Don't be fooled by the Hungry Ghost Festival's name because, in reality, it is the day when the gates of the underground world open. All the ghouls and spirits come up to the mortal world for a lovely little walk and some notorious pranks. While Singaporeans celebrate this festival with zest and enthusiasm, you mustn't forget about the eight things that will keep you safe. Let us look at the various things to avoid during the Hungry Ghost Festival for a fun and memorable celebration.
Avoid the last Public Transport Ride
The last bus or train ride always gives chilling or spooky vibes. While you might think you are the only passenger, the phantoms sitting beside you would think otherwise. They are ready to pounce on the first mortal to board the ride. The solution, avoid the last empty public ride to be safe.
Stand Away from Walls
It is practically impossible to stay away from walls, but as a rule of the Hungry Ghost festival, it would be best to try to abide by it. Chinese folklore says that walls give out a sinister and creepy vibe, as they are the perfect hotspots for ghost gatherings. So, keep your poses for the gram on hold and stay away from narrow alleys.
Stop Whistling at Night
There have been enough horror movies to teach you that you must not whistle at night, especially when alone. During the Hungry Ghost Festival, it is probably wise to avoid it because it is believed that spirits roam at night, waiting for someone to point them in the right direction for a fun and spooky encounter.
Don't hang your clothes Outside for the Night
It is said that during the Hungry Ghost Festivals, the spirits get attracted to human clothing. They may borrow your outfit for the night or cast an evil spell on them. As if doing laundry was not enough of a headache, you will have to worry about phantoms messing with your clothes.
Don't Click Pictures Late at Night
Another lesson horror films have taught us is that cameras and evil spirits don't mix. Stay away from the hoard of misfortune by not clicking pictures late at night. This way, you will neither trap a phantom nor face its vengeful wrath.
Avoid Leg Hair Removal
Yes, this sounds a bit far stretched and crazy. However, when it comes to warding off ghosts, you can't take a chance. According to an old Chinese saying, each strand of leg hair can scare away three evil spirits. So, let's not pay the price for beauty and stay safe for the festival.
Avert Touching Someone's Shoulders
Based on Chinese folklore, each individual has flames on their shoulders that help keep evil spirits and misfortune at bay. These flames are obviously invisible to the naked eye, yet one hand on a shoulder puts it out. Thus, making that person open to some unpleasant surprises.
Don't keep Slippers Facing your Bed
Now, this definitely sounds silly. However, the rumour is that slippers act like a compass for spirits whose purpose is to trouble victims. So, keeping your slippers pointing towards your bed is equivalent to personally inviting them home.
While this festival is about fending off apparitions, it's also a time for enjoyment and making new memories. So, keep these pointers in mind while you gallivant around the city.
Gurnika Talwar is FNP’s marketing and creative content writer and has been with the firm since 2020. She is based in Delhi, India and has been in this field for 2+ years.
She started her journey as a freshman but since then has created content on several mediums. With blogging on gift ideas, food, gardening tips and whatnot as her primary goal, she has also curated content for social media and brand films. As a storyteller, she creates original, genuine, and relatable content to connect with the mass. Besides work, you’ll find her chit-chatting about movies or making sarcastic jokes.
The last bus or train ride always gives chilling or spooky vibes. While you might think you are the only passenger, the phantoms sitting beside you would think otherwise. They are ready to pounce on the first mortal to board the ride. The solution, avoid the last empty public ride to be safe.
It is practically impossible to stay away from walls, but as a rule of the Hungry Ghost festival, it would be best to try to abide by it. Chinese folklore says that walls give out a sinister and creepy vibe, as they are the perfect hotspots for ghost gatherings. So, keep your poses for the gram on hold and stay away from narrow alleys.
There have been enough horror movies to teach you that you must not whistle at night, especially when alone. During the Hungry Ghost Festival, it is probably wise to avoid it because it is believed that spirits roam at night, waiting for someone to point them in the right direction for a fun and spooky encounter.
It is said that during the Hungry Ghost Festivals, the spirits get attracted to human clothing. They may borrow your outfit for the night or cast an evil spell on them. As if doing laundry was not enough of a headache, you will have to worry about phantoms messing with your clothes.
Another lesson horror films have taught us is that cameras and evil spirits don't mix. Stay away from the hoard of misfortune by not clicking pictures late at night. This way, you will neither trap a phantom nor face its vengeful wrath.
Yes, this sounds a bit far stretched and crazy. However, when it comes to warding off ghosts, you can't take a chance. According to an old Chinese saying, each strand of leg hair can scare away three evil spirits. So, let's not pay the price for beauty and stay safe for the festival.
Based on Chinese folklore, each individual has flames on their shoulders that help keep evil spirits and misfortune at bay. These flames are obviously invisible to the naked eye, yet one hand on a shoulder puts it out. Thus, making that person open to some unpleasant surprises.
Now, this definitely sounds silly. However, the rumour is that slippers act like a compass for spirits whose purpose is to trouble victims. So, keeping your slippers pointing towards your bed is equivalent to personally inviting them home.
While this festival is about fending off apparitions, it's also a time for enjoyment and making new memories. So, keep these pointers in mind while you gallivant around the city. 
