A COMMON MISCONCEPTION is that Ghost Month always begins on August 1 and lasts for 30 days. In reality, its timing shifts annually based on the Chinese lunar calendar.
This year, the seventh lunar month—traditionally regarded as the (Hungry) Ghost Month—begins on August 23 to September 21. According to the website, chus.vn, “July 2025 in the Gregorian calendar doesn’t coincide with the Ghost Month because 2025 has a leap 6th lunar month. Therefore, the Ghost Month (7th lunar month) shifts from August 23 to September 21 in the Gregorian calendar, completely separate from July (July 1-31)“.
Ghost Month is one of several Chinese cultural traditions observed even by non-Chinese Filipinos.
Alongside it are celebrations such as the Lunar New Year, Feng Shui practices, and the Mooncake Festival. These customs reflect the profound cultural influence of the Chinese community in the Philippines, whose roots date back to the establishment of the world’s oldest Chinatown in 1594.
‘(Filipino-Chinese) entrepreneurs … often delay major transactions, contract signings, and new ventures during Ghost Month. Why? Because luck—or the lack of it—is believed to play a major role in business success.’
CENTURIES-OLD BELIEFS
Common question that crops up is: Why Are Filipino Business Owners Cautious During Ghost Month?
Filipino entrepreneurs, especially those with Chinese heritage or influence, often delay major transactions, contract signings, and new ventures during Ghost Month. Why? Because luck—or the lack of it—is believed to play a major role in business success.
While some of this caution may seem superstitious, it is rooted in centuries-old beliefs.
In Chinese culture, the number seven symbolizes a blend of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements—Earth, Fire, Metal, Wood, and Water. Interestingly, the Mandarin word for seven, qi, also means “vital energy”—but it can phonetically resemble words like “cheat” or “deceit” depending on tone, which adds a layer of ambiguity and unease.
GHOSTS AMONG THE LIVING
The term “Ghost Month” refers to the belief that, during this lunar month, the gates of the afterlife open and the spirits of the dead—especially restless or hungry ghosts—roam the earth. These spirits are believed to seek food, entertainment, or retribution, and are thought to bring misfortune if disrespected or ignored.
According to Feng Shui master Hanz Cua, Ghost Month marks a period when the spiritual realm becomes more active and potentially hazardous. He has pointed to major tragedies that occurred during this time, such as:
• The Plaza Miranda bombing (1971)
• The assassination of Ninoy Aquino (1983)
• The death of Cory Aquino and Typhoon Ondoy (2009)
• The 9/11 terror attacks in New York City (2001)
While correlation doesn’t imply causation, the timing of these events has only deepened public wariness.
COMMON PRECAUTIONS
During this period, many Filipino-Chinese businesspeople—and even ordinary citizens—opt to:
• Avoid launching businesses, signing contracts, or making large investments
• Postpone weddings, major travel, or surgeries
• Refrain from moving into new homes or starting construction projects
If such events are unavoidable, Feng Shui experts recommend several countermeasures:
• Burning paper money (joss paper) to appease spirits
• Offering food—often pork, chicken, and fruits—outside doors and windows
• Lighting red candles and saying prayers for the departed
• Wearing red, playing cheerful music, and keeping homes well-lit
• Displaying protective charms and symbols
It is believed that ignoring the spirits can provoke their anger. Children and the elderly, considered especially vulnerable, are advised to stay indoors after dark.
CAUTION OVER CYNICISM
Even for those who are skeptical about the idea of wandering spirits, many still choose to observe these practices out of respect—or out of caution.
After all, as many would say in business, “Better safe than sorry!”.
