shui consultants additionally recommend taking part in upbeat and stress-free tunes as completely satisfied music retains undesirable spirits away. You probably have a water fountain at house, maintain it on as effectively. The sound of trickling water is soothing and a wealth enhancer, too.
Sources: Inquirer Archives, Eresources.nlb.gov.sg, Oftaiwan.org, Maritessallen.com
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