Living alone here, I have come to treasure quiet nights with comfort films. One evening Spirited Away flickered on my laptop, and at last the story clicked. Only after experiencing ghost month in Taiwan did I understand why Chihiro’s world felt so real—the local calendar sets aside an entire lunar month to honor roaming spirits. Below is everything I wish I had known before August crept in.
Ghost Month at a Glance
| Lunar Calendar | Western Calendar (Approx.) | Core Belief | Major Festival |
| 7th Month | Early/Mid-August | Gates of the underworld open, allowing spirits without descendants to visit the living | Zhongyuan Festival on the 15th day |
What Happens During Ghost Month?
Zhongyuan Festival (中元節) – Day 15
Families burn incense and “ghost money,” piling food high on outdoor altars so wandering souls can feast without crossing thresholds.
Temple and Street Events
Puppet shows, opera stages, and lantern parades fill temple courtyards. The front row stays empty—the best seats belong to unseen VIPs.
Water Lantern Releases
In coastal Keelung, people lower glowing wooden lanterns into rivers and the sea, lighting a path for spirits to return home.
Daily Offerings
Fruit, roast meats, rice wine, and sweet snacks sit on tables outside homes and factories. Leaving them outdoors keeps spirits from moving inside.
Taboos: Simple Rules, Big Respect
- Skip night swims. Locals believe drowned spirits linger in open water seeking substitutes.
- Stop the whistle. Sound attracts curious souls after dark.
- Chopsticks flat, never upright. Upright sticks mimic incense on a funeral altar.
- Delay major life moves. Many avoid weddings, home purchases, or launching businesses this month.
- Leave stray coins where they lie. Spare change could be a ghost’s offering.
You are not expected to follow every custom, yet mindful habits go a long way toward harmony with neighbors and co-workers.
Spirited Away: An Animated Mirror
Miyazaki’s bathhouse swirls with forgotten gods, much like Taiwan’s temples in August. Chihiro wins peace by feeding neglected spirits, echoing why No-Face calms only after receiving respect. When I first attended a temple opera, I recognized the same logic—keep the afterlife well-entertained and everyday life stays calm. If you haven’t seen this masterpiece yet, this could be your sign to get it on your watchlist for your next movie night during your rest days.
Note: There’s an English version of the movie if you’re not a fan of subtitles – but I have to say there’s nothing quite like the original.
Why Ghost Month Matters to OFWs
- Community Connection
Sharing moon-cake slices at work or joining a lantern release bridges cultural gaps faster than any language class. - Safety and Courtesy
Heeding local taboos prevents awkward missteps—like whistling beside an altar—showing you value workplace harmony. - Deeper Cultural Insight
Ghost Month blends Taoism, Buddhism, and folk practice in real time. Observing rituals gives a living history lesson no museum can match.
Practical Tips for OFWs
| Situation | What Locals Do | How I Adapted |
| Late-Night Snacks | Avoid sticking chopsticks upright | Rest chopsticks sideways on the bowl rim |
| Commuting Home | Travel in groups after midnight | Coordinate with dorm-mates, share rides |
| Workplace Altars | Offer fruit or packaged snacks | Bring a bag of Philippine dried mangoes—always disappears first |
| Weekend Plans | Hold off on beach trips | Swap swimming for mountain trails or night markets |
Where to Experience the Best Rituals
- Keelung’s Laodagong Temple: Water lantern festival and raucous street processions.
- Lukang Old Street, Changhua: Traditional puppet shows staged for ghosts.
- Taipei Dihua Street: Night markets stock special incense and paper offerings you can observe up close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ghost Month a public holiday?
Only the Zhongyuan Festival day is a listed observance; businesses usually stay open.
Will breaking a taboo really offend locals?
Most Taiwanese are understanding, yet repeating a custom once you learn it is a sign of respect.
Can non-Buddhists join ceremonies?
Yes. Stand back, follow the crowd, and ask temple volunteers before lighting incense.
Is travel noticeably cheaper?
Bus tours and hotel rates often dip because locals avoid risky outings. Book early to enjoy the discount.
What if my contract starts during Ghost Month?
No problem. Complete paperwork as instructed. Employers handle auspicious dates for their own ceremonies.
OFW Stories: Ghost Month Reminders for OFWs in Taiwan
Madam Marie Yang’s Ghost Month guide reminds Filipinos in Taiwan to stay cautious and respectful of local beliefs.
She shares practical habits like avoiding red and black clothing, skipping risky outdoor activities, and postponing medical procedures unless truly necessary.
Viewers—many of them OFWs—commented about workplace dress codes, holiday timing, and contract renewals that might clash with tradition.
Some locals prefer wearing old clothes for luck, while others skip Ghost Month practices entirely.
Her short video gathers real concerns, blends cultural awareness, and puts everyday safety into clear focus.
@madammarieyang1025 Ghost Month 2024 Do’s and Dont’s #ghostmonth #taiwantravel #viralvideo #viraltiktok #fyp #taiwantiktokers #taiwan🇹🇼 #taiwanlife #filipinosintaiwan #marieyangreports #taiwaninfoserye #mgapasyalansataiwan
Final Thoughts
Ghost stories once kept me up at night; now they remind me that every culture finds ways to honor the unseen. Ghost month in Taiwan taught me patience, compassion, and the power of a shared meal—even one served to guests we cannot see. Keep an open mind, pack a small fruit offering in your bag, and let August unveil its quiet lessons.