Asians observe the Ghost Month, which started last Aug. 8, as many people shy away from making big decisions like investments or starting something new like getting married.
During the month-long ghoulish festival, it is believed that the Gates of Hell (or the underworld) are sprung open and the hungry ghosts or lost souls will roam around to visit their families or find victims among the living.
"If you make the lost souls happy, they will bring you wealth. The more paper money (not to be confused with the actual money) you burn, the more wealth you will receive. Prayers are also very important,'' said feng shui expert Master Hanz Cua.
This year, the hungry ghost month will end on Sept. 6.
Cua asked the public to offer prayers for the souls and even food. "We can also light a red candle especially on the peak of ghost month on August 28 and say a prayer for them."
"If you make the lost souls happy, they will bring you wealth. The more paper money (not to be confused with the actual money) you burn, the more wealth you will receive. Prayers are also very important,'' he said.
Cua added: "People may offer food such as pork, chicken, pork, beer, rice, soft drinks, liquor; and even cigarettes starting at 9 a.m. As soon as the flame of the lighted candle is out, then you can eat the food you offered. Don't forget to change plates."
He also offered lucky tips and things to avoid during the ghost month:
1) avoid investments or signing contracts
2) avoid swimming and travelling to far places
3) do not transfer house or do construction activities at home
4) for employers, avoid hiring new people
5) do not whistle because it will attract ghosts
6) for single men, avoid courtship or proposing to your girlfriend
7) for girls, avoid saying yes to a guy's proposal
8) wear lots of red.
9) avoid swimming
10) avoid major surgery
12) avoid buying condos or houses.
13) avoid transferring things in the office like tables, chairs, television sets, etc.
14) do not get married
Some unforgettable events or tragedies here and abroad that took place during the previous ghost months include the 9/11 terror attacks on US (2001); death of Princess Diana of Wales in Paris, France (Aug. 31, 1997); plane crash involving former Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo (Aug. 12, 2012); Manila hostage crisis that killed eight persons (Aug. 23, 2010); Payatas dumpsite tragedy in Quezon City where hundreds were buried alive in a trash slide (July 10, 2000); massive landslide at Cherry Hills Subdivision in Antipolo, Rizal where 60 people died (Aug. 3, 1999); Bocaque, Bulacan pagoda tragedy that left 266 people dead (July 2, 1993); the killer earthquake that rocked Baguio City and other parts of the country on July 16, 1990, which trapped and killed some 1,000 people, among others.